The entertainment industry has always thrived on innovation, from the birth of cinema to the rise of streaming. I saw firsthand how YouTube changed the game by democratizing distribution, giving creators unprecedented access to global audiences. Now, AI is unlocking a new frontier—one where creation is more accessible than ever, empowering visionary artists to push creative boundaries in ways previously unimaginable.
At Promise, we are welcoming into the studio some of the most innovative Gen AI artists and directors from around the globe—creators who have already drawn audiences in with their ability to craft original stories, create breathtaking visuals, and build immersive worlds. As Gen AI directors and artists-in-residence, they’ll incubate bold ideas, develop groundbreaking IP, and explore the limitless potential of AI-enabled storytelling to produce films, series, and other innovative formats.
We are cultivating a collaborative and dynamic environment—one that leads with creative freedom and empowers pioneering artists to expand the art of human storytelling by challenging conventions, exchanging ideas, pushing the technology, and refining their craft within a thriving Promise community.
To bring this vision to life, we’re giving our artists resources—including access to our proprietary MUSE workflow—to develop original IP, industry connections to collaborate with partners, and ultimately, the opportunity to direct projects that push storytelling to the next level. Together, these Gen AI directors and creative leaders are building a new kind of studio—one rooted in collaboration, where new voices are heard, creativity thrives, and AI-enabled stories connect with audiences around the world.
– Jamie Byrne
President & COO of Promise
Meet The First Gen AI Directors With Development Deals at Promise:
Junie Lau – China
Junie Lau is an avant-garde filmmaker, who blends cutting-edge AI technology with traditional cinematic techniques to create visually stunning, surreal, and emotionally resonant narratives. Her work juxtaposes chaotic, fast-paced imagery with moments of poetic stillness, seamlessly integrating iconic fashion elements, kaleidoscopic visuals, and a vintage-futuristic aesthetic. Themes of identity, memory, and human connection are central to her storytelling, making her films both intimate and universal.
A global champion of AI filmmaking, Junie is an award-winning filmmaker, with notable accolades including the Silver Award at the AI Film Festival and recognition at Tribeca. She has directed AI-driven music videos, collaborated with Grammy-winning artists, and her work has been showcased in prestigious venues like the Royal Academy of Arts and in British Vogue.
Dale Williams (The Reel Robot) – Canada
Dale Williams is known for seamlessly shifting between genres and aesthetics, from comedic anime to photorealistic horror to heartwarming biopics. His films often feature dark, atmospheric environments with high-contrast visuals and rhythmic soundtracks, exploring the duality of technology—how it can both uplift and complicate human lives. His AI-assisted works have won multiple festival awards, garnered millions of views on social media, and been exhibited globally.
With a background in film studies and music composition, Dale wrote TV scores before transitioning into tech, where he served as Chief Revenue Officer and Co-founder for venture-backed startups. He has created over a dozen AI-generated films, collaborated with major brands, and earned a reputation for his versatility and storytelling expertise.
Guillaume Hurbault (Guillaume H.) – France
Gen AI Director
Guillaume Hurbault is celebrated for his striking cinematography and masterful visual storytelling. His work seamlessly blends deep narratives with a diverse range of aesthetics, creating emotionally immersive experiences. With a decade of professional experience spanning video games, e-commerce, digital distribution, e-sports, and event management, he brings a unique, multi-disciplinary approach to Gen AI filmmaking.
Since fully dedicating himself to AI filmmaking in 2023, Guillaume has spent thousands of hours refining his craft, mastering the tools of AI-driven storytelling. His ability to merge cutting-edge technology with cinematic artistry continues to set new creative standards in the industry.
Ryan James Phillips (Uncanny Harry) – England
Gen AI Director
Ryan James Phillips brings an eclectic approach to independent cinema, with a storytelling style that emphasizes dialogue and precise lip-sync execution. Studying under the legendary Ken Russell, Ryan honed his craft in narrative construction before gaining global recognition as a short filmmaker.
With two decades of experience in television, including a lead director role at the BBC and a BAFTA nomination, Ryan has continuously innovated in his craft. His work in AI-generated video under the moniker @Uncanny_Harry has caught the attention of leading technology firms, earning him exclusive opportunities to beta test and collaborate with groundbreaking platforms. He was part of the team behind the first feature-length AI film, Our Terminator 2 Remake, has had AI short films screened at international festivals, and was named one of Curious Refuge’s Best AI Filmmakers. His work has been featured on the BBC’s Click and described by Indiewire as an “AI rockstar.”
