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RYAN KAVANAUGH TO RECEIVE OUTSTANDING VIRTUAL PRODUCTION AWARD AT INFINITY FESTIVAL’S 2026 MONOLITH AWARDS FOR ACME STUDIOS WORK

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Two-Day Showcase Expands Lineup with ACME’s Ryan Kavanaugh alongside George R.R. Martin, Brad Bird, Seth Rogen, Mel Brooks, Pola Maneli and Leading Animation Studios

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Infinity Festival announced today that Ryan Kavanaugh’s studio, ACME Media, is being honored for pioneering the Grey Box™, an AI-driven production methodology that integrates live-action performance, virtual environments and generative visual effects. ACME AI is taking virtual production beyond the stage and into the whole of filmmaking. 

They were selected for this honor as the company to make the biggest paradigm shift utilizing technology in film and entertainment today. Specifically, they were able to create a totally photoreal movie, preserve all actor performance and pioneer the use of the Grey Box™ methodology for actor capture, while utilizing their tech to create over 213 locations in 21 total days. 

The Grey Box™ is a stage and actor performance capture system built around the filmmaker. A Grey Box™ production makes films the way films have always been made – it shoots with the same cameras, the same crew and the same process as any other film, just with extra technology and a precise design to allow for a more cohesive and cost effective process. Department heads are employed and on set, the actor’s performance is not touched, and the director still owns the frame. 

ACME’s own systems, engines and artists (150 across multiple locations) then build the world around that performance, delivering fully photoreal 16-bit 4K output for theatrical release. 

The Grey Box’s™ proprietary performance capture methodology leads to a 50-75 percent reduction in production time and cost. This gives each film and filmmaker more flexibility, tools and coverage than was financially feasible previously. 

” Virtual production has never been about technology alone. It’s about expanding what filmmakers can imagine and achieve. ACME AI & FX is challenging the boundaries of traditional production by rethinking how live-action performances, digital environments, and emerging technologies come together,” said Jeroen Hallaert, Executive Producer, Infinity Festival Hollywood.

“Their approach represents exactly the kind of bold experimentation and convergence we celebrate at Infinity Festival. We’re proud to recognize ACME AI & FX with the Monolith Award for Outstanding Virtual Production.

ACME has spent in excess of 70 million dollars building its tech, which has led to its own process and program which runs off of over 500 tools and 175 film attributes with thousands of its own lawyers on its its internal program now running across its own network. “This was a two-year, multimillion-dollar, all-hands effort and we couldn’t be more proud of the team for what it built,” said Garrett Grant, ACME co-founder and partner. ACME is the only production company and/or studio to deliver an A list feature film utilizing AI which holds up against films shot traditionally for much larger budgets. 

Yves Bergquist, who is one of the most relied upon voices by studios and entertainment companies around technology and AI in relation to entertainment (he is the head of the AI Media lab at USC’s Entertainment Technology Center and a member of the generative AI working group at the Academy of Motion Pictures), said: “I am in the fortunate position where I see what I believe is all the most recent advancements in AI filmmaking. That includes from the biggest tech companies to the studios to highly respected filmmakers. More or less anyone doing AI production, I have seen their work. To date, I haven’t seen anyone that is even at 10 percent of the quality or output of where ACME is. What they have done is not just extraordinary; it’s a shift to the industry no one else has even begun to figure out. Their product is bar none, on par with the biggest, best productions to come out of Hollywood. There is a reason they are making movies for many of the studios and have so many films in their pipeline and that ACME has become the go to for studios and production companies alike and the reason they have become the go to not just for AI production but more and more for production overall.” 

Other features that they have built and incorporated include another 246 unique virtual production features 

A director’s dashboard that allows a director to seamlessly work between the real grey stage shooting with their traditional camera setups and team and the virtual portion with easeLens and Lighting Library: virtually every lens and lighting package filmmakers rely on, built and mapped so the finished world matches what the camera photographed, including anamorphic.Being able to adjust the camera, lighting, camera movement, lenses in postBeing able to adjust any part of a scene that isn’t the actor’s performance in post Full DI and finishing system Theatrical Finishing: photoreal 16-bit 4K output, mastered through to DCP and EXR delivery.Protected IP: a portfolio of 22 patent applications covering the core systems.

Kavanaugh said, “The ability to respect the integrity of the acting while being so tech-forward was a big part of our consideration. Obviously the tech itself and the artistic process that is required to make the tech work is another. They are literally bringing back the mid-budget film genre by making those stories financially feasible to make. The art of filmmaking is at the heart of everything we do. We built the Grey Box™ and our own engines so that every tool a director could want is available, even on a small-budget movie. Original films that sat for years because of cost are now getting made, at the same scale and with the same vision. We are grateful to Infinity Festival for recognizing that,” said Ryan Kavanaugh, founder of ACME and consider this a tremendous honor.”

