Russo Bros.’ AGBO Hires Apple Veteran Dominic Hughes to Develop ‘AI-Enabled Solutions’ for Filmmakers

As a seasoned movie critic with decades of experience under my belt, I must say that the hiring of Dominic Hughes as AGBO’s first chief scientific officer is nothing short of groundbreaking. With his impressive academic and practical background in machine learning and AI, coupled with his stints at prestigious institutions like Oxford University and Stanford, it’s clear that Hughes brings a wealth of knowledge to the table.

Media company AGBO, known for films like “Avengers: Endgame” directed by the Russo brothers, has brought on board AI specialist Dominic Hughes in his new role as their inaugural Chief Scientific Officer.

In his new position, Hughes will collaborate with AGBO’s storytelling and innovation units to oversee the implementation and application of AI technologies aimed at enhancing the creative workflow. This was stated by the company.

The pace of change in the entertainment world is faster than ever before, and it’s invigorating to think about the limitless potential,” noted AGBO co-chairs and partners Anthony and Joe Russo. “At AGBO, we’re committed to a creative-driven approach when it comes to technology and innovation. Collaborating with our writers, directors, production staff, and tech experts, Dr. Hughes will assist us in envisioning novel methods to support artists as they bring their most daring and ambitious visions to life.

Hughes boasts over several decades of academic and practical expertise in machine learning and artificial intelligence. Obtaining his Ph.D. from Oxford University, he has held research positions within Stanford University’s computer science and mathematics departments. In partnership, they launched Swell – a customized audio news app, later acquired by Apple in 2014 where Hughes functioned as the chief scientist. At Apple, he was instrumental in developing AI and language models for Apple News. Presently, he is working as a visiting scholar at UC Berkeley.

In a statement released by AGBO, Hughes expressed his enthusiasm about collaborating with innovative minds to pioneer the future of filmmaking technology. Given AGBO’s history of embracing and enhancing cutting-edge filmmaking methods, they are well-equipped for this period of exploration. I am eager to collaborate with their diverse team of creatives to create AI-driven solutions that will influence the direction of storytelling in the future.

Angela Russo-Otstot, AGBO’s chief creative officer, expressed her intention to collaborate with Dr. Hughes to foster the creation of innovative technologies by the creative community. We are thrilled about this collaboration and look forward to developing resources and methodologies that will empower our artists to work with greater precision, efficiency, and creativity.

Besides the Russo brothers, Donald Mustard and Chris Brearton are also partners in the company AGBO. Founded in 2017, this company works on projects across films, television, and interactive media. Notable works under their belt include “Avengers: Endgame,” the highest-grossing Marvel film ever, as well as the Academy Award-winning movie “Everything Everywhere All at Once.

Lately, AGBO has wrapped up main filming for Amazon MGM’s “The Bluff,” helmed by Frank E. Flowers, and started filming Season 2 of “Citadel” on Prime Video in London with Joe Russo at the helm. In 2025, expect Netflix to debut “The Electric State,” a movie directed by the Russo brothers, starring Millie Bobby Brown, Chris Pratt, and Stanley Tucci. Furthermore, AGBO is partnering with Marvel to produce two Russo brothers-directed films: “Avengers: Doomsday” scheduled for release in May 2026, and “Avengers: Secret Wars” set for a premiere in May 2027.

2024-10-31 18:19

Russo Bros.’ AGBO Hires Apple Veteran Dominic Hughes to Develop ‘AI-Enabled Solutions’ for Filmmakers

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