Oxide and Friends · 23 Jul 2026 · 1h 04m · Episode 16
Ramy Katrib, founder of DigitalFilm Tree, discusses the evolution of digital storytelling with hosts Bryan Cantrill and Adam Leventhal, covering the transition from film to digital via Apple's FireWire and the current shift toward high-resolution, high-dynamic-range content. Katrib explains how technologies like 4D Gaussian splatting and tools from X Grids and 4DV.ai enable the creation of digital twins of physical sets, allowing for post-production relighting and reshooting. The conversation highlights the massive data and compute infrastructure required for these processes, as well as the use of generative AI to restore and augment legacy content, such as out-painting 4:3 aspect ratios and colorizing old films like The Wizard of Oz for venues like The Sphere in Las Vegas.
Where this conversation describes AI being used to build or deliver a product. Part of the AI in practice tracker.
Engineering & simulation
Used generative AI to create 'out-painted' sides for a 4:3 aspect ratio show, expanding the frame to 16:9 so the flashback scenes looked cinematic.
“So long story short, we created the sides using generative AI, and lo and behold, it worked out really well, like to the point that if you're watching it, even the forms on Reddit did not pick it up unless you were really astute.”
Ramy Katrib · Hear it at 32:19
Engineering & simulationGoogle DeepMind
Used AI to restore and colorize the film 'The Wizard of Oz' for a large-scale screen installation, outpainting the original 4:3 square film to 16k resolution.
“When all was said and done, more people have seen the wizard of Oz than anyone could ever because of that restoration. … they did it. They pulled it off, and and they're still improving upon what was a four by three film, a square film, and it was out painted to 16 k by 16 k resolution.”
Ramy Katrib · Hear it at 36:53
established companies
Other shows on the same ground, closest first.
The hosts of The Next Byte Podcast present their 2024 'Saucies' awards, reviewing ten standout episodes from the past year. They highlight technologies ranging from AI-generated 3D design by Raymond Whitekamp and neuroprosthetics from ETH Zurich to Dyson’s automated strawberry farm and Stanford’s mobile Aloha robot. The discussion also covers practical applications like Audi’s use of 3D printed jigs, MIT’s AI doctor co-pilots, and smart traffic systems from the University of Michigan, concluding with an interview on AI safety with Karsten Roscher from the Fraunhofer Institute.
Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss their recent projects, including Jimmy's restoration of an 1893 Winchester rifle and his build of a prop rifle from The Mandalorian, Bob's creation of fire pit tools, and David's first go-kart race. The conversation shifts to a comparison of old versus new technology, with Bob detailing his transition from film to digital cameras and Jimmy's appreciation for the mechanical elegance of antique printing presses. They also touch on the reliability of modern action cameras like GoPro and DJI Osmo, and recommend Hatch Show Print, Zach King's optical illusions, and Ken Burns' Country Music documentary.
Sam George, Board Member of Cosmo Tech and former Corporate VP of Azure IoT at Microsoft, explains how digital twins and AI-guided simulation help enterprises meet KPIs and demonstrate ROI. He contrasts simple operational awareness with complex goal-seeking simulations, using Michelin’s supply chain optimization as a primary example of reducing carbon emissions and increasing profitability. George emphasizes that deterministic generative AI guides these simulations to find optimal outcomes in complex environments, democratizing access to tools that were previously the domain of advanced experts.
Adam Scraba, Director of Product Marketing at NVIDIA, discusses how IoT and AI are converging to turn static infrastructure into 'robots' through vision AI and digital twins. He explains that the massive deployment of networked cameras allows for superhuman perception, enabling applications in smart cities, retail, and manufacturing that prioritize safety and efficiency. Scraba highlights the shift from technology-driven solutions to domain-expert-driven applications, facilitated by accessible AI tools and simulation technologies like NVIDIA Metropolis.
Mark Milstein, founder of Microstock Solutions and Digital Content Solutions, explains why traditional keywording fails for 360 and VR content, describing it as 'trying to put a tire on a horse.' He introduces VR Meta, a toolkit applying time and location-based metadata to make immersive media searchable, noting that major stock agencies like Getty and Shutterstock currently lack these capabilities. Milstein details his journey from founding Eastern Europe's first internet-based photo agency, Red Dot, to building enterprise asset management services for clients like GoPro and Uber.
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