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Another Crazy Day in AI: An Almost Daily Newsletter

Hello, AI Enthusiasts.


Thursday night is here, and with the weekend approaching, there's plenty of exciting news in the AI world! 🚀


Meta is taking its generative AI video tool, Movie Gen, for a test drive in Hollywood. In collaboration with Blumhouse Productions and well-known filmmakers like Casey Affleck, Meta hopes to discover how AI can complement the creative process. 🎬


We’ve also featured other interesting reads, including a look at how AI is revolutionizing the legal landscape by removing common obstacles that slow down business operations. And on a larger scale, the Treasury Department is implementing AI solutions to save taxpayers billions.


Enjoy the read tonight! 🌙


Here's another crazy day in AI:


  • Hollywood filmmakers experiment with Meta’s AI Tool

  • AI is breaking down legal barriers that hinder business progress

  • How the Treasury is using AI for taxpayer to save billions

  • Some AI tools to try out


TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: Filmmakers Meet Meta's Movie Gen


Image Credit: Wowza (edited with Canva; Meta and Blumhouse logos)

Image Credit: Wowza (edited with Canva; Meta and Blumhouse logos)


What if AI could help filmmakers bring their wildest dreams to life?


Meta is pushing the boundaries of filmmaking by teaming up with renowned creators like Casey Affleck and Blumhouse Productions to test a new AI tool, Movie Gen. This tool allows filmmakers to generate short, realistic video clips using just a few lines of text. In Variety, Todd Spangler explores how this collaboration is reshaping how filmmakers approach creativity, with AI acting as a potential new partner in storytelling.


Here's what's happening:

  • Meta launched a pilot program to test its Movie Gen AI tool with filmmakers, including horror studio Blumhouse and select directors like Casey Affleck.

  • Meta’s Movie Gen AI tool generates video clips up to 16 seconds long in 1080p, complete with sound, allowing creators to explore new ideas more quickly.

  • Filmmakers like Casey Affleck, Aneesh Chaganty, and the Spurlock Sisters are using the tool to enhance their stories and provide feedback on its development.

  • Chaganty’s short film, “i h8 ai,” highlights the conflict many filmmakers feel about AI, but also showcases its ability to add new creative layers to projects.

  • Meta aims to refine the tool through this pilot program before a wider release in 2025, starting with Instagram.

  • The program emphasizes that AI can be a supportive tool, offering unexpected visual and audio elements that inspire new creative directions.



The idea of using AI in filmmaking is still in its early stages, but Meta’s approach shows a commitment to making it a collaborative tool rather than a replacement for human creativity. By inviting filmmakers into the development process, Meta is positioning Movie Gen as something that can support and elevate storytelling, rather than disrupt it. Directors like Affleck and Chaganty have already started using the tool to experiment with how it can add depth and texture to their work, from enhancing short films to creating entirely new visual elements.


But there’s also caution in the air. For many filmmakers, the introduction of AI raises important questions about the future of creativity. Could these tools eventually replace traditional film techniques, or will they simply offer new ways for directors to express their visions?


For now, Meta seems to be leaning toward the latter. Their pilot program aims to fine-tune the technology by listening to the needs and concerns of the creative community, ensuring that AI remains a helpful, not harmful, addition to the filmmaking toolkit. It’s clear that while AI might help filmmakers dream bigger, the heart of the industry will always be human.


Read the full article here.

Watch Chaganty’s short film here.

OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:


AI is breaking down legal barriers that hinder business progress

/Tom Saunders, Financial Times


AI is transforming legal processes by eliminating the common bottlenecks in contracts, procurement, and legal research. Businesses are experiencing significant time and cost savings, with tasks that once took days now completed in minutes. Solutions like ContractPodAi and LexisNexis are leading the charge, streamlining legal workflows, while the standardization of legal data is facilitating smoother AI integration across firms. As a result, companies are operating more efficiently, accelerating their decision-making and reducing delays.



Read more here.


