Inaugural Lecture - Professor Andrew McNamara

Overview

The rise of Generative AI and Machine Learning over the last few years has become equally pervasive and divisive - full of opportunities, concerns and hype in equal measure. It presents a number of unique challenges which will profoundly affect culture, society and how we live and work both now and in the future - none more so than the creative industries. Professor McNamara has been at the forefront of TV, film, commercials and immersive experiences for over 35 years and has seen massive changes and shifts on how we design & create during this period, powered by new technology and innovation. As a Visiting Professor of AI in Design within the School of the Arts, Prof. McNamara brings industry expertise, R+D innovation and an understanding of the critical challenges regarding ethical and entrepreneurial applications of AI. In this inaugural lecture, he offers valuable insights and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities AI presents, and how best to navigate these uncertain times through his own career journey and experiences. He questions what it means for creatives both now and in the future.

Biography:

Professor Andy McNamara leads the global Generative AI exploration unit at world leading VFX and Animation studio Cinesite in London, where he’s also the Executive Creative Director of the Immersive division. As an award-winning VFX artist, creative, and technologist, Andy brings over 35 years of experience in high end CGI and VFX, spanning film, broadcast, commercials, and immersive projects. His career began in IBM R&D in the late 1980s during the formative years of CGI, shaping a lifelong focus on blending creativity and technical innovation. He has since held senior creative and leadership roles at Cinesite, the BBC, Publicis, and Rushes amongst others. Andy’s work spans major feature films including Thor: Love and Thunder, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and Spectre, alongside commercials for global brands such as Nike, Versace, Burberry, and McDonald’s. His experience also covers broadcast projects for the BBC, Disney, and National Geographic, Broadway theatre productions in the US, and large-scale immersive work for Frameless, The Outernet, and the V&A. His contributions have been recognised with industry awards including VES, BIMA, Ciclope, and British Arrows.

He continues to explore new developments in the industry relating to emerging technologies and innovation to solve complex production problems in areas such as real-time rendering, virtual production, next generation immersive experiences, AI and beyond... Alongside his studio role, Andy is a Creative Partner at leading US Generative AI company – Runway, and a Visiting Professor of Design & AI at York St John University.

Timings and Refreshments

This event will finish at 7.00pm and will be followed by a drinks reception from 7.00pm - 7.45pm for all attending.

Venue: De Grey Lecture Theatre, York St John University, Lord Mayor’s Walk, YO31 7EX. This event will be in person.