Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1546638
O C T O B E R 2 0 2 6 I 2 3 See video and more photos from Digital Day 2026 at www.dga.org. Creating AI Hybrid Productions In a conversation moderated by Digital Day Subcommittee Co-Chair Jay Torres, Eyeline Senior Visual Effects Supervisor Dan Cox, Stargate Studios Founder Sam Nicholson and Erik Weaver, Principal of AI and Emergent Media at USC's Entertainment Technology Center, discussed how AI is creating a hybrid production pipeline where live-action filmmaking meets VFX and real-time technology. Sharing practical case studies, the panelists gave their honest takes on camera tracking, virtual scouting, real-time previsualization, AI-assisted relighting and style transfer, and the new crew roles these tools are creating, while exploring creative authorship, consent, and directorial control. They explained that AI as a creative multiplier, is not a replacement for filmmakers, performers, artists, or crew. Right: Digital Day Subcommittee Co-Chair Jay Torres (moderator) with Eyeline Senior Visual Effects Supervisor Dan Cox, Stargate Studios Founder Sam Nicholson and Erik Weaver, Principal of AI and Emergent Media at USC's Entertainment Technology Center. In their presentation, "Project Hail Mary: How We Made the Hardest Movie We've Ever Made (And All the Movies We Make Are Hard)," Directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller shared how they brought Andy Weir's hard science fiction novel to life via innovative techniques that made audiences fall in love with a rocklike creature. The duo, who frequently finish each other's sentences, explained why despite the obvious challenges, they opted to make the film. "We fell in love with the challenges. The co-star of the movie has no face. The lead of the film has to be in every single scene for what turned out to be 102 days," said Lord. "and often on wires in zero gravity," added Miller. "and the whole thing takes place across two timelines," continued Lord. "The thing about Andy's work is it's always about incredible challenges met by incredible people working together. What gave us a lot of confidence is that describes a film crew," said Lord. "And we knew that this movie was going to take a mix of cutting-edge technology and good old fashioned practical filmmaking," said Miller. "Over 1,000 people worked on this movie," said Lord. "And the thing about it is — and I think it's important to talk about today — a film crew's job is not to create efficiencies it's to capture value. And the way you create the value is by handcrafting something. The fact that it is hard, as Chris Nolan has proven again and again, is part of what gives it value." Above & Right: Directors Phil Lord & Christopher Miller reveal some of the innovative techniques they used to make Project Hail Mary. DGA members and guests hear about Lord & Miller's experiences bringing Project Hail Mary to the screen. Hands-On Demos and Exhibits — Digital Day 2026 attendees were able to engage in hands-on demonstrations and exhibits from: Adobe, Asteria: Continuum Suite, Beeble AI, Blackmagic Design, Everyset, Intangible.ai, Lightcraft Technology, Line Budgeter, Pixel Magic Visual Effects, RED Digital Cinema, Shamel Studio, SideFX Houdini, Sony and Space/Time; and the Digital Day Programming Committee presented a demonstration on how to be tech savvy with tools to take on and off set to improve work productivity. Spotlight Presentation: Directors Phil Lord & Christopher Miller on the Making of Project Hail Mary