How the Treasury is using AI for taxpayer to save billions

/Rob Wile, NBC News


The Treasury Department is leveraging AI technologies to achieve substantial savings for taxpayers, potentially amounting to billions. By automating repetitive tasks and utilizing advanced data analysis, the department is enhancing its ability to detect fraud and ensure compliance. This strategic adoption of AI not only streamlines operations but also allows for a more effective allocation of resources. As a result, taxpayers are seeing significant cost reductions, positioning the Treasury as a model for efficiency and innovation within government agencies.


Read more here.

SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:


  • Pitchleague - Get feedback on your pitch deck.

  • FAQWidget - AI-powered FAQ generator to enhance engagement and sales.

  • Wandpen - Chrome extension for grammar fixes and rewriting suggestions on selected text.



That’s a wrap on today’s Almost Daily craziness.


Catch us almost every day—almost! 😉


EXCITING NEWS:

The Another Crazy Day in AI newsletter is now on LinkedIn!!!



Wowza, Inc.

Leveraging AI for Enhanced Content: As part of our commitment to exploring new technologies, we used AI to help curate and refine our newsletters. This enriches our content and keeps us at the forefront of digital innovation, ensuring you stay informed with the latest trends and developments.






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Hello, AI Enthusiasts.


Happy Wednesday! Wow, we’re at the halfway point of the week.


As you settle in for the evening, let's explore the latest AI news and innovations that have been buzzing this week.


Here's another crazy day in AI:


  • How to write effective prompts for Gemini in Workspace

  • Microsoft study on AI and real-world productivity

  • Meta introduces custom AI Studio

  • Some AI tools to try out


TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: Tips for using Gemini in the Workspace side panel


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Gemini for Google Workspace / Your always-on AI assistant across Google Workspace—as sales associate



Are you making the most out of your AI tools in the workspace?


Imagine having a super-smart assistant right at your fingertips, ready to help you tackle your daily work tasks with ease. That's exactly what Google's Gemini in the Workspace side panel aims to be. In a recent article on The Keyword, Google's official blog, Molly McHugh-Johnson shares some invaluable tips on how to make the most of this AI sidekick across Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drive.


Here's the cheat sheet to becoming a prompt-writing pro:

  • Take Cues from Suggestions: Start with product-specific suggestions in the side panel to leverage tasks Gemini excels at within each app.

  • Focus on Basics: Use persona, task, context, and format in your prompts for clear and relevant results.

  • Use @ Symbol: Reference other files in your prompts to provide more context and connect information seamlessly.

  • Experiment and Iterate: Refine your prompts and experiment with different approaches to achieve better outcomes.

  • Share Insights: Collaborate and share what works and what doesn’t to continuously improve your use of Gemini.


The world of work is evolving, and Gemini in the Workspace side panel is leading the charge. It's not just about working harder; it's about working smarter. As you dive into the world of AI-assisted productivity, remember that every master was once a beginner.


Start small, experiment often, and don't be afraid to push the boundaries of what you think is possible. Who knows? You might just discover a workflow so smooth, you'll wonder how you ever managed without it.


So why not give it a try? Your next great idea might just be a prompt away.



Read the full article here.

OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:


Microsoft study on AI and real-world productivity

/Jaffe, S., Shah, N.P., Butler, J., Farach, A., Cambon, A., Hecht, B., Schwarz, M. and Teevan, J. eds. 2024

This report from Microsoft explores how generative AI, specifically tools like Microsoft Copilot, enhances productivity in real workplace environments. Through a series of studies, including a large-scale randomized controlled trial, the research shows that AI tools can significantly boost productivity. However, the impact varies by role, function, and organization. The report also highlights the importance of adoption and utilization for maximizing AI's benefits.


Read the paper here.


Meta introduces custom AI Studio


/Meta Newsroom


Meta introduces AI Studio, a platform allowing users to create, share, and discover custom AI characters without needing technical skills. Users can design AIs for various purposes, from generating memes to providing travel advice. Creators can also use AI Studio to automate responses to common questions, helping them engage more efficiently with their audience.


Read more here.


SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:



  • Datrics: simplify data preparation, exploration, and experimentation with an intuitive AI analytics platform


  • ChartFast: automatically analyze data and create complex visualizations without manual effort


  • Meta AI Studio: design and share custom AI characters easily, no technical skills required



That’s a wrap on today’s Almost Daily craziness.


