In this episode, Alex Stolz speaks with Jeff Rivera, three-time Telly Award winner, author, producer and AI storytelling pioneer, about creator-driven, AI-enabled production.
Jeff shares his journey from developing projects within the traditional Hollywood system to experimenting with new AI-assisted workflows that allow creators to move from idea to execution faster than ever before. From worldbuilding and character design to animation pipelines and audience development, he offers a detailed look at how he is building and testing projects outside of the traditional development model.
The conversation dives deep into the practical realities of working with AI today: the tools Jeff is using, how much these workflows actually cost, the progress being made around character consistency, and why storytelling remains the true differentiator in an age where production capabilities are becoming increasingly accessible.
Alex and Jeff also explore the bigger strategic questions emerging around creator ownership, audience-building, monetisation, copyright and chain of title, as well as what happens when anyone can potentially create studio-quality work from a laptop. Jeff also shares practical strategies for building your ‘1,000 true fans’ and ways in which he is monetising his work.
At its heart, this is a conversation about creative agency, emerging workflows, and how creators can navigate a landscape where the barriers to making work are rapidly changing – but where the need for meaningful stories remains.
About Jeff Rivera
Jeff Rivera is a three-time Telly Award winner, a published author (Warner Books), and Co-Executive Producer of the American Reality Television Awards. He is the creator of the acclaimed 1-Hour Mentorship and Showrunner Mentorship programs, which launched with world-class mentors including Annette Bening, Ed Harris, Steven Soderbergh,
Julianne Moore, Michael Douglas, Lee Daniels, and senior executives from Netflix, Disney, Nickelodeon, and more.
At the forefront of AI-driven storytelling, Jeff is pioneering the use of cutting-edge models to create feature film–style animated shorts, music videos, and movie trailers. As technology evolves, he continues to adapt and push boundaries, positioning himself as a leader in the convergence of Hollywood and AI.