The AI XR Podcast The AI/XR Podcast Sept 9th, 2025 ft. Jason Zada and Monica Monique of Secret Level
Sep 9, 2025
Jason Zada and Monica Monique, co-founders of Secret Level, dive into the evolving landscape of storytelling and technology. They discuss how AI is transforming content creation, allowing smaller teams to achieve big results. Jason shares insights from a TED Talk on storytelling, while the duo navigates the balance of narrative and technology. They also touch on the implications of AI in advertising, exploring the emotional depth needed in synthetic characters. The conversation highlights the importance of human taste as technology reshapes storytelling.
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Small Teams, Bigger Creative Reach
- Jason argued democratised AI will create more creators but not automatically more great storytellers.
- He predicted small teams can now achieve what hundreds once did, increasing chances for independent success.
AI As A Paradigm Shift, Not Just Evolution
- The guests acknowledged AI is a disruptive paradigm shift that will change jobs and industry structures, not just an incremental tool.
- They balanced excitement about new creative opportunities with fear about unchecked automation and physical robots.
TED Talk: Beaver In A Magic Sock
- Jason recounted the TED Talk challenge: crowdsourced ideas turned into a short film in ~48 hours focused on a beaver and a magic sock.
- He emphasized that most of the time was spent on story, proving narrative remained central even under tight AI-driven production timelines.