ABOUT SAMI ARPA

Sami Arpa is the Founder and CEO of Largo.ai, that integrates artificial intelligence into the filmmaking process. Sami holds a Ph.D. in Computational Aesthetics and Computer Vision from the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland, where his research focused on the intersection of AI and artistic expression. His academic pursuits laid the groundwork for his later innovations in AI applications within the film industry.

Before founding Largo.ai, Sami gained experience as a filmmaker and producer, directing short films, including "Les bruits des pas" (2014) and "L'évasion" (2015). His firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by filmmakers fueled his desire to develop tools that would streamline and enhance the filmmaking process. He also founded the Ouchy Film Awards, a film festival in Lausanne, further cementing his commitment to nurturing creative talent and promoting independent cinema.

Largo.ai, established in 2018 as a spin-off from EPFL, quickly gained recognition for its innovative approach to using AI in film production. Headquartered at the EPFL Innovation Park in Lausanne, with additional offices in Los Angeles, London, and Istanbul, Largo.ai has grown into a global enterprise. The company's SaaS platform, launched in 2020, offers data-assisted intelligence to filmmakers, providing comprehensive analysis of content, characters, casting, and financials. This platform has been instrumental in reducing risks and optimizing decision-making for producers and directors, leading to the successful release of numerous films in theaters and on major streaming platforms. Some of these films have even garnered Oscar nominations, highlighting the effectiveness of Largo.ai's technology.

Under Sami's leadership, Largo.ai has earned multiple accolades, including the Best Start-up Award at the San Sebastian Film Festival, recognition at EFM Horizon Start-ups at the Berlinale, and placement in the Top 100 Swiss Start-up Awards. These honors reflect the company's impact on the industry and its potential for future growth.

Sami Arpa continues to drive Largo.ai’s mission to revolutionize filmmaking through AI, helping filmmakers make more informed decisions, reduce risks, and enhance storytelling. His work represents a significant leap forward in how technology can be harnessed to serve the creative arts, making him a pioneer in the fusion of AI and cinema.

Sami Arpa experience speaks for itself and guarantees the high standards our participants have come to expect from FEST FILM LAB.


WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION

This two-day workshop, led by AI and film industry expert, is designed for film professionals seeking a comprehensive understanding of the transformative role of artificial intelligence in the film and television industries. With a focus on practical applications and real-world case studies, this workshop offers an in-depth exploration of how AI is revolutionizing everything from script analysis and casting to production and post-production processes. Participants will gain valuable insights into the possibilities AI presents, and how to effectively integrate these technologies into their projects to enhance creativity, efficiency, and overall production quality.

Day 1: Introduction to AI and Its Applications in Film and TV

Morning Session: Understanding how AI works?

This session will begin with an overview of AI, covering its fundamental concepts, history, and significance in the film and TV industry. Participants will learn about the various AI ecosystems, including machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision, with a specific focus on how large language models (LLMs) and decision models (DMs) function. The session will also address the challenges faced and the benefits realized when incorporating AI into the script development process, providing a comprehensive understanding of the foundational aspects of AI and its potential applications.


Afternoon Session: Practical AI Applications in Film and TV Development Pre-production Stages
In the afternoon, the workshop will focus on practical applications of AI in the pre-production stages of film and TV projects. Participants will explore how AI can assist in script analysis, casting, and audience predictions using specific AI tools like Largo.ai. The session will include two detailed case studies: one for a TV project and another for a film project. Each case study will cover story analysis, character and casting analysis, and audience predictions, illustrating the tangible benefits of AI in real-world scenarios.


Day 2: Practical Applications of AI in Film and TV

Morning Session: Audience design through Simulated Focus Groups and Financial Planning
This session will focus on the use of AI for audience design and financial planning in film and TV projects. Participants will examine case studies demonstrating how AI simulates focus groups to test potential audiences and predict awards outcomes. Additionally, the session will cover the creation of financial plans using AI-generated forecasts, providing insights into how AI can help in making data-driven financial decisions and optimizing project outcomes.

Afternoon Session: Practical applications on Production & Post production
The afternoon session will showcase the use of AI in production and post-production stages. Participants will learn about various AI applications in production, such as scheduling, special effects, and efficiency enhancement. The session will also cover post-production processes, including automated editing, color grading, VFX, and sound design, with real-world examples highlighting the impact of AI. The workshop will conclude with a discussion on future trends in AI technology and its ethical implications, addressing issues such as bias, data privacy, and the responsible use of AI in filmmaking. This final session aims to equip participants with a forward-looking perspective on AI's role in the entertainment industry.

Conclusion: Future Trends and Ethical Considerations
By the end of this workshop, participants will have a thorough understanding of how AI can be leveraged to enhance various stages of film and TV production. They will be equipped with practical knowledge and strategies to effectively incorporate AI into their workflows, ensuring their projects are more efficient, innovative, and competitive in the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry.


PROFILE OF PARTICIPANT
This workshop is designed for Directors, Producers, or filmmakers serious about a career in the Film Business on the area of Film Production or Directing using AI tools

Whether you're looking to enhance your understanding of AI's capabilities or seeking to incorporate cutting-edge technology into your filmmaking process, this workshop will provide valuable insights and practical knowledge for professionals.


WORKSHOP LOCATION
Gerlin Germany

Duration: 2 days
10:00 - 18:00
Dates: 18th - 19th of January 2025
Location: Berlin, Germany
Price: 599EUR (399EUR Until 25th of September)
Maximum number of participants: 25


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REGISTER FOR THIS WORKSHOP ON THE LINK BELOW
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