The entertainment tech industry is experiencing a seismic shift, and Canada is at the forefront. With the gaming market expected to receive a revenue of over USD$3 billion in 2024 and home to more than 900 studios, our growth is obvious to all. This industry isn’t just growing—it’s evolving, blending artificial intelligence and immersive technologies to transform how we create and consume content.
But for underrepresented groups, especially Black innovators like myself, breaking into this space has been both a challenge and an opportunity. My journey has been anything but linear, but it has shown me that with the right mindset, even the toughest barriers can be overcome.
From Manchester to Hollywood
I never imagined my love for computers would lead me here. During my undergrad in Manchester, I wasn’t exposed to the entertainment industry. It wasn’t until later, after relentlessly knocking on the doors of post-production studios in LA, that I broke into the visual effects (VFX) world. It wasn’t easy—far from it—but determination has always been in my blood.
When the SAG strikes of 2023 brought the VFX industry to a standstill, I knew it was time for change. That’s when I co-founded Savepoint, a company reimagining how we use AI in entertainment. I wanted to create something that wasn’t just innovative but transformative.
Why AI is the Future
AI is reshaping entertainment in ways we could have only dreamed of a decade ago. At Savepoint, we specialize in creating ultra-high-quality digital replicas—scans of celebrities, athletes, and everyday people that are so lifelike, they’re indistinguishable from reality.
These digital replicas do more than streamline production; they’re becoming new revenue streams. Imagine a world where actors can license their likenesses for films, video games, or even virtual reality experiences without being physically present. This technology isn’t just efficient—it’s revolutionary.
But with great power comes great responsibility. The rise of deepfakes has shown us how AI can be misused. At Savepoint, we’ve invested in scanner technology that captures 200,000 times more data than typical systems, allowing us to create tools that confirm identity with absolute precision. Imagine an add-on for Zoom that ensures the CFO you’re talking to is genuinely who they claim to be.
The Art of Perfection
In the VFX world, there’s no room for “almost perfect.” It either looks right, or it doesn’t. That philosophy has guided every project I’ve worked on, and it’s no different at Savepoint.
While we’ve focused primarily on feature films, I’m excited about how our technology can scale for real-time applications in gaming. The biggest challenge? Computational power. Competing with tech giants for GPU resources isn’t easy, but partnerships with companies like Microsoft and Nvidia have helped us push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Representation Matters
Canada’s tech workforce is predominantly white, with Black professionals making up less than 3%. That statistic alone shows how much work we have to do. But instead of being discouraged, I see this as an opportunity.
At Savepoint, we’re deliberately focusing on markets like Africa, which have historically been underrepresented in global media. I believe the future of entertainment must reflect the diversity of its audience, and I’m committed to making that happen.
Advice for Aspiring Innovators
If you’re an aspiring innovator looking to break into entertainment tech, here’s my advice:
- Test Your Ideas Quickly: Don’t get bogged down in the details. Identify the biggest risk about your product and validate it.
- Embrace Failure: I’ve had seven failed startups, and each one taught me something that prepared me for Savepoint.
- Find the Right Partner: A co-founder makes all the difference. If you’re struggling to find one, platforms like Y Combinator’s co-founder matching portal can help.
- Leverage the Top AI Tools Now: Tools like ChatGPT Plus have been a game-changer for me, amplifying my productivity and creativity.
Looking Ahead
The future of entertainment tech lies in the perfection of digital replicas and AI-driven storytelling. At Savepoint, we’re leading this shift. Our next big move involves scaling up mobile scanners for global deployment, bringing this technology to filmmakers, gamers, and creators worldwide.
But this isn’t just about technology—it’s about ethics. We don’t want a future dominated by legacy talent, where only the biggest names benefit from AI. We need to create space for fresh voices and new stories. That’s the real promise of this technology. That’s why we also do free scans of lesser known talent.
Canada’s entertainment tech industry is on the rise, and the opportunities are endless. For Black innovators, this is our moment. The industry won’t hand us opportunities; we have to create them.
At the same time, those of us already in the field have a responsibility to mentor and uplift others. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the people who believed in me. Now, it’s my turn to pay it forward. So feel free to reach out to me on Linkedin.
Canada is quickly becoming a global leader in gaming and entertainment tech, and I’m proud to be part of this journey. But the work doesn’t stop here. We need more representation, more innovation, and more voices shaping the future. If my journey has taught me anything, it’s that resilience and vision can turn even the toughest obstacles into stepping stones.
The future is bright—but only if we make it so.
