Ashraf Ghori on CGI, AI & Creating the Middle East's First CGI Sci-Fi Film

Ashraf Ghori, Founder & CEO of Xpanse CGI, joins the SEF Backstage Pass Podcast to discuss creativity, filmmaking, entrepreneurship, AI, and the future of content creation.An award-winning artist, filmmaker, and one of the region's pioneers in CGI filmmaking, Ashraf shares how a recession in 2008 became the catalyst for creating the Middle East's first CGI science-fiction film, why he chose to grow his business organically, and how AI is reshaping the creative industry.He also discusses artistic integrity, intellectual property, standing out in a world of templates, and why creators should focus on producing exceptional work rather than fearing technological change.Timestamps:00:00 – The recession that changed everything01:05 – Introduction to Ashraf Ghori01:32 – Creating the region's first CGI sci-fi film02:46 – The story behind Zero Error04:10 – Being ahead of your time05:16 – Why the film became a short instead of a feature06:05 – Building a CGI production with limited resources07:06 – Why he chose filmmaking07:29 – Turning a recession into an opportunity08:33 – Using downtime to create something meaningful09:03 – Creativity and entrepreneurship09:51 – From artist to entrepreneur10:32 – Why he chose slow, sustainable growth11:18 – The dangers of growing too fast12:12 – AI and the future of creativity13:29 – Becoming an early AI adopter14:48 – How AI is changing content production15:30 – His new AI venture15:40 – Starting as a young illustrator16:05 – How one initiative opened doors for a decade17:42 – What creators should do differently today18:00 – Why average work won't stand out18:56 – The importance of giving 110%19:32 – Why templates don't create memorable creators19:58 – The opportunity AI creates for the next generation20:23 – Can AI help create the next Spielberg?21:33 – The future of filmmaking with AI22:00 – Will AI replace creators?22:57 – Protecting your intellectual property23:26 – Why creators shouldn't fear being copied24:14 – The future belongs to those who adapt🎧 Watch the full episode now on YouTube.This episode was produced in partnership with Poddster.Follow SEF:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharjahefTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sharjahefLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sharjah-entrepreneurship-festivalWebsite: https://sharjahef.com