Filmmaking Reinvented: Inside the Google–30 Ninjas AI Collaboration

Jonathan Zepp and Jed Weintrob explore the next era of immersive filmmaking, from Google’s 100 ZEROS initiative to Doug Liman’s Asteroid.

Hollywood has always been a powerful force in shaping how we imagine the future, and now, technology is doing the same for filmmaking. Through its new initiative, 100 ZEROS, Google is collaborating with studios and creators to ensure AI, XR, and other emerging technologies are used to create innovative and inspiring stories.

This new wave of creativity is the focus of an upcoming conversation at TheGrill 2025, TheWrap’s flagship conference, which brings together leaders in entertainment, media, and technology. Returning on September 30 at the Director’s Guild of America (DGA) Theater in Los Angeles, TheGrill will explore the forces reshaping the industry.

One of the first projects from the 100 ZEROS initiative is a partnership with immersive studio 30 Ninjas. The collaboration has resulted in "Asteroid," an immersive action-thriller directed by Doug Liman (“The Bourne Identity”, “Edge of Tomorrow”). The film is set to premiere at the 2025 Venice Film Festival.

Spotlight on Panelists:

• Jonathan Zepp, Head of Entertainment Content & Platforms, Google. Zepp leads Google’s global entertainment partnerships across Google TV, Android XR and 100 ZEROS and is at the forefront of shaping how creativity and technology converge.

• Jed Weintrob, Partner, 30 Ninjas. Weintrob is an award-winning producer, director, and a true pioneer of immersive storytelling, with a history of leading projects in VR, AR, and next-gen media.

The conversation, moderated by Roger Cheng, Managing Editor of Business & PRO for TheWrap, will explore how their collaboration is pushing the boundaries of storytelling and redefining what the future of entertainment looks like in the age of AI.

TheGrill 2025 will convene a roster of leaders shaping the future of entertainment, including:

• Entertainment Moguls: Music icon Irving Azoff; legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer; Dhar Mann Studios founder Dhar Mann and CEO Sean Atkins.

• Media & Tech Leaders: Fox Corporation CTO Melody Hildebrandt; Paramount Global EVP & CTO Phil Wiser; Yves Bergquist, Director of AI in Media at USC’s Entertainment Technology Center.

• Distribution Executives: Jeff Goldstein, President of Global Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures; Eduardo Acuna, CEO, Regal Cineworld; Andrew Cripps, Head of Theatrical Distribution, The Walt Disney Studios; Greg Foster, Owner & Principal, Foster + Crew.

• Sports Streaming: Charlie Neiman, Head of Sports Partnerships, Prime Video; Pamela Duckworth, Head of Fubo Sports; Joe Franzetta, Head of Sports, Roku; Bennett Spector, GM, Bleacher Report; journalist Rachel Nichols.

• Agency & Talent: WME leaders Mark Shapiro, Christian Muirhead, and Richard Weitz.

Additional high-profile speakers and sessions will be announced in the weeks ahead.

Ticket Includes: ✓ All-access pass to the conference ✓ Hundreds of industry power players under one roof ✓ Insights from expert panel speakers ✓ Network with entertainment companies, fintechs, startups, investors, and executives ✓ Access to attendee list ✓ Complimentary food and drink ✓ Networking Meet & Greets ✓ Access to epic opportunities ✓ Complimentary Parking ✓ Cocktail Party Access ✓ 3-month WrapPRO membership

Introducing TheGrill Lift Up Pass

Let’s move the industry forward together. We know this is a moment of change for our industry, and access matters.

Apply for a chance to attend TheGrill at a special discounted rate. Priced at $199 (80% off), these limited tickets are designed for those experiencing financial hardship, recently laid-off professionals, freelancers, or anyone facing challenges in today’s economy who would benefit from the insights and connections at TheGrill.

See you there!

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