Unveiling Tomorrow: How Tech and Talent Will Transform Entertainment at CES 2024

Star-Studded Insights at CES: How AI and Innovation are Shaping the Future of Entertainment

The vibrant and ever-evolving world of entertainment is once again in the spotlight as the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) gears up for another year in Las Vegas. Established in 1967 and finding its stride in 1998, CES has grown into a major event that occurs every January, attracting a diverse spectrum of creative and technological leaders. This year, the Variety Entertainment Summit is once again a central feature of CES, shining a light on how groundbreaking technologies are reshaping the entertainment industry and influencing culture.

Held on January 7 at C-Space Studio in the Aria Resort and Casino, the Variety Entertainment Summit is a must-attend for the industry’s key players. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and features an impressive lineup of participants, including influential figures like Rita Ferro, the president of global advertising at Disney, and Kim Boyd, the president of licensing and entertainment at Hasbro. Notable actors like Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Simon Helberg will also grace the stage, bringing star power to discussions about the future of media amid technological change.

The urgency of the summit is amplified this year by the swift rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in the industry, raising both excitement and concern. Observers within the entertainment landscape view AI as both a potential game-changer and a looming threat. Jon Liebman, chairman and CEO of Brillstein Entertainment Partners, emphasizes that AI is merely the latest in a long series of technological innovations that have historically caused fear within Hollywood. From the introduction of sound in film during the 1920s to the dawn of home video in the 1980s and the internet in the 1990s, Liebman argues that the entertainment sector has repeatedly misjudged the impact of new technology. “Hollywood has cried wolf about technology destroying its business,” he says. “When harnessed appropriately, technology has historically fueled growth in the entertainment industry.”

Liebman will take the stage during “The Future of Content” panel, moderated by Variety co-editor-in-chief Cynthia Littleton. His insights align with the views of Jonathan Yunger, co-founder and CEO of AI content production platform Arcana. Yunger will join actor-producer Breckin Meyer and Luminate chief analyst Andrew Wallenstein to discuss the impact of AI on storytelling. “AI has tremendous potential to enhance production value while simultaneously lowering costs,” Yunger remarks, stressing that creativity remains imperative. The collaboration between technology and human ingenuity is essential for leveraging AI’s capabilities in storytelling.

The Variety Entertainment Summit will cover a wide array of topics within the entertainment landscape. Additional panels include “The New Business of Entertainment,” where experts will delve into shifting industry paradigms; “Experience This! What’s Next in Events Across Platforms,” exploring innovative event experiences; and “Fandom in the Zeitgeist,” which will consider the cultural significance of fan communities. Other highlights include discussions on AI’s transformative role, a look into future trends shaping the industry, and a special session featuring Anthony Wood, the founder and CEO of Roku. These conversations promise to spark dynamic exchanges and fresh perspectives on the intersection of technology and entertainment.

Following the Variety Entertainment Summit, the Variety Business of Creators Summit will take place on January 8, focusing on the landscape shaped by digital creators. This segment will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will discuss the changing dynamics of the creator economy. Key panels include “The State of the Creator Economy in Media and Entertainment,” moderated by Wallenstein; “New Hollywood Power Players: The Rise of Creators on TV”; and “The Power of the Creator Brand.” These discussions will highlight how creators are now seen as pivotal figures in shaping entertainment and brand engagement.

Audiences can look forward to exploring the arrival of live shopping as a new retail phenomenon, which is set to transform how creators and brands connect with their following. The summit will also feature insightful fireside chats with industry visionaries like Evan Shapiro and Hamish McKenzie, providing attendees with valuable insights into the changing media landscape. Collectively, these panels will serve to illuminate the ever-growing impact of technology on the entertainment industry and how it shapes the roles of creators, brands, and audiences alike.

As the industry grapples with these changes, it’s clear that the themes of innovation and adaptability will resonate throughout both summits. Celebrities and industry experts alike will have the chance to exchange thoughts, scare off fears, and embrace opportunities offered by evolving technologies. The events at CES this year promise to offer a comprehensive look at the future of entertainment as stakeholders navigate the uncertain waters of AI and other disruptive technologies. In a world where the lines between technology and creativity blur more every day, the conversations sparked at these summits will undeniably chart the course for the entertainment industry's next chapter.