The Monolith Awards honor Story Advanced by Technology. This award honors ACME for pioneering an AI-driven production methodology that integrates live-action performance, virtual environments and generative visual effects. With Bitcoin, ACME has taken virtual production beyond the stage and into the whole of filmmaking, bringing some 200 story locations to life around real performances captured over 20 days. We are delighted to celebrate it alongside this year’s honorees, including Brad Bird and George R.R. Martin, both receiving Lifetime Achievement.

Additional featured talent includes Sony Pictures Animation director Tyree Dillihay and President Kristine Belson; Netflix’s Steps directors Alyce Tzue and John Ripa; Disney/Pixar Hoppers director Daniel Chong; Toy Story 5 co-director/writer Kenna Harris; Hexed directors Fawn Veerasunthorn and Jason Hand; DreamWorks Forgotten Island filmmakers Joel Crawford and Januel P. Mercado; LAIKA’s Wildwood writer Chris Butler and cinematographer Caleb Deschanel; Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender director Lauren Montgomery; The Simpsons director David Silverman; Cartoon Saloon director Louise Bagnall; Tangles director Leah Nelson, Cat in the Hat directors Erica Rivinoja and Alessandro Carloni, X-Men ’97, The Violinist directors Raul Garcia and Ervin Han and The Proud Family creator Bruce W. Smith and more.

 ABOUT ACME

ACME Media is a film and television studio and the parent company of ACME AI, the most prolific studio working in AI today. ACME’s principals have produced, financed or distributed more than 250 films with more than $17 billion in global box office. They created slate co-financing, built the structure that allowed Marvel to make its own films, co-created the subscription streaming window with Netflix and built the largest mini-major studio of its era. Their films have received over 60 Academy Award® nominations, Based in Los Angeles and London with AI artists worldwide, ACME pioneered the Grey Box studio and completed the first performance capture AI film BITCOIN, currently in post-production. The film is directed by Doug Liman and stars Casey Affleck, Gal Gadot, Pete Davidson and Isla Fisher. ACME has more than twelve films in various stages of production.

 ACME AI pioneered the Grey Box, a stage and actor performance capture system that delivers photoreal 16-bit 4K theatrical output while cutting below-the-line costs and has over a dozen feature films in various stages of production, as well as endeavors in music videos, and advertising.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ryan-kavanaugh-to-receive-outstanding-virtual-production-award-at-infinity-festivals-2026-monolith-awards-for-acme-studios-work-302939407.html

SOURCE Infinity Festival

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APEC 2026 Host City Promotional Video Shenzhen: Where the Future Takes Shape Released Worldwide

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November 15, 2026

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SHENZHEN, China, Nov. 14, 2026 /CNW/ — Shenzhen: Where the Future Takes Shape, the official promotional video for the host city of the 2026 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting, was released worldwide on November 15, as APEC Economic Leaders’ Week got underway in Shenzhen.

Presented by the Publicity Department of the CPC Shenzhen Municipal Committee and produced by Shenzhen Media Group, the video takes “Where the Future Takes Shape” as its central theme.

It brings together Shenzhen’s pioneering reforms, its achievements in building a modern, people-centered city, and the theme of 2026 APEC “China Year,” “Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together.” Through the story of Shenzhen, the video offers international audiences a vivid look at Chinese modernization in practice, while extending a warm welcome to guests from across the Asia-Pacific and beyond. It also reflects the host city’s commitment to openness and its vision of working with regional partners to create a better future.

Shenzhen itself takes center stage in the video. Through six dimensions — innovative, livable, beautiful, resilient, culturally advanced, and smart — the production captures the city’s character during this landmark year and showcases its vitality and appeal to audiences worldwide.

The Chinese- and English-language versions premiered simultaneously across Shenzhen Media Group’s platforms, including Shenzhen TV’s 4K Ultra HD channel, its international channel, and the international social media network of “Shenzhen Channel”.

Featuring more than 260 shots, 99% of them newly filmed in 2026, this six-minute film brings Shenzhen to life–from cutting-edge innovation and vibrant urban spaces to stunning natural landscapes and cultural diversity.

Discover a city where the future is already taking shape, and where people from across the Asia-Pacific are invited to come together, share opportunities, and build a brighter, more prosperous future.

At this moment, Shenzhen is at its best.

