Robert Simonds - Founder & CEO, STX Entertainment

In the current landscape, consumers have a vast array of content choices, with numerous streaming platforms and blockbuster films available. The audience now dictates how content is created for different platforms. Robert Symons, chairman of STX Entertainment, notes a shift in content production, with more films being made for streamers like Netflix and Amazon, and fewer for theatrical release. This change is driven by the financial dynamics of streaming versus theatrical releases. Streamers initially offered large budgets and bought out profits, reducing performance anxiety for creators. However, they are now using sophisticated metrics to assess content performance, leading to more strategic content creation. In the creative industry, AI is seen as a tool to unlock human creativity rather than replace it. While AI may replace some visual jobs, it is expected to enhance creativity and efficiency in filmmaking.