Digital
Gengis AI launches Singapore’s first AI-Powered studio
SINGAPORE: Singapore’s filmmaking scene just got a high-tech boost with the launch of Gengis AI, the city-state’s first AI-enabled production studio. The studio integrates artificial intelligence across development, virtual production and post-production, bringing futuristic tools to real-world filmmaking.
Founded by seasoned producers Karen Seah and Tan Sian Ju of Refinery Media, along with virtual production expert Joel Lim, Gengis AI aims to make AI a practical, creative partner rather than a standalone gadget. The studio designs workflows that weave AI into scripting, on-set production and post, helping productions iterate faster and scale ambitions while keeping human creativity at the centre.
“AI promises transformation for media, yet most teams struggle to deploy it safely and effectively on set,” said CEO and co-founder Joel Lim. “Our workflows let filmmakers take bolder creative risks and move faster, without losing control.”
Gengis AI focuses on AI-driven VFX and intelligent virtual set extensions, which allow rapid asset creation and real-time LED wall enhancements. By combining these tools with Singapore’s largest independent LED virtual production volume at X3D Studio, productions can expand visual ambition, shorten iteration cycles and reduce post-production costs, all within existing crew workflows and budgets.
The studio has already teamed up with Refinery Media on digital-first microdramas and short-form projects, including a vertical, unscripted reimagining of the popular SupermodelMe series. The project demonstrates how AI can compress development timelines while maintaining operational efficiency.
“As a production company, we want to reformat our IP quickly for new platforms without constantly expanding the team,” said co-founder Karen Seah. “AI-enabled workflows let us do more with what we have.”
With Singapore positioning itself as a hub for AI and media innovation, Gengis AI plans to support hybrid human-AI productions across the Asia-Pacific region, bridging cutting-edge technology with practical filmmaking realities.
Digital
OpenAI’s Stargate lead Peter Hoeschele exits with two senior leaders
Trio behind compute push set to join new startup amid leadership reshuffle
SAN FRANCISCO: Peter Hoeschele, a key figure behind OpenAI’s early Stargate data centre initiative, has exited the company, according to a report by The Information.
The departure is part of a broader leadership shift, with two other senior executives, Shamez Hemani and Anuj Saharan, also set to leave in the coming days. All three are expected to join the same new startup, although details about the venture remain under wraps.
The trio played a central role in OpenAI’s Stargate effort, an initiative aimed at building large-scale data centre capacity in-house to reduce reliance on external infrastructure providers. Their exits mark a notable moment for the company’s compute strategy as it continues to scale rapidly.
OpenAI spokesperson said in a statement to The Information, “We’re grateful for the contributions Peter, Shamez, and Anuj have made to OpenAI and wish them the very best in what comes next.” The company also pointed to the recent appointment of Sachin Katti to lead its industrial compute organisation, signalling continuity in its infrastructure roadmap.
OpenAI has indicated that it does not plan to directly replace Hoeschele’s role, suggesting a possible restructuring of responsibilities within the team.
As competition intensifies in the race to build next-generation AI systems, leadership changes in core infrastructure teams are likely to draw close attention. For now, the spotlight shifts to what this departing trio builds next, and how OpenAI adapts as it scales its ambitions.