As the video’s closing narration declares:

In 2026, the world gathers in Shenzhen to write a new chapter in building an Asia-Pacific Community to prosper together.

Gather in Shenzhen.

Witness miracles.

Together, let’s create a brighter future!

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/apec-2026-host-city-promotional-video-shenzhen-where-the-future-takes-shape-released-worldwide-302939610.html

SOURCE Shenzhen Media Group

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IP GUANGDONG debuts at the Media Center of APEC Economic Leaders’ Week

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November 15, 2026

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GUANGZHOU, China, Nov. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — This is a news report from South.

The media center for the 2026 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Week opened on November 11 in the host city of Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, southern China.

Located in Hall 2 of the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center in Futian District, the APEC media center spans around 15,000 square meters. It will offer services including meeting updates, radio and television broadcast feeds, press briefings, and smart news gathering and production tools for nearly 5000 Chinese and international journalists.

IP GUANGDONG, a community open to anyone who wants to share Guangdong’s stories with the world, has set up a themed space called “A Home for Asia-Pacific Friends” at the APEC media center. The space offers Chinese and international journalists a friendly, homelike atmosphere and has been a popular photo spot since opening day.

What unique experiences does IP GUANGDONG offer at the APEC media center? Here is a first look.

Bringing Guangdong’s hospitality to the front lines of reporting

Openness, innovation and cooperation are the three priorities for the APEC China 2026, and they also reflect Guangdong’s approach to welcoming guests. Through “A Home for Asia-Pacific Friends,” IP GUANGDONG is using the occasion to build friendships and offer thoughtful, welcoming services to journalists from around the world. Reporters coming to Shenzhen may be unfamiliar with the city, find it hard to source material, have little space to film on camera or lack equipment, so IP GUANGDONG has set up a range of support services in the themed space.

IP GUANGDONG is a shared platform for Guangdong’s international image, and its library holds more than 50,000 high-quality images and videos from and about the province. Its “Visual Content Station,” located within the themed space, allows Chinese and international journalists to quickly purchase and license high-quality images and footage of Guangdong, providing a one-stop solution to difficulties in sourcing content and uncertainty over usage rights.

In the age of new media, news production moves at almost lightning speed. With a Pocket camera in one hand and a microphone in the other, a single reporter can gather and edit news right at the scene.

To support this way of working, IP GUANGDONG has teamed up with its partner DJI to set up a dedicated DJI service station, where Chinese and international journalists can borrow Osmo Pocket 4 cameras. Reporters can register on site with valid media credentials and borrow a camera for their reporting. During breaks, they can also capture the beauty and variety of Shenzhen, sharing their images with the world through IP GUANGDONG.

Discovering and sharing stories behind Guangdong products

Guangdong goods have continued to attract attention online and offline this year. Their global reach is underpinned not only by Guangdong’s strength in smart manufacturing, but also by the cultural appeal embedded in its products. Every Guangdong product has a story worth telling. Drawing on this rich source of news stories, IP GUANGDONG has teamed up with its partners to display a diverse selection of finely crafted Guangdong products at the themed space’s service counter, giving journalists a place to discover local creations and find inspiration.

Reflecting the current boom in designer collectible toys, IP GUANGDONG is showcasing a range of representative designer toy brands and characters from Guangdong. Highlights include dolls featuring Xiyangyang and Lerongrong, the mascots of the 15th National Games, who have just turned two. Also on display are 3D metal puzzles from Piececool and original characters Laura and the panda Mr. PA from ToyCity. Both companies behind these two brands are based in Dongguan, known as China’s designer toy capital. Also featured are Guangdong’s “three teas”: Yingde black tea, Chaozhou Dancong tea and Zijin cicada tea. Rich in positive symbolism, they offer a vivid introduction to Lingnan culture.

By introducing the products on display in this compact showcase, IP GUANGDONG will work with visiting journalists to explore the stories behind them and share with the world the message that “Guangdong products make the world better.”

Exploring Guangdong without leaving the venue

The IP GUANGDONG themed space also invites visitors to enjoy interactive experiences. Between assignments, journalists can relax and take away their own memories of Guangdong from the APEC China 2026.

At the center of the space, IP GUANGDONG has installed a photo booth where journalists can create personalized postcards featuring Guangdong’s landmarks and scenery. Visitors simply step inside, have their photo taken and choose their favorite Guangdong backdrop. Their custom postcard is generated on the spot, taking them on a virtual tour of the province without leaving the venue.

