Building Artist-Centric Tools: Machine Learning in Production

CoSTAR Live Lab is a brand new R&D facility based at Production Park near Wakefield. Live Lab is part of the £75m government-funded CoSTAR Network, and supports innovation in immersive, multisensory and interactive technologies to transform audience experience, shaping next-generation live experiences for screen, stage and into the metaverse.

We are excited to welcome Riley Miladi (Lead ML Researcher at Cinesite) for an inspiring public talk as part of our CoSTAR Live Lab Presents series on “Building Artist-Centric Tools: Machine Learning in Production”.

Recent advances in generative modelling have enabled the creation of videos, paintings, and songs from simple inputs like text. Models such as Veo 3 have made it possible for anyone to create impressive looking videos. However, these tools often come at the expense of losing artistic control and creativity. In this talk, we will explore the intersection of technology and creativity. how these models can undermine artists' creative processes and why they might not be ideal for production settings. We will discuss strategies for developing Machine Learning tools that truly empower artists and enhance, rather than hinder, artistic expression. We will also examine common challenges in translating cutting-edge research into practical, artist-friendly tools for production.

Riley Miladi is the Lead ML Researcher at Cinesite, researching AI driven solutions for films and feature animations. With a background in Visual Effects, they previously held a research role at Embark Studios, focusing on Deep Reinforcement Learning and physically based animation for games. At DNEG, they explored Generative Models for animation and crowds. They currently focus on leading various machine learning projects as well as leading the development of global machine learning strategy at Cinesite.

Riley’s talk will take place on the 20th of August between 1-2pm. The talk is open to in-person attendees at Live Lab’s Production Park home, and will also be available as a live online video stream. After the talk, we invite in-person attendees to join us for networking from 2pm-3pm at Production Park’s CentR Stage Cafe. This will be an excellent opportunity to engage with our speakers, fellow attendees and to meet the CoSTAR Live Lab team.

If you would like to attend this talk, please sign up for a free ticket on the right of this page.

If you are attending in-person, we will require you to agree to the terms of Production Park's Confidentiality and Business Protection Agreement before we are able to welcome you on site. You can read this at the link below:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fiX3pMW0QHUUeSXZEViYDnQkfWrzuuKj

Your access needs:

When signing up for the event, we will give you the choice to complete a brief access rider form, which will help us to ensure that our event is planned to accommodate your needs. If you would like to attend, but are unable due to the proposed time, or for any other reason, we would really like to hear from you (costarlivelab-admin@york.ac.uk). Your feedback will enable us to learn about how we can make future events and activities as accessible as possible to everyone who is interested.

Access bursaries:

We are committed to making our events accessible for freelancers and others developing skills to join our industry, especially those from working-class or diverse backgrounds.

To help with travel costs, we are offering a limited number of bursaries (up to £50 each) for this event. If this support would enable you to attend, for example, if you are freelance, not currently working, or would need to take unpaid leave, you are welcome to apply.

Please complete this form at least 3 working days before the event you plan to attend:

https://forms.gle/MfjN8Ban1Hm4PgwD6 

Bursaries are usually reimbursed after the event, but if you cannot cover costs upfront, please email us at costarlivelab-admin@york.ac.uk and we will do our best to help. When applying, please include a brief outline of your expected expenses so we can confirm they meet University of York travel policy (e.g. standard class public transport).

We will reply within two working days to confirm. Please wait for confirmation before booking any travel. Your information will be processed under the University of York’s Privacy Policy:

https://www.york.ac.uk/records-management/dp/your-info/generalprivacynotice/

How to get to the event:

If you are attending in person, you can find detailed travel instructions in your confirmation email. You can also find information on how to travel to Production Park by car and public transport at the following link:

https://a.storyblok.com/f/226794/x/de32f604e6/production_park_site_map.pdf

When you arrive at Production Park, please report to the main reception.

If you are attending online, a Zoom link will be provided in your confirmation email.