Fusing Human Performance and Generative AI with Paul Trillo
About this Live Online Event
Join Sundance Collab for this exclusive online event with Paul Trillo, the visionary director and digital artist behind the groundbreaking sci-fi short The Most Perfect Perfect Person. Renowned for pushing the boundaries of emerging technologies — from pioneering mobile bullet-time rigs to directing on the massive canvas of the Sphere, to being one of the first filmmakers to utilize generative video models — Trillo continues to redefine the cutting edge of independent cinema. His latest project, an exclusive collaboration with pop star and internet icon Poppy, offers a provocative, timely look at the intersection of human artistry and artificial intelligence.
In this satirical sci-fi drama, pop star Poppy, overwhelmed by the relentless pressures of fame and parasocial demands, relinquishes control to Aura, an AI clone trained entirely on her past media and content. However, as Aura begins dictating her every word, action, and public choice, Poppy is forced into a surreal battle against the machine to reclaim her identity. Blending traditional performance with generative elements, the film acts as a striking visual metaphor for the erosion of personal autonomy in an algorithmic world.
In this live online event, Trillo will discuss his unique collaborative process with Poppy, the technical workflow behind integrating cutting-edge AI tools into a cohesive narrative structure, and how directors can use emerging technology to enhance human performance. He will also dive into the philosophical questions of artistic ownership and what it means to maintain human agency within automated storytelling.
Whether you're a director, screenwriter, digital creator, or a filmmaker curious about the future of AI in the industry, you won't want to miss this deep dive into one of the most innovative and thought-provoking short films of the year.
If you would benefit from an accommodation to fully participate in this event, please complete this form, contact us at (435) 776-7790, or email us at accessibility@sundance.org to discuss your specific requests. Every effort will be made to accommodate advance requests; however, requests made within 5 days of the event may not be guaranteed.
A recording of this event will be posted to Sundance Collab's Event Recording Library within two business days of the live event. All registered attendees will receive an email with a link to view the recording when it is posted.
Live Online EventTeam
Paul Trillo
Co-Founder, Asteria
Paul Trillo is an Emmy award winning director and video artist known for his innovative approach to blending conceptual storytelling with cutting-edge technology. His work spans a wide range of genres and formats, consistently pushing the limits of visual creativity. Whether he's crafting intricate in-camera illusions, building the world’s first mobile bullet-time rig with smartphones, choreographing drone-based aerial smoke shows, directing on the massive canvas of the Sphere, or pioneering generative AI visuals at the Louvre, Trillo’s work is marked by a relentless curiosity and technical inventiveness. Paul is a co-founder of Asteria Films, an innovation led production company with a mission to usher in an ethical approach AI to the film industry.
Patty West
Moderator | Director, Sundance Collab
Patty West is a producer and educator based in California. She led the Directing Workshop for Women and the Thesis Program at the American Film Institute prior to joining the Sundance Institute. She came to Sundance Collab in December of 2019 and now serves as its Director.
West is a Chicago native and holds a B.S. from Northwestern University, an M.F.A. from the AFI Conservatory and an Executive M.B.A. from Quantic School of Business & Technology. She is a member of the Producer's Council of the Producers Guild of America.