Meet Our In-House Resident Artists & Technologists:
Metapuppet – New York, USA Head of Genre / Gen AI Director
Metapuppet joins Promise full-time, as Head of Genre Creative and Story Development. A pioneering force in AI-driven storytelling, MetaPuppet has distinguished himself by crafting emotionally resonant narratives that seamlessly blend magical realism with deep character development and rich world-building. Drawing from his diverse background in traditional filmmaking—spanning acting, cinematography, screenwriting, and editing—MetaPuppet has emerged as one of the most influential voices in AI-generated cinema.
Through his YouTube channel, he has not only showcased innovative approaches to AI-driven content creation but has also helped shape the discourse around this emerging medium. In his role at Promise, MetaPuppet will lead our genre IP development initiatives, bringing his unique vision to shape the studio's creative future.
Rob Nederhorst – Curacao, Netherlands Antilles – Head of Creative Technology
Rob Nederhorst is a seasoned visual effects supervisor with over 27 years of experience working on major motion pictures and commercials, including high-profile projects like John Wick 3 and Spy Kids: Armageddon. Known for his uncompromising commitment to quality, Rob brings a meticulous eye for detail and a sharp focus on technical excellence to every project.
Since diving into generative AI in 2022, Rob has been at the forefront of integrating this technology into the VFX pipeline, blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge innovation. His extensive background in visual effects, combined with his passion for experimentation, has positioned him as a leader in the evolving landscape of AI-driven artistry. Rob’s dedication to pushing creative boundaries while maintaining the highest standards of excellence makes him an invaluable force in the world of visual storytelling.
Jordon Pengraph (cyncratic) – North Carolina, USA Creative Technologist
Jordon Pengraph is a creative force known for his viral videos that have captivated audiences worldwide, amassing over 200 million views. His breakout work, The Matrump, a satirical reimagining of the iconic Matrix finale with political figures, showcased his sharp comedic edge and knack for cultural commentary. His second viral hit—a light-hearted dance video featuring Trump and Elon Musk—became so iconic it’s now a widely used GIF, even shared by the current sitting president.
Jordon describes himself as an "everythingburger," a creator driven by pure curiosity and a love for tinkering. His passion lies in remixing film scenes with unexpected twists, blending comedy and satire to create content that’s both thought-provoking and fun. Renowned within the AI community, Jordon is celebrated not just for his innovative work but for his generosity in helping others navigate AI tools and workflows. Entirely self-taught, he’s dedicated thousands of hours to mastering ComfyUI, recognizing early on its transformative potential in the world of generative AI.
William McCormick – California, USA VFX Artist
William McCormick brings a bold fusion of cyberpunk aesthetics and psychedelic artistry to his work. Known for blending the gritty underbelly of futuristic worlds with the glowing beauty of cyberpunk cityscapes, William’s style is inspired by genre-defining classics like Blade Runner, Akira, and Ghost in the Shell. His work evokes a sense of the sublime, contrasting technological dystopias with striking visual compositions.
William is the founder of Hard Visuals, where he’s known for kinetic camera moves, dynamic 2D/3D blends, and ambitious compositing effects, showcased in projects like the music video Babydoll by Do Not Resurrect. His background includes VFX work on The Curse of Bridge Hollow and visuals for artists like Ice Spice at Rolling Loud 2023. A graduate of USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, William seamlessly integrates AI into his workflow, pushing the boundaries of digital art and storytelling in collaboration with the Promise team.
And of course, none of this is possible without our fearless creative leader:
Dave Clark – California, USA Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer, Promise
Dave Clark is a visionary leader at the forefront of the Gen AI creative revolution. As Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Promise, he is driving the studio’s bold vision to redefine storytelling through the fusion of human creativity and AI. With a background that spans technology, content strategy, and entertainment, Dave’s innovative approach has been instrumental in shaping the next generation of creators. His passion for pushing creative boundaries and fostering collaborative environments has made him a key figure in the evolution of AI-powered storytelling.