Arts Management and Technology Laboratory

Kevin Stein, Principal and co-founder of SignalPath Immersive and former senior exec at HBO and CBS, blends immersive entertainment and tech. He explains how AI speeds pre-production and complements creativity. He compares models’ strengths, shares the RACE prompt framework, and argues AI shifts who gets to tell stories more than how stories are told.

Show Notes Crystal Manich Crystal Manich - Instagram Crystal Manich - IMDb Crystal Manich - YouTube Laura Kaminsky Time to Act Documentary

Show Notes Sarah Turner: Website Sarah Turner: YouTube Sarah Turner: @sarahsarahturnerturner2 But...You're A Dolphin! Lecture with Sean Hallowell and Sarah Turner Projection Portals: Live Video Machine in the Hall of Architecture

In this episode of the Arts Management and Technology Lab, host Luna Lu speaks with Bad Press co-directors Rebecca Lansberry-Baker and Joe Peeler, alongside journalist and film subject Angel Ellis, about the making of their Sundance 2023 award-winning documentary. The conversation explores how the team came together, the ethical and creative challenges of documenting press censorship within the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, and the tension between tribal sovereignty and press freedom. Through Angel Ellis's experience as a journalist turned whistleblower, the episode highlights the vital role of independent Indigenous media, transparency, and civic participation, while also reflecting on trust, community-based storytelling, and the power of individuals to effect democratic change. Speical thanks to Stephan Caspar, Dept of Languages, Cultures, and Applied Linguistics, Professor Anne Lambright, and CAS Center for Arts in Society, and all the students and staff at CMU who supported this event! SHOW NOTES Bad Press (Official Film Website) Rebecca Lansberry-Baker Joe Peeler Angel Ellis

In this episode of the Arts Management and Technology Lab, Samantha Childers explores why so many songs recommended by streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music sound strikingly similar. She breaks down the inner workings of music streaming algorithms—how metadata, collaborative filtering, content-based filtering, and continuous feedback loops collectively shape the "perfect playlist." Samantha also examines Spotify features such as Discover Weekly and Discovery Mode, uncovering how these tools influence music discovery, artist visibility, and even compositional trends as musicians increasingly write with algorithms in mind. Alongside these technical insights, she raises critical ethical questions about data privacy, algorithmic bias, pay-to-play practices, and the shrinking role of human curation. Ultimately, the episode invites listeners to rethink how algorithm-driven platforms shape not only what we hear but also how we discover, value, and experience music. SHOW NOTES Samantha Childers A Critical Research of Spotify's Business Model—The Case of Discover Weekly We Tested Popular Music Streaming Services — These Are the Top 6 You Should Check Out In 2025 About Spotify- Newsroom The Role Of Music Streaming Algorithms In The Industry Algorithmic Symphonies: How Spotify Strikes the Right Chord Algorithms in Music: Blessing or Curse? Understanding recommendations on Spotify How to Break Free of Spotify's Algorithm Pay-to-Playlist: The Commerce of Music Streaming Impacts of AI on Music Consumption and Fairness

In this episode of the Arts Management and Technology Lab, Andrew Wolverton and Zachary Collins explore how arts-focused technology can transform nonprofit ticketing and operations, tracing Ludus's journey from a side project for a single high school musical to a nationwide platform serving more than 4,000 organizations. Collins explains how Ludus was built from the ground up around the real needs of drama teachers and community theaters, growing into an end-to-end system for ticketing, fundraising, marketing, volunteers, and concessions—while staying anchored in a people-first culture summed up by the company's core value, "Give a Shit." He reflects on navigating the COVID-19 shutdown through livestreaming and social-distancing tools, choosing the right growth equity partner, and why he believes AI shouldn't replace arts workers but instead act as a "superpower" that frees them to focus on human-centered work and shared live experiences. SHOW NOTES Andrew Wolverton Zachary Collins Link to Ludus

In this episode of the Arts Management and Technology Lab, Alexann Sharp and Cara Flanery sit down with four-time Emmy-winning innovator Michael Cioni to unpack how technology and creativity converge in modern media workflows. Cioni introduces Strada, a peer-to-peer platform designed to enable remote collaboration without cloud storage, and shares career lessons on building networks through industry events (NAB, Cine Gear, IBC) and assembling complementary teams ("Swiss-cheese" collaboration). He distinguishes generative vs. utilitarian AI, predicts a shakeout and rebound for GenAI, and outlines his Skills Gap Principle and "Technative" mindset for balancing creative and technical strengths. The conversation closes with candid advice on taking smarter risks and betting on yourself. SHOW NOTES Michael Cioni's IMDB page Link to Strada Michael Cioni's YouTube interview: Using AI to fill your skills gap

In this episode of the Arts Management and Technology Lab, Daniel Temkin and Luna Lu discussed the artistic possibilities of code, focusing on esoteric programming languages (esolangs) and how they can function as a medium for art and human expression. Temkin explained that his interest began with experimenting in existing esolangs (like Brainfuck) around 2007-2008, leading him to create his own and document them conceptually, moving away from overly technical documentation. The conversation highlighted how giving up on the idea that programming must be practical allows for artistic exploration, connecting esolangs to idea art, constraint-based work (such as the Oulipo Group), and performance art. Temkin detailed the structure of his book, which presents programming languages as idea-based art, containing both realized works and conceptual prompts inspired by artists like Yoko Ono, and described how his languages — such as Fat Finger, which inspired code poetry, and Folders, which manipulates file system hierarchy — explore themes of collaboration, human irrationality, and the extreme constraints of logical systems. Listeners were also encouraged to explore existing esolangs on the Esolang Wiki before trying to design their own. See AMT Lab Website for transcript SHOW NOTES Book: Forty-Four Esolangs—The Art of Esoteric Code Website: https://danieltemkin.com/About Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danieltemkin_/?hl=en

Christine Rivera, a researcher focused on motherhood portrayals in media, teams up with Melida Hernandez, a scholar examining the effects of AI on transgender and non-binary individuals. They discuss how biased AI systems misclassify gender identities, impacting self-presentation and well-being. Christine highlights the persistent stereotypes in television that shape public perceptions of motherhood and the economic disparities faced by mothers. Together, they call for more inclusive storytelling and equitable AI design to support marginalized communities.

Alexann Sharp and Lehan Xu discuss the impact of technology on performance industries, particularly VR concerts and broadcast theater. They note that COVID-19 accelerated the adoption of VR concerts, initially by smaller artists due to cost and uncertainty. Examples include Sabrina Carpenter and Kid Leroy's Meta collaborations. They highlight technical challenges like audio quality and headset comfort. In broadcast theater, historical examples date back to the 1930s, with modern initiatives like the Met Opera's "Live in HD" and National Theater Live. Both discuss the balance between accessibility and maintaining the authenticity of live performances. SHOW NOTES: National Theatre Live/ Met Opera "Live in HD" Amaze VR Transcript available at the Arts Management and Technology Lab: Podcasts