We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sam Leigh. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sam below.

Sam, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?

Unique AI Utilization in Entertainment

In an industry where the trend is increasingly leaning towards using machine learning and large language models to generate ideas from scratch, at inArtists (iA), we proudly stand apart and with our fellow creatives and creators, in-house and in the broader artists’ community.

We have chosen a distinct path when it comes to the use of AI on creative endeavors.

While many in the entertainment space, for better or worse, are adopting the trend of AI-generated ideation, we’ve chosen divergent pathways, instead, harnessing machine learning in a unique way that sets us apart from the crowd.
Typically, AI algorithms analyze publicly available data and trends to generate derivative concepts autonomously, avoiding the heavy neurological lift attached to traditional story conceptualization. However, we differentiate ourselves by owning or developing our intellectual property in-house and adhering vigorously to our well-established storytelling framework.

Imagine the conventional scenario: AI taking the reins in idea generation. It’s a trend that’s on the rise across the industry. However, at iA, we have a different approach. We utilize AI to synthesize our original IP with our longstanding narrative rubric, comprising over 150 irreplaceable data points.

Our secret sauce lies in AI’s ability to blend our original IP with our creative vision and proven storytelling framework, without replacing the creative spark of our team, which we believe, to date, no machine can replicate, let alone duplicate. This approach results in narratives that are not only compelling but also deeply rooted in our artistic vision.

In an era where AI-generated ideas are increasingly prevalent, we have deployed a unique application of machine learning as a synthesizer of our IP and proprietary framework. It allows us to quickly provide audiences with something refreshingly authentic and captivating while maintaining our commitment to the art of storytelling.

Sam, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am the managing partner at inArtists (iA), founded in 2015, a dynamic and innovative force at the intersection of technology, entertainment, and asset management. I am also a current grad student at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management, class of ‘25.

My journey into this unique space and position began with a diverse and unlikely background, including serving as a Master at Arms in the U.S. Navy engaged in NARCO opps in South and Central America and Europe, then cutting my teeth in Los Angeles working for some of Hollywood’s top power players. These experiences helped me cultivate a blend of discipline, creativity, and a passion for storytelling that became the foundation for my foray into the entertainment industry.

At iA, we’re not your typical studio. We specialize in deploying AI-based creative and business solutions to drive revenue, enhance client experiences, and streamline traditional production processes to meet the substantial media demand of today’s world.

Our diverse range of services encompasses everything from consultation, talent representation, and negotiating and acquiring intellectual properties to developing, producing, and marketing a vast slate of both owned and licensed domestic and international titles. We’re known for our multi-platform distribution capabilities across all mediums, including live events, digital platforms, and traditional media.

What truly sets us apart is our unique approach to AI. While many in the industry are relying on AI to generate ideas and content from scratch, we’ve chosen to use AI differently. Primarily, we license, own or neurologically develop our intellectual property internally among our creative staff, using AI as a powerful tool to synthesize our original IP with our traditional storytelling expertise. This ensures that the human element of creativity remains at the forefront of our work and output, resulting in content that’s not only engaging but also deeply authentic.

Our pride lies in our ability to balance the precision of AI with the boundless creativity of the human spirit. We’re committed to delivering captivating narratives that resonate with audiences on a profound level and on a global scale. What we want potential clients, partners, and audiences to know about iA is that we’re at the forefront of innovation in the entertainment industry, winning the future today, with no intention of ignoring the past. We’re here to create experiences that enrich lives, break down barriers, and build connections. Our mission is to enhance lived experiences through technology and media, and we’re excited to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in this ever-evolving landscape.

Any advice for managing a team?

Deliver bad news asap. Everyone’s voice counts. The intern today could be firing you tomorrow. Lead by example, communicate openly, set clear expectations, and recognize achievements. Provide constructive feedback, promote work-life balance, and invest in professional development. Empower decision-making and address conflicts promptly. Cultivate a positive work environment and be flexible when needed. Lead with empathy, monitor workloads, and celebrate milestones, while encouraging team bonding and seeking feedback for continuous improvement. Balancing these factors helps create a motivated and engaged team, driving productivity and job satisfaction. My trick when leading a meeting is, try to speak last. Lead from the rear. The trick is to motivate others to go beyond their own expectations of themselves, with tact, without disrespecting or making them feel “less-than”, undervalued, or unheard.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

The Artist’s Way: 25th Anniversary Edition

The Outsiders: Eight Unconventional CEOs and Their Radically Rational Blueprint for Success

“The Artist’s Way: 25th Anniversary Edition” teaches the importance of nurturing creativity and self-expression, which I believe is vital in both management and entrepreneurship. This book’s guidance on tapping into one’s creative potential has enriched my problem-solving abilities and innovation in strategy.

“The Outsiders: Eight Unconventional CEOs and Their Radically Rational Blueprint for Success” offers valuable insights into unconventional leadership styles. It taught me to challenge conventional wisdom and take calculated risks, which has been instrumental in shaping my management and entrepreneurial philosophy.

These books have been instrumental in shaping my approach to creative personal growth, and my philosophical approach to leadership and business.

Contact Info:

• Website: inArtists.co
• Instagram: samleigh
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samleigh/

Image Credits
Photos 1 & 2 (Sam Leigh) Photo 3 (UCLA’s Daily Bruin)