Hollywood Valley

Alvaro de la Cruz

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Technology
Updated weekly

Technology has always changed entertainment. From sound, to television, to streaming, to AI. Hollywood Valley is a podcast exploring how technology is reshaping film, media, storytelling, and creativity. Through conversations with filmmakers, founders, creatives, and others working across entertainment and technology, we discuss the ideas, tools, and shifts shaping the industry's future.

17 Jul

#008 Surviving AI as a Filmmaker | Jose Ho-Guanipa

In this episode, we discuss: Jose’s path from skate videos to commercial directing Why music videos launched so many great filmmakers Building a directing career after film school The importance of curating your portfolio The business side of filmmaking Why directors should diversify their income How commercial production is evolving Using AI as a creative tool instead of a replacement Hybrid AI and live-action production workflows Open-source AI models and local workflows How filmmakers can stay relevant in a changing industry Advice for the next generation of directors Guest Jose Ho-Guanipa Production Company: https://sophist-films.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josehog/
19 Jun

#007 Getting Indie Films on the Shelf | Nick Isaak

Nick’s path from MGM into digital distribution and film sales What it was like working at MGM during the rise of digital platforms The evolution of iTunes, VOD, and digital movie ownership Lessons from Microsoft, Amazon, and Gravitas Ventures How independent films actually get distributed today Why film festivals are only one part of the distribution journey The realities of film sales and monetization How filmmakers should think about marketing before a film is finished Why distribution strategy matters as much as production strategy The future of AI dubbing and global film distribution Helping filmmakers navigate distribution through GroupStitch Learn more about GroupStitch: https://groupstitch.com
12 Jun

#006 Entrepreneurs Need to Be Delusional | Brandon Kleinman

Brandon’s early experience at Disney as an Imagineer Why entrepreneurs sometimes need to be delusional Building Laurel & Wolf and Showroom Finding opportunity in overlooked industries How AI is changing construction businesses The idea behind Plan Monster Cold outreach, sales, and getting attention Why discomfort and embarrassment are part of building Human psychology and founder mindset Learn more about Plan Monster: https://planmonster.com
5 Jun

#005 From Animation to AI Filmmaking | Ian Wasseluk

Ian’s start at Cartoon Network and working on The Powerpuff Girls The transition from traditional animation to digital workflows Similarities between the adoption of digital animation and AI filmmaking How Ian got started working with AI tools and filmmakers AI filmmaking, prompt engineering, and creative workflows Why storytelling and creativity still matter in an AI-driven world Social media as a portfolio for modern creators Entrepreneurship and building a creative career outside traditional studios The future of animation and AI filmmaking Learn more about Ian: https://ianwasseluk.com
29 May

#004 Building the Future of Unscripted Development | Adam Wilkenfeld

Adam’s transition from CNN to unscripted television What makes a strong unscripted pitch How producers discover new projects and talent Why YouTube is changing the future of unscripted content The challenges creators face getting ideas in front of decision-makers How Showrilly helps creators and producers connect Protecting pitches and navigating idea ownership The future of unscripted development and content discovery Learn more about Showrilly: https://showrilly.com
20 May

#003 How AI Is Changing VFX | Victor Rivas

• Victor Rivas’ journey into visual effects and filmmaking • Working on projects connected to major blockbuster films • The challenges of building a VFX company in Puerto Rico • Why pre-production matters so much in VFX • How AI is changing visual effects workflows • Why AI should be viewed as a tool instead of a replacement • The future of indie filmmaking and AI-assisted production • Why storytelling and human emotion still matter in film Learn more about Lacus Post: https://www.lacuspost.com
14 May

#002 Building Better AI Visuals for Creators | Colton Soref

Colton’s background in commercial production and documentary storytelling Building Open Canva and simplifying AI creative workflows How AI is changing filmmaking and visual storytelling AI in pre-production, treatments, and creative planning Authenticity and storytelling in an AI-driven world Startup culture and filmmaking similarities Collaboration, creativity, and the future of AI tools Learn more about Open Canva: https://opencanva.co
13 May

#001 What's Data Actually Good For? | Tim Shea

In the first episode of Hollywood Valley, Alvaro de la Cruz sits down with Tim Shea, founder of Latticework Insights, to discuss AI, entertainment, audience behavior, and the growing gap between what these tools promise and what they can actually deliver today. The conversation explores the current state of generative AI, the limitations of creative AI tools, predictive analytics, audience behavior, and why human creativity, taste, and decision-making still matter deeply in entertainment and storytelling. Topics discussed: AI hype versus practical reality Why creativity and taste still matter in an AI-driven world Predictive analytics and audience behavior in entertainment The limitations of current generative AI tools AI as a tool for creators, not a replacement The future of media, storytelling, and entertainment technology Follow Hollywood Valley for future conversations around entertainment, technology, AI, media, and storytelling. YouTube: https://youtu.be/R6zoTDB74k0 X/Twitter: https://x.com/alvarodlcruz

8 Episodes

Technology has always changed entertainment. From sound, to television, to streaming, to AI. Hollywood Valley is a podcast exploring how technology is reshaping film, media, storytelling, and creativity. Through conversations with filmmakers, founders, creatives, and others working across entertainment and technology, we discuss the ideas, tools, and shifts shaping the industry's future.

Creator

Alvaro de la Cruz
Years Active

2026
Episodes

8
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© 2026 Montoro6 Holdings LLC
Show Website

Hollywood Valley