We Ran the Numbers: AI + Virtual Production vs. Shooting It for Real

​Everyone has an opinion about AI and virtual production. We’re putting the actual work on screen and talking about what really happened to the budget, schedule and final image.

​Joining the conversation:

• ​Jill Landaker Grunes, Chief Production Officer at Real Chemistry / 21GRAMS, bringing the agency perspective on budgets, approvals, client risk and protecting the creative.

• ​Steve Giralt, director and founder of The Garage, known for high-speed tabletop, motion control and practical effects.

• ​Khasan Aripov, founder and Executive Producer at SP Studios, specializing in virtual production, VAD and AI-driven production workflows.

• ​Jesse Brihn, Creative Production Executive, Former VP HofP, RGA & Droga5, moderating the conversation and bringing 15+ years of agency production experience.

​Together, they’ll break down real work for Pepsi, American Express, Secret and 3M, including:

• ​Why practical effects were the only smart choice for Pepsi

• ​How VP delivered seven locations in one day for Amex

• ​How to shoot an “impossible” subway location without taking over a subway

• ​When a hybrid practical + VP workflow makes sense

• ​Where AI can replace expensive VFX work, and where it creates more revisions, cost and risk

• ​How early agencies need to bring in the right production and technology partners

• ​How to bid these workflows without losing the savings later

​This isn’t a tech demo or another vague “future of production” conversation. It’s a 90-minute reality check for producers, creatives, brands, directors and production companies who need to make better decisions before the boards are sold and the budget is locked.

​Real cases, real production logic, honest tradeoffs, plus live Q&A.

​Hosted by SP Studios.