Podcast Summary: Reshaping Workflows with Dell Pro Max and NVIDIA RTX PRO GPUs
Episode: How AI + Dell Power Creativity and Efficiency
Host: Logan Lawler
Guest: Ben, Filmmaker and AI Developer at Aurora Picture Company
Release Date: June 19, 2025
Introduction
In this engaging episode of Reshaping Workflows with Dell Pro Max and NVIDIA RTX PRO GPUs, host Logan Lawler welcomes Ben from Aurora Picture Company. Ben shares his journey from traditional filmmaking to developing an AI-powered video game, Glimmer. The conversation delves into the transformative role of AI in creative workflows, the transition from cloud-based to local computing, and the future of high-performance computing in media and entertainment.
Guest Introduction and Background
Ben introduces himself as a filmmaker who ventured deeply into the realm of artificial intelligence. He has been developing an AI-driven video game named Glimmer using a powerful Dell Pro Max PC equipped with NVIDIA RTX PRO GPUs.
Ben [01:08]: "I'm a filmmaker, but I got into AI in a big way and I got... I got a super powerful Dell computer and I've been developing an AI video game locally and it's called Glimmer."
Perception of AI in Media and Entertainment
Logan probes Ben about the evolving perception of AI within the media and entertainment industry. Ben emphasizes that AI is not viewed uniformly but ultimately serves as a powerful enhancer of creativity.
Ben [02:04]: "What I think about AI is that it supercharges whatever you're doing, so it doesn't replace what you're doing, but it definitely allows you to get further with your ideas."
Logan concurs, likening AI to an accelerant that fuels the creative fire.
Logan [02:28]: "I couldn't agree more. I mean, it's really a supercharger. It's that accelerant on the fire."
Getting Started with AI
Ben recounts his transition from traditional media projects to embracing AI, highlighting the importance of time investment and self-learning.
Logan [03:37]: "Tell everyone a little bit about, how did you get started? You went from kind of media entertainment filmmaker to making an AI video game. How did you bridge that gap?"
Ben [03:35]: "There's a lot I could say... I like to make creative projects. I jumped in, just talking to ChatGPT, talking to Claude, and coming up with an idea and just going with it."
Transition from Cloud to Local Computing
Ben discusses his shift from cloud-based workflows to leveraging the capabilities of the Dell Pro Max desktop, underscoring the benefits of local computing such as data control and cost efficiency.
Ben [04:54]: "The way of the future is to have AIs locally so that you have control over your data, you have control over the AIs."
Logan inquires about the ease of this transition, to which Ben explains it was straightforward despite being a Mac user initially.
Ben [05:53]: "The transition was literally just like, all right, here's my Mac workflow. I have to change over to a PC workflow. But that was it. Uploaded Glimmer to Google Drive, downloaded it to the Dell PC, and figured it out in about a day."
AI Project Evolution: From Quill Quest to Glimmer
Before Glimmer, Ben worked on a project called Quill Quest, aimed at real-time image generation based on storytelling. Although Quill Quest didn't gain significant traction, it provided invaluable lessons in AWS, APIs, and platform building, paving the way for Glimmer.
Ben [07:21]: "Quill Quest taught me all about AWS... even though Quill Quest is pretty much shelved at this point, I couldn't have transitioned to Glimmer without that solid attempt."
Overview of Glimmer
Glimmer originated as a concept for a pilot TV show at NYU but evolved into an AI-driven video game. The game features supernatural creatures in New York City interacting with players through dynamic dialogues powered by large language models (LLMs).
Ben [09:26]: "Glimmer started as an idea for a pilot... but then I decided to make this video game to explore the world of Glimmer."
Technical Aspects of Glimmer
Ben elaborates on the technical framework of Glimmer, including character image generation using MidJourney and the orchestration of multiple LLMs to manage NPC interactions and story continuity.
Ben [11:03]: "I just used MidJourney, and I created a database of characters... When you run into a dot, it picks a character from the database and generates their backstory and dialogue."