Catch us almost every day—almost! 😉


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Leveraging AI for Enhanced Content: As part of our commitment to exploring new technologies, we used AI to help curate and refine our newsletters. This enriches our content and keeps us at the forefront of digital innovation, ensuring you stay informed with the latest trends and developments.


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Hello, AI Enthusiasts.


Happy Tuesday! We hope your week is going smoothly.


As you wind down from your day, we’re here with another edition designed to keep you engaged and informed.


Here's another crazy day in AI:


  • Mark Zuckerberg's take on the future of Open Source AI

  • 10 Steps to Successfully Implement AI Pilot Projects

  • Adoption Trends: How ChatGPT is Used Across Occupations

  • Some AI tools to try out


TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: Meta’s Bold Move into Open Source AI


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Meta CEO and Founder Mark Zuckerberg in an exclusive interview with Bloomberg/Camva magic expand


Can open source AI models drive the next wave of innovation in technology?


In his latest article, "Open Source AI Is the Path Forward," Mark Zuckerberg, Founder and CEO of Meta, argues that open source AI will lead the future of artificial intelligence. Drawing parallels to the historical shift from closed Unix systems to open source Linux, Zuckerberg argues that AI development will follow a similar path, ultimately leading to open source models dominating the industry.


Key Takeaways:

  • Historical Context: Just as Linux overtook closed Unix systems by being open and modifiable, Zuckerberg believes open source AI will surpass closed models.

  • Llama 3.1 Release: Meta is launching Llama 3.1 405B, the first frontier-level open source AI model, alongside improved 70B and 8B models. These models promise superior cost efficiency and flexibility.

  • Ecosystem Growth: Meta is partnering with companies like Amazon, Databricks, and NVIDIA to build a supportive ecosystem for AI development.

  • Developer Benefits: Open source AI empowers developers to customize models, control data, avoid vendor lock-in, and reduce costs.

  • Global Impact: Open source AI aims to democratize access to advanced technology, promoting productivity, security, and innovation worldwide.


Zuckerberg emphasizes that open source AI will ensure transparency, security, and widespread access, preventing power concentration and fostering innovation. As Meta takes significant steps to realize this vision with the release of Llama 3.1, Zuckerberg invites developers, companies, and institutions to join in building an open AI ecosystem that could reshape the technological landscape and bring the benefits of AI to people around the world.



Read the full article here.

OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:


10 Steps to Successfully Implement AI Pilot Projects

/Signal and Cipher, LinkedIn

Signal & Cipher's latest LinkedIn post provides a practical 10-step guide for organizations looking to launch AI pilot projects. This guide simplifies the complex process of AI implementation, offering clear steps from initial project selection to successful execution. It addresses common challenges and provides strategies for overcoming them, making it easier for companies to integrate AI technologies effectively. Whether you're a seasoned innovator or new to AI, this guide is a valuable resource for navigating the path to digital transformation.


Read more here.


Adoption Trends: How ChatGPT is Used Across Occupations


/Anders Humlum & Emilie Vestergaard


A comprehensive study from Denmark examines the widespread adoption of ChatGPT among various job sectors. With a sample of 100,000 workers, the research highlights significant adoption rates but also reveals notable inequalities. Women are less likely to use ChatGPT, and while the tool shows promise for increasing productivity, barriers such as employer restrictions and the need for training persist. The study also explores how awareness of expert opinions influences adoption and uncovers that ChatGPT is more frequently used by individuals with higher prior earnings, pointing to the need for targeted support to fully harness its benefits.


Read more and download pdf here.


SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:



  • EverArt: train an AI image generator on any product, style, or mood board


  • Colocio: create, manage, and optimize online campaigns with AI-driven insights and analytics


  • Chatling: build and deploy advanced AI chatbots for customer support, lead generation, and more—no coding needed



That’s a wrap on today’s Almost Daily craziness.


Catch us almost every day—almost! 😉


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Leveraging AI for Enhanced Content: As part of our commitment to exploring new technologies, we used AI to help curate and refine our newsletters. This not only enriches our content but also keeps us at the forefront of digital innovation, ensuring you stay informed with the latest trends and developments.

Copyright Wowza, inc 2025
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