Will AI Replace Filmmakers? An Honest Conversation with Simon David Miller

In this episode ZB Siwek sits down with Film Creator, VC Partner, and New Forest founder Simon David Miller to explore one of the most important questions facing filmmakers today:How will AI reshape the film industry and what does that mean for creators, jobs, ethics, and storytelling?Simon shares his unique perspective from a career spanning investment banking, music, startups, and film, including his work at EMI, Abbey Road, and now New Forest an AI-driven film company focused on human-led storytelling.This is a deep, honest conversation about:How AI can radically reduce film production costsWhy human authorship still matters (artistically, ethically, and commercially)The real job risks facing filmmakers—and how to future-proof your careerAI audience simulation and testing content before releaseThe collision between traditional film, AI filmmaking, and the creator economyHyper-personalised content, truth, and the risk of infinite mediaWhether AI filmmaking is “lazy” or actually harder than traditional productionHybrid filmmaking: combining real actors with AI to cut costsWhy distribution power is shifting to YouTube, TikTok, and direct audiencesWhat skills filmmakers should be learning right now to stay relevantSimon also breaks down practical AI workflows filmmakers can experiment with today covering writing, visuals, animation, VFX, and distribution—while stressing the importance of authenticity, responsibility, and audience connection.If you’re a filmmaker worried about the future, curious about AI, or trying to build sustainable, profitable projects in a changing industry, this episode is essential listeningLearn more about Simon David Miller:https://www.linkedin.com/in/simondavidmiller/New Forest Film:http://www.newforestfilm.comChapters:00:00 Introduction to AI in Filmmaking03:17 The Role of AI in Film Production05:54 Audience Simulation Technology08:57 Job Security in the Age of AI12:47 The Human Element in AI-Driven Content13:51 AI as a Creative Tool18:06 The Future of Human-Led Content20:44 The Impact of AI Influencers23:35 The Need for Regulation in AI26:17 Hyper-Personalization and Truth in Content29:57 The Future of Content Creation36:55 The Desire for Authenticity in Content Creation38:51 Wants vs. Needs: The Essence of Storytelling42:00 Ethics in Storytelling and AI48:16 Environmental Impact of AI in Filmmaking55:22 Practical AI Tools for Filmmakers01:00:51 Hybrid Filmmaking: Blending AI and Real Actors01:07:06 Building a Personal Brand in the New EraConnect with ZB Siwek:https://www.linkedin.com/in/zb-siwek-55938442/Learn More About Cine Circle:https://www.cinecircle.co.uk/Explore our live in person and virtual events:https://www.eventbrite.com/o/cine-circle-uk-17697994790Follow us on social!https://www.youtube.com/@CineCircleFilms/videoshttps://www.tiktok.com/@cinecirclehttps://instagram.com/cinecircleukhttps://x.com/cinecircle_uk