Beyond the Hero’s Journey: AI, Protopia & the Future of Film
On this week's Model Futura, filmmaker, futurist, and impact storyteller Taryn O'Neill joins is to talk about AI‑powered moviemaking and how the stories we tell now script the futures we get
This week on Modem Futura Sean and I are joined by the brilliant Taryn O’Neill to talk about all things movies, storytelling, and AI.
Taryn’s a filmmaker, futurist, and impact storyteller whose work bridges entertainment, emerging technology, and climate action. She’s also an industry insider who looks far beyond Hollywood stereotypes and tropes as she explores how we can begin to explore positive futures through the lens of cinema.
To get a sense of the breadth of the conversation (which truly awesome), check out the themes and entry points below — or just jump straight in:
(You can also listen on Apple Podcasts or on Spotify (as above), or YouTube.)
Entry points from ChatGPT o3:
Streaming Up‑Ends Hollywood’s Business Model
Approximate timestamp: ~08:37
Sean, Andrew and Taryn trace how Netflix’s DVD‑by‑mail morphed into the “all‑you‑can‑stream” era and shattered the old scarcity model. They unpack the collapse of lucrative residuals for actors and writers, the new (and far lower) streaming‑only union contracts, and how shrinking theatrical windows have flipped risk from studios to creatives.
Will Going to the Movies Survive?
Approximate timestamp: ~17:04
The discussion moves to whether cinemas are becoming a niche “ritual.” Topics include three‑hour epics vs. home viewing, second‑screen distractions, forced intermissions, and what still pulls people into an IMAX auditorium (e.g., Oppenheimer). The conversation highlights the tension between communal spectacle and sofa convenience.
Interactive & Second‑Screen Storytelling
Approximate timestamp: ~22:22
Using M3GAN 2.0’s new Instagram chatbot as a case study, Taryn, Sean and Andrew explore “lean‑in” horror, Meta’s plans for in‑theater phone interaction, and the roots of transmedia series like The Guild. The conversation swings between excitement over community‑driven narratives and fears of defiling “the temple of cinema.”
AI in Production: From Cost‑Cutter to Creative Partner
Approximate timestamp: ~32:40
Taryn explains why $200 M blockbusters are unsustainable and how generative tools—from auto‑rotoscoping wigs to ethical text‑to‑video models—can slash VFX timelines, plan shoots, and open doors for filmmakers with only a laptop. James Cameron’s “cut the budget in half” mantra, plus emerging AI‑native studios, frame the stakes. [As an aside, speakers weren’t identified in the transcript ChatGPT was working from, so impressive that it identified this as Taryn speaking!]
Protopia, Not Dystopia—Re‑imagining the Future Through Story
Approximate timestamp: ~57:39
The last act pivots to why optimistic, “protopian” futures are essential operating systems for humanity. The trio discuss using AI hallucinations to invent new narrative structures (spirals, double helices), personalized films, and teaching students to design the 20‑year future they want. Story becomes a tool for agency rather than despair.
As always you can watch the episode on YouTube as well as listening to us — check it out here.
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