The HPA Tech Retreat Supersession committee has announced that the highly anticipated 2025 HPA Tech Retreat Supersession—guided by working industry leaders and visionaries—will focus on the evolving role of humans in AI-driven production and post. The multifaceted topic represents both significant opportunities and complex challenges vital to the industry’s future. The 30th anniversary of the HPA Tech Retreat takes place from February 16 through 20, 2025 at The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage, California. The Supersession takes place on Tuesday, February 18.
A renowned predictor of emerging trends and technologies, the Supersession offers a glimpse into the entertainment industry’s future. The transformative day explores the shifting roles of human talent across business and creative functions, from the back office to the screening room and the varied steps in between. Panels featuring over 30 industry leaders run parallel to Live Without a Net, a groundbreaking day-long demonstration from industry visionaries showcasing AI’s potential to enhance, not replace, human creativity. In-depth discussions, case studies, and demonstrations— including operational applications, business analytics, creative process tools, and content monetization— showcase how AI can enhance (rather than replace) human creativity and expertise. The HPA Tech Retreat Supersession continues its tradition of interactive, thought-provoking showcases, demonstrating AI’s capabilities in post-production workflows.
SCHEDULE OVERVIEW
• Live Without a Net: AI & Creativity Use Cases
During an expert-led day moderated by Rachel Joy Victor (FBRC,) this day-long session explores the transformative potential of AI tools in post-production. Professionals in animation/rigging, video editing, and visual effects tackle tasks that traditionally take days, and attempt to complete them within a single day using AI-driven tools. AI-driven analytics for marketing strategies and predicting industry trends; strategic decision-making insights powered by AI; cutting-edge scriptwriting tools, visual effects, and post-production. The session looks at how AI fosters a symbiotic relationship between technology and human creativity.
• Embracing Evolution: The Evolving Human Role in an AI World
Renard Jenkins (I2A2 Technologies) As AI has become increasingly integrated into media and entertainment production, concerns emerge regarding the role of humans in this evolving landscape. How will these tools be utilized? Where is the appropriate boundary between AI-generated content and human creativity? Should such a distinction be drawn? Can new processes demonstrate the seamless integration of AI and human capabilities? How can individuals prepare for this technological transformation? What are the implications for human practitioners in the media and entertainment industry? A comprehensive and up-to-date overview of AI implementation in media and entertainment, emphasizing the continued significance of human integration within the production ecosystem and exploring the evolving roles of humans in conjunction with technological advancements.
• Reality vs Fantasy: The Current State of AI and VFX
Barbara Ford Grant, (Media and Entertainment Executive/Filmmaker)
AI is having a major impact on the VFX creation process, but what are the implications now and where will VFX artists and producers leverage this powerful tool in future workflows.
• AI and Animation
Lin Tam (Writer-Director-Producer)
How AI can streamline workflows and unlock new creative possibilities with storyboarding, character design, voice synthesis, and animation rendering, lip syncing, rendering and more to provide a clear roadmap for studios and creators to leverage these tools efficiently and inspire filmmakers and animators to adopt AI-driven solutions while maintaining creative control and artistic vision.
• MovieLabs 2030 Greenlight: Making the Vision Real for Creatives
Mark Turner (MovieLabs), Jim Helman (MovieLabs), Daniel Lucas (MovieLabs), Chris Vienneau (MovieLabs), Christina Lee Storm (Asher XR), Erik Weaver (Entertainment Technology Center)
MovieLabs will demonstrate how the 2030 Vision delivers significant benefits to the creative community today and in the future. This session will feature how leading media and technology companies utilize the principles of the 2030 Vision, the MovieLabs Ontology for Media Creation, and AI to drive secure, interoperable, software-defined workflows in pre-production, production and post.
• Provenance and How It’s Critical to Creativity
Chris Bennett (Dolby), Dave Davis (Protege Media)
An overview of a set of principles that will unlock data for AI model builders to improve their products and also open up new opportunities for the content owners who make that possible.
• Insider Keynote: What We Can Learn from the Music Industry
• AI & Filmmaking: A Director’s Perspectives
David Slade (Director)
The director of feature films including Hard Candy, 30 Days of Night, and The Twilight Saga: Eclipse and television episodes from Breaking Bad and Black Mirror, David brings a deep understanding of the creative process and technology. He’ll share his unique perspectives on the creative use of AI and will showcase some of his work.
• Artificial Intelligence Policy and Intellectual Property: Where are we going from here?
Karyn Temple, (MPA)
An overview of the current landscape of AI policies and their implications for intellectual property (IP) protections in the media and entertainment industry. Critical questions such as IP issues in the US vs internationally, emerging standards and best practices for content creators will be addressed and valuable insights into key considerations for creators.
• Unleashing the Storyteller
Jagger Waters, (Curious Refuge)
An award-winning filmmaker and the first to use AI, Waters will share insights and discuss her creative process.
• GenAI Video: Creating Emotional Stories with GenAI Video
Dave Clark, (Director)
• 80% AI but the 20% human is the most important part: Shy Kids
Walter Woodman, (Shy Kids)
Taking the premise of the importance of the human element, accompanied by a live demonstration, a discussion of the work it takes to make innovative content like “Airhead”, and how human creativity remains the actual magic of storytelling.
• Digital Twins:
Ben Relles, (Content Strategy, Office of Reid Hoffman) A behind-the-technology look at Reid Hoffman’s Digital Twin project and other relevant developments and considerations in the creative use of AI.
• The final showcase and discussion: Live Without a Net
How did it go? A look at the work of the day from the day’s LWaN project.
Previously announced HPA Tech Retreat programming includes nearly 75 breakfast roundtables, Monday’s TR-X sessions focused on affordable production, and Wednesday and Thursday’s conference program. Beyond its expansive lineup, the Retreat offers invaluable networking opportunities, social events, and a first-class exploration of emerging technologies in the Innovation Zone. The week’s activities begin on Sunday, February 16, with golf, pickleball, yoga, and sponsored pool cabanas. A complete schedule of programs and activities is available here and at HPAonline.com.
The HPA Tech Retreat consistently sells out well in-advance of the event and registration is expected to reach capacity quickly; securing a spot is highly recommended. Attendance is strictly capped to foster an atmosphere that promotes discussion, debate, and connection.
