TheGrill 2025 is coming to LA, September 30th. Credit to The Wrap Events.
Los Angeles, California (July 28, 2025)- As artificial intelligence rapidly transitions from a theoretical concept to a practical tool, its transformative impact on the entertainment industry will be a central focus at TheGrill 2025. TheWrap’s flagship conference, a premier gathering of tech and media leaders, is proud to announce a powerful lineup of expert speakers who will illuminate how studios are integrating AI into every facet of the creative pipeline.
On September 30, 2025, at the prestigious Directors Guild of America (DGA) Theater in Los Angeles, attendees will gain unparalleled insights during the “From Ideation to Innovation: AI in the Studio Pipeline” session. This critical discussion will feature Melody Hildebrandt, CTO of Fox Corporation; Phil Wiser, EVP, CTO, and Head of Operations at Paramount Global; and Yves Bergquist, Director of AI in Media at USC’s Entertainment Technology Center. Together, they will explore how AI is not just optimizing workflows, but actively shaping the next generation of storytelling, influencing everything from initial creative ideas to intricate production processes and long-term infrastructure.
Melody Hildebrandt brings a holistic perspective, overseeing the comprehensive technology strategy for Fox Corporation’s diverse portfolio, including FOX News Media, FOX Sports, Tubi, FOX Entertainment, and FOX Television Stations. Her background as an EVP of engineering, chief information security officer, and president of FOX’s R&D subsidiary, coupled with her prior roles at Palantir Technologies and Booz Allen Hamilton, positions her uniquely to discuss the strategic integration of AI at scale.
Phil Wiser is a long-standing innovator in digital media, leading Paramount’s global technology strategy and multiplatform operations. His extensive experience as CTO for CBS Corporation, Hearst, Sony Corporation of America, and Sony Music — where he was instrumental in forging the groundbreaking deal to launch iTunes and driving cloud-first, data-driven transformations — provides invaluable insight into leveraging cutting-edge technology for media delivery and content innovation. Wiser also founded pioneering digital platforms Liquid Audio and Sezmi, holding numerous patents in streaming, AI, and media delivery.
Representing the academic and research frontier, Yves Bergquist is a leading AI researcher and the Director of the AI in Media initiative at USC’s Entertainment Technology Center. This studio and tech-backed think tank actively helps media companies understand narrative, culture, and audience behavior through advanced AI. As the co-founder and CEO of Corto, an AI startup focused on cultural intelligence, and a member of the Academy’s Generative AI Working Group, Bergquist offers a deep dive into the theoretical and practical applications of AI in storytelling.
These newly announced luminaries join an already high-profile roster of speakers, including music mogul Irving Azoff, legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer, and WME leadership Mark Shapiro, Christian Muirhead, and Richard Weitz, who are set to appear together in a rare joint conversation. Additional speakers and the full programming details for TheGrill will be unveiled in the coming weeks.
Secure Your Spot at TheGrill 2025
For a limited time, aspiring attendees can use the code EARLY25 to receive 25% off tickets. Prices for TheGrill 2025 will increase on August 1, 2025, so early booking is highly encouraged. Your ticket includes an all-access pass to the conference, providing opportunities to connect with hundreds of industry power players, gain insights from over 40 expert panel speakers, and network with leading entertainment companies, fintechs, startups, investors, and executives. Attendees will also enjoy complimentary food and drink, dedicated networking Meet & Greets, access to epic opportunities, complimentary parking, and access to the cocktail party, along with a 3-month WrapPRO membership.
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