All 16 landmark images were captured by IP GUANGDONG creators. They include Zhao Junhui’s photograph of the Shenzhen International Exchange Center, the main APEC meeting venue; Liu Shihui’s image of Danxiashan in Shaoguan; Luo Jinping’s view of the “Sea of Pineapples” in Zhanjiang; and Qiu Xuqing’s photograph of the Zhongshan Memorial Pavilion in Shantou Small Park. Each image reveals a different facet of Lingnan’s beauty and reflects the platform’s vision: “Everyone creates, everyone showcases, everyone shares.”

IP GUANGDONG has also prepared 2,000 surprise gift bags for Chinese and international journalists. The bags contain Guangdong specialty snacks, everyday essentials, small cultural and creative gifts, and postcards from the “Snacks of Guangdong” series illustrated by guest contributor XiaoLin Comics. These gifts bring an element of surprise and fun to journalists’ day.

A space to connect: Say “Hello, friend!”

The APEC media center is both a place for Chinese and international journalists to work efficiently and a setting for face-to-face conversation and for sharing observations and experiences. The IP GUANGDONG themed space includes a dedicated area for interviews, discussions and cultural exchanges.

As visitors enter, they are greeted by the words “Hello, friend!” in 12 major languages used across APEC member economies.

On the columns flanking the space, IP GUANGDONG and Chinese tech brand HONOR present “Home Through the Lenses of Asia-Pacific Creators,” a collection of photographs created collaboratively by contributors from around the world. Images from across the Asia-Pacific are displayed alongside scenes of Lingnan, bringing different cultures into conversation through photography.

On the way from the work area to the dining area, journalists can enjoy a calming visual interlude at “Asia-Pacific Perspectives: Impressions of Guangdong,” an illustration exhibition jointly produced by IP GUANGDONG and China Daily. It features 40 selected works by illustrators from APEC member economies, including China, the US, Russia, Japan, Singapore and Indonesia. Guangdong’s streets and lanes, natural landscapes and the warmth of the Asia-Pacific family come to life in their illustrations. Journalists are invited to slow down, glimpse one another’s lives in familiar scenes, unwind and feel a little closer.

Don’t miss out! It’s giveaway time!

How to claim your IP GUANGDONG surprise gift bag

Dates and times: November 11–19, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 2:00–6:00 p.m.

How to claim: Scan the QR codes to follow IP GUANGDONG’s WeChat Official Account and WeChat Channels account. Then scan the registration QR code to join the platform and upload your first snapshot to receive a surprise gift bag.

Availability: Limited to 200 bags per day, on a first-come, first-served basis.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/ip-guangdong-debuts-at-the-media-center-of-apec-economic-leaders-week-302939601.html

SOURCE South

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The First Cartridge-Free Smart Waterless Diffuser Is Here. What Would You Fill It With?

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November 14, 2026

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Lephrone set out to solve a frustration for customers who want smart control over their home fragrance and the freedom to choose their own oils. The H300 is the first waterless diffuser to combine cartridge-free refills, Wi-Fi app control, smart home integration, and an in-app fragrance oil library with scanning and personal notes. Customers can use their favorite compatible oils, create their own blends, and use the app to set a scenting schedule and track how much oil is left.

NEW YORK, Nov. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — “There are thousands of fragrance oils out there, so why lock yourself into just one brand?” said a Lephrone developer.

“Lephrone took the best of the diffuser world and left the worst behind.”

We wanted to make a device for people who need a ritual to unwind and want more control over their surroundings. There’s a whole world of sensory experiences out there, and our goal was to bring the way you manage scent at home into the digital world.

With the H300 lephrone diffuser, we kept what we liked about smart cartridge-based diffusers: Wi-Fi connectivity, lephrone app, voice control, and the ability to recognize oils and track how much is left. We made sure it supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi. We also did away with what frustrated us most: never-ending subscriptions, cartridges that run out too quickly, and limits on which oils you can use. With the H300, you get to choose the oils you want and create blends you love.

We also added support for multiple users and multiple diffusers, so everyone in the household can control the devices and set schedules. The H300 can run even when it’s offline.

We’re releasing our own fragrances, too. In the app, you can scan them into your personal fragrance library and write down how a scent made you feel, whether you liked it, and what others at home thought of it. That matters because after trying a few oils, it’s easy to forget which one you loved most or which one everyone else kept asking for.

We’re rolling this out to more Lephrone models next. Stay tuned.

Media Contact

Elina, Lephrone, 1 6463844148, info@lephrone.com, Lephrone

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/the-first-cartridge-free-smart-waterless-diffuser-is-here-what-would-you-fill-it-with-302939367.html

SOURCE Lephrone

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