AI Realism with NE-YO and Ed Ulbrich: How AI affects artists, from IP to CGI

Ed Ulbrich is the Chief Content Officer & President of Production at Metaphysic, Inc., the industry leader in developing AI technologies and machine learning research that creates immersive photorealistic content across film, tv, music, advertising, live entertainment and more. Ed is also the former CEO of James Cameron’s Digital Domain, former global President of Method Studios, award winning producer, and pioneer in virtual human performances and advanced visual effects. He has over twenty-five+ years in the visual effects (VFX) and film, TV, and advertising production industries and has led global teams of up to 2,000 employees spanning four countries and managed P&L operations with nine-figure budgets. Ed has executive produced visual effects for some of the biggest blockbuster movies in history including Top Gun: Maverick, Aquaman, Avengers: Infinity Wars, Black Panther, Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2, Suicide Squad, and many more; and executive produced the Academy Award©-winning visual effects for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, What Dreams May Come, and Titanic. Ed produced the epic sci-fi film Ender’s Game (Lionsgate - 2013) starring Harrison Ford, Sir Ben Kingsley, and Viola Davis and spearheaded the groundbreaking Tupac Shakur "Hologram" with Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. He has created visual effects in music videos for The Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson, Eminem, Justin Timberlake, Lady Gaga, and many more; and over 500 commercials.

NE-YO is a three-time GRAMMY® Award-winning R&B hitmaker, iconic songwriter, actor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist whose illustrious catalog has generated a combined total of 23 billion streams worldwide. His debut single, 2005’s “So Sick,” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified quadruple-platinum. Since then, the Motown Records/Compound Entertainment recording artist has racked up a collection of global hits including “Sexy Love,” “Closer,” “Because of You,” “Miss Independent,” and “Push Back” [feat. Bebe Rexha and Stefflon Don].”  Additionally, NE-YO has proven to be as powerful with his pen as he is in the recording studio and on stage, penning bangers like Rihanna’s “Unfaithful,” “Russian Roulette,” and “Take a Bow,” along with Beyoncé’s 2006 breakup anthem “Irreplaceable” and songs for such artists as Jennifer Hudson, Usher, Carrie Underwood, Celine Dion and Mario among others.  The multihyphenate has also leveraged his platform as a musician to pivot into acting. His film and television credits include NBC’s World of Dance, Netflix’s Dance Monsters, Empire, Stomp the Yard, Save the Last Dance, Battle: Los Angeles, George Lucas' Red Tails, The Wiz Live!, Starz’ Step Up: High Water, Hip Hop Family Christmas Wedding and The Sound of Christmas. He starred in the latest season of 50 Cent’s acclaimed drama series BMF on STARZ.