Production environment representing ETC work in media technology

Shaping the Future of Entertainment Technology

ETC is a USC School of Cinematic Arts research center and industry convenor exploring how emerging technologies change the way entertainment is created, distributed, archived, and experienced.

Explore Projects Latest Publications ETC Events

Focus

Media, AI, and production workflows

Approach

Research grounded in industry practice

Output

Projects, convenings, and publications

ETC News

The latest from the Entertainment Technology Center

Announcement

ETC Welcomes Wendy Aylsworth as Board Chair

Industry veteran and award-winning media executive Wendy Aylsworth — CEO and CTO of Walden Pond technology consultancy — has been named the new chair of ETC’s executive board. Aylsworth has an impressive history developing entertainment technology while serving leadership positions at Warner Bros. and The Walt Disney Company. She also has a distinguished track record providing strategic board guidance for numerous organizations, including the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, Hollywood Professional Association (HPA), American Society of Cinematographers (ASC), and the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE), among others. As the next chair of ETC’s executive board, Aylsworth replaces Michael Wise, former CTO of Universal Pictures.

September 2, 2026

Events

ETC Integrates Beeble into Film Projects

The Entertainment Technology Center has integrated Beeble’s AI-powered production tools into its filmmaking education and research, giving students hands-on experience with AI workflows for visual effects, virtual production, and cinematic storytelling. Beeble develops AI-powered tools for filmmakers, VFX studios, technical artists, and content creators. Its technologies enable artists to integrate advanced machine learning into professional filmmaking workflows.

September 1, 2026

Announcements

ETC Unveils New Website, Social Media Plans

The Entertainment Technology Center launched a strategic marketing and communication initiative this year to reimagine its brand, industry interaction, online presence, and knowledge-sharing efforts. The first step involved shuttering the ETCentric daily news portal and designing a new website with a focus on ETC film projects, research, special events, and related news.

August 31, 2026

Latest from ETC on LinkedIn

Read the latest ETC update on LinkedIn.

Featured Research

Current projects advancing the intersection of entertainment and technology

Narrative Context ProtocolOngoing

Narrative Context Protocol

Exploring new frameworks for story, metadata, attribution, provenance, interoperability, and distribution in a media landscape assisted by generative tools.

Archived ProjectsArchive

Archived Projects

Legacy projects from ETC

AI & Emergent MediaOngoing

AI & Emergent Media

Researching production workflows that combine physical stages, real-time rendering, LED volumes, and adaptive creative pipelines.

AI & Enterprise SystemsOngoing

AI & Enterprise Systems

Examining how artificial intelligence can support creative teams while raising important questions about authorship, labor, standards, and responsibility.

View All Research Projects

Industry News

Curated developments from across the entertainment technology sector

CinematographyVarietyOct 14, 2026

From Bob Hope to Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to ‘Wicked: One Wonderful Night’: How NBC Became America’s Home for TV Specials

NBC's first television special, "The Frigidaire Star Spangled Revue," was a viewer hit.

AI in MediaTechCrunchOct 14, 2026

Zenzap raises $44M for its AI chat app that aims to replace WhatsApp in the workplace

Zenzap raises $44M for its AI chat app used by Starbucks and Taco Bell.

Industry InsightsForbesOct 14, 2026

The Global Economy Requires A Global Internet

Addressing persistent cyber threats is essential—but doing so while preserving a single, open, interoperable global internet is equally essential.

StreamingThe Hollywood ReporterOct 14, 2026

TikTok Inks Second Major Microdrama Deal, Partners With Made By Us Studios

TikTok partners with Made By Us Studios for a second major microdrama deal.

Industry InsightsCord Cutters NewsOct 14, 2026

Federal Judge Blocks Another Major Merger In The World of Cable TV & Cable Internet Over Concerns It’s Running Out of Money

A federal judge in New York has halted a major transaction in the cable and broadband sector, temporarily preventing Cable One from completing its purchase of the remaining equity.

Industry InsightsMacworldOct 14, 2026

Every new Apple product coming in 2026 & 2027

Macworld reports new Apple products are arriving throughout 2026 and 2027.

AI in MediaGizmodoOct 13, 2026

Here’s How OpenAI Says It Used AI to Find a Spy Inside Its Company

OpenAI used AI to identify a corporate spy within its company.

Industry InsightsTechCrunchOct 13, 2026

Judge orders OpenAI to turn over hiring records in Apple trade secrets case

A judge ordered OpenAI to turn over hiring records in the Apple trade secrets case.

AI in MediaWiredOct 13, 2026

OpenAI and Anthropic Tell British Lawmakers: Regulate Us

OpenAI and Anthropic told British lawmakers to regulate them during a parliamentary session.

CinematographyPetaPixelOct 13, 2026

Arri Film Lab 1.5 Aims To Emulate Even More Analog Cinema Formats

Arri Film Lab 1.5 adds more analog cinema formats to digital workflows.

AI in MediaMacworldOct 13, 2026

Apple HomeView: Everything you need to know about Apple’s smart-home display

Apple HomeView is Apple’s first dedicated smart-home display with a touchscreen, speakers, camera, and Siri AI.

Industry InsightsLos Angeles TimesOct 13, 2026Subscription Required

Paramount takes over Netflix's Bay Theater in Pacific Palisades, plans reopening

Paramount Pictures is taking over the Bay Theater at Caruso's Palisades Village, closed since the January 2025 fire, and plans to reopen it as a dine-in cinema.

AI in MediaSports Video Group NewsOct 12, 2026