AGBO, the production company founded by Avengers directors Joe and Anthony Russo, has announced the hiring of Dr. Dominic Hughes as its new chief scientific officer. Hughes, an expert in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, is set to work closely with AGBO’s creative and tech teams to integrate AI into the storytelling process, the company revealed.

AGBO said that Hughes will “partner with AGBO’s in-house storytelling and innovation teams to guide the development and deployment of AI technologies to enrich the creative process.” 

With a background that includes co-founding the audio news app Swell—acquired by Apple in 2014—Hughes brings a wealth of experience in AI design and language modeling. He also worked on AI models for Apple News and holds a Ph.D. from Oxford University. Currently, he serves as a visiting scholar at UC Berkeley.

As AGBO explores AI’s potential in film, the entertainment industry at large is navigating the rapid evolution of generative AI, which is already impacting areas such as visual effects. AGBO chief creative officer Angela Russo-Otstot emphasized the company’s commitment to ensuring that technology development remains rooted in the creative community. 

“We are excited to work with Dr. Hughes to develop tools and processes that will enable our artists to be more precise, more streamlined, and even more creative,” she said.

Anthony and Joe Russo, AGBO co-chairs and co-founders, expressed enthusiasm for the possibilities AI could bring. 

“The entertainment industry is evolving at breakneck speed, and we have never felt more energized by the possibilities,” they said in a statement. “At AGBO, we are relentlessly focused on a creative-led approach to technology and innovation. Working in tandem with our writers, directors, crew members, and technologists, Dr. Hughes will help us imagine new ways to empower artists to tell their boldest and most ambitious stories.”

Hughes echoed the sentiment, saying, “AGBO’s longstanding approach of adopting and adapting technologically advanced filmmaking techniques positions them well for this era of discovery. I look forward to working with their broad array of creatives to develop artist-led AI-enabled solutions that will help shape the future of storytelling.”

AGBO’s move highlights a trend within Hollywood to embrace AI’s potential while balancing technological advancement with the creative spirit that defines the industry.