Welcome. Browse my curated insights on:

Netflix, AI and storytelling

Netflix is dabbling with AI in various ways, ranging from testing smarter ads to de-ageing characters. CEO Ted Sarandos says the tech is not being used as a replacement for creativity, but as a tool to empower it:

It takes a great artist to make something great,’ he said during Tuesday’s earnings call. ‘AI can give creatives better tools to enhance their overall TV/movie experience for our members, but it doesn’t automatically make you a great storyteller if you’re not.’

Akanksha Nagar, storyboard18.com

AI in marketing – expectation vs reality

Are you even using AI properly if you aren’t trying to do a task with it and it fails five times before it gets it right? Very relatable post here on LinkedIn by Elaine Zelby, which shares a few real-world examples of how it can actually take longer to tidy up AI cocking up than to do the task manually in the first place:

When it comes to expectations, many marketers think AI is literal magic that works perfectly all of the time. When the try something and it takes work or prompting or isn’t ready for prime time, they retreat.  The reality is, MOST of this stuff is still hard. It still takes massaging and work to get it to do what you want

Elaine Zelby, LinkedIn

96% of AI citations originate from PR-driven content

Jason Mudd, host of On Top of PR, reflects on Muck Rack’s Generative Pulse Report, which found that 96% of AI citations originate from PR-driven content:

Bottom line if artificial intelligence doesn’t see you, your customers, employees and investors won’t either. Now let’s go deeper … when The Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, New York Times, or your leading industry publication writes about your brand, that’s money. It’s gold. AI systems know those outlets are credible, and they’re not going to cover organizations that aren’t visible or credible either.

Jason Mudd, axiapr.com

GoCardless is heading to Leeds

Fintech unicorn GoCardless is opening a new ‘Northern Hub’, where it plans to recruit 50 staff in its first year. It’s an impressive addition to a flourishing sector which, alongside professional services, accounts for 40% of the city’s GVA. Co-founder and CEO Hiroki Takeuchi said:

Leeds is one of the UK’s most vibrant financial and professional services centres, with a thriving fintech community and strong university network. It was a natural choice for our Northern Hub and with the introduction of the Leeds Reforms, this dynamic ecosystem will only grow. We’re excited to become a key player in this fintech hot spot, tapping into a rich talent pool while also providing closer, more local support to our customers and partners across the region.

Agate Boka, GoCardless.com