The AI Download


What if the future of filmmaking wasn’t just AI-powered—but artist-first?

This episode is sponsored by Hivelighter.

What if the future of filmmaking wasn’t just AI-powered—but artist-first?

On this week’s AI Download, Shira Lazar sits down with futurist and creative technologist Don Allen III, Creative AI Pipeline Director at Asteria, one of the first ethical AI film studios. From robot rights and a new religion to clean data models, they explore how creators and studios can embrace AI without sacrificing artistic integrity—or jobs?

This episode covers: 
🔹 What James Cameron really thinks about AI in film
🔹 Why “clean models” could redefine animation
🔹 The quiet takeover of AI in CGI and production pipelines
🔹 How to spot real innovation vs. AI-washing
🔹 Why updating your bio might be more important than your résumé
Whether you're a creator, founder, or future-focused human—this episode invites you to rethink creativity in the age of machines.

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Connect with Don Allen III:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/donalleniii
instagram.com/donalleniii
https://www.asteriafilm.com/ 

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Sponsored by:
👉 Thanks to our sponsor, Hivelighter  —the AI-powered tool that supercharges your reading and research with personalized insights.Want to dive deeper? Check out The AI Download Collection, where we’ve curated the top highlights from this episode’s biggest AI stories. Just click this Hivelighter link to explore more.

Credits
-This episode of The AI Download was hosted, created, and executive produced by Shira Lazar. Executive Producer Michele Musso, with video and audio editing by the Musso Media team. Creative Director Nadia Giosia with Mint Labs. Music by PALA, Catalina Coastline (licensed under Boss Soundstripe Productions by BMI). Produced by Musso Media. © 2025 Musso Media. © 2025 Shira Lazar. All rights reserved.

Creators and Guests

Host
Shira Lazar
Shira Lazar is an Emmy-nominated host and interviewer covering social media, emerging tech and the future of well-being. Her content focuses on informing, inspiring and empowering the world to take action in their lives, and is infused with her own style of positivity and humor!

What is The AI Download ?

– AI News with a Human Touch

AI is transforming how we work, create, and connect—but what does that mean for the future of content, business, and creativity?

Hosted by Emmy-nominated digital pioneer Shira Lazar, The AI Download is your go-to source for sharp insights, expert interviews, and real-world discussions on AI, emerging tech, and the creator economy.

Each week, we break down the biggest AI trends, explore its impact on creativity and business, and bring you candid conversations with industry leaders, innovators, and disruptors shaping the future.

Whether you're a creator, entrepreneur, or just AI-curious, this podcast deciphers what’s next—and why it matters.

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This episode of The AI Download is hosted, created, and executive produced by Shira Lazar. Executive production by Michele Musso, with video and audio editing by the Musso Media team. Creative Design Director Nadia Giosia with Mint Labs. Music by PALA, Catalina Coastline (licensed under Boss Soundstripe Productions by BMI). Produced by Musso Media. © 2025 Musso Media. © 2025 Unicorn Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved.