philip lelyveld The world of entertainment technology

Silicon Valley’s Luma AI Launches L.A. Studio, Taps Veteran Execs Verena Puhm And Jon Finger For Key Posts

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Puhm, an early AI adopter, has created work for CNN, the BBC, Netflix, Red Bull Media, and Leonine Studios. Projects she has led have garnered recognition from Sundance, Project Odyssey, Curious Refuge, and OpenAI’s Sora Selects. In her new role, Puhm will spearhead the studio’s vision and lead a production slate.

“I believe the future of storytelling should be shaped by the people who tell stories, not just the people who build the tools,” Puhm said. “We’re cultivating a community, a creative lab, and a launchpad for what’s next. This isn’t just another platform; it’s a creative studio built from the ground up to blend technological innovation with artistic intention.”

Finger brings more than 15 years of experience at the intersection of emerging technology and content creation. A pioneer in at-home motion capture, 3D scanning, and virtual production, he has worked across various entertainment sectors with brands such as Paramount Network, The Game Awards, and Comedy Central, and has also developed for Netflix. For the past three years, Finger has focused on AI integration in filmmaking, emphasizing physicalized control over AI-driven productions.

“The focus here is to find the best experiences for passionate creatives,” Finger said. “The world is changing quickly, and we want to find the best ways for fun, fulfilling human-centric creative expression to not only continue but be amplified, so more creative people can find a new prosperous way forward.”

... calling Dream Lab LA “a space for experimentation, education, and collaboration between studios, creators, and curious minds.” ...

See the full story here: https://deadline.com/2025/07/luma-ai-launches-dream-lab-studio-in-la-hires-execs-verena-puhm-jon-finger-1236453424/