Models, Modalities, and Memes: Creating Compelling AI Characters

In this episode of the a16z AI podcast, Hedra CEO and co-founder Michael Lingelbach joins a16z partners Justine Moore and Matt Bornstein to discuss Hedra's role in creating viral video clips and the company's approach to building video models that feel alive. They explore the shift from prosumer creativity to enterprise-scale applications, focusing on real-time interactivity, programmable personas, and character-first video experiences. Lingelbach shares insights on leveraging memes for marketing, the importance of generative acting, and the concept of autonomous digital personas. The conversation also covers the challenges and opportunities in the generative video space, including the balance between model control and user steerability, the potential for AI actors, and the future of personalized media experiences.