He also discusses experimenting with different sizes of LLMs to balance performance and realism.
Ben [13:32]: "I want to experiment with using different sized LLMs... main characters with a super-powered LLM and smaller LLMs for background NPCs."
Future Vision for Glimmer
Looking ahead, Ben envisions Glimmer evolving into a more complex simulation with persistent AI interactions and potentially a Steam version that allows broader accessibility and experimentation.
Ben [14:47]: "I want to do a local simulation on the Dell computer with a lot of LLMs talking to one another... Also, a Steam game with a more portable version where anyone can plug in their own API or LLM."
Feedback and Reception
Ben shares that early feedback on Glimmer has been overwhelmingly positive, though he notes the need to adjust character verbosity for optimal user experience.
Ben [16:09]: "Anybody I show it to is like this is awesome... The characters talk way too much, but that's an easy change."
System Performance
The Dell Precision 7875 workstation has successfully handled multiple simultaneous AIs, demonstrating the robust performance capabilities required for such demanding applications.
Ben [17:16]: "I've been able to run at least 10 AIs at the same time, like no problem... The computer starts working hard when I try to run up to a hundred AIs."
Cross-Platform Development
While Glimmer is optimized for the Dell PC to leverage multiple LLMs, Ben acknowledges the potential for a Mac version with limited functionalities, such as running a single LLM through a Steam version.
Ben [19:28]: "Glimmer is going to work on both Macs and PCs, but with the Dell, I can run a bunch of LLMs talking to one another at the same time."
Future Projects and AI Integration
Beyond Glimmer, Ben is exploring an idea platform where users can vote on creative projects. He is also experimenting with integrating 3D characters and live-action elements using tools like Wonder Dynamics.
Ben [20:37]: "I'm also trying to launch this idea platform where you can vote on ideas... I'm working on 3D characters plus live-action characters as well."
AI as a Workflow Enhancer
Both Logan and Ben agree that AI serves as a powerful accelerator in creative workflows, enabling creators to explore and implement ideas more efficiently.
Ben [22:27]: "AI allows you to explore all the ideas... for example, I could have had the opportunity to direct one film, but with AI, why not do 100 of them?"
Logan emphasizes the importance of embracing AI to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
Logan [26:41]: "AI is kind of here to stay, and it is going to become a bigger and bigger part of our lives... give yourself a shot to go, try it."
Parting Thoughts and Conclusion
Ben concludes by encouraging listeners to visit aurorapicturecompany.com to explore more about his projects and to participate in the idea voting platform. Both host and guest highlight the symbiotic relationship between Dell Pro Max PCs, NVIDIA RTX GPUs, and AI in driving innovation forward.
Ben [32:46]: "Just go to aurorapicturecompany.com and there's tons of ideas. Vote on the ideas and you can contact me or us through the website."
Logan wraps up the episode by reiterating the show’s mission to educate and inspire listeners about the powerful combination of Dell and NVIDIA technologies in transforming workflows.
Key Takeaways:
- AI as a Creativity Accelerator: AI enhances creative processes without replacing the creator, allowing for the exploration of more ideas efficiently.
- Local vs. Cloud Computing: Transitioning to local high-performance PCs like Dell Pro Max provides better control over data and cost management.
- Iterative Project Development: Ben’s journey from Quill Quest to Glimmer illustrates the importance of experimentation and learning in AI-driven projects.
- Future of AI in Media: AI tools are set to revolutionize media production, enabling rapid creation of diverse content forms such as films and video games.
- Performance and Scalability: Powerful hardware like NVIDIA RTX PRO GPUs in Dell workstations can handle multiple AI models simultaneously, essential for complex simulations.
Resources:
- Aurora Picture Company: aurorapicturecompany.com
- Glimmer AI Video Game: Link to Glimmer (Placeholder for actual link)
This summary captures the essence of the podcast episode, highlighting the transformative impact of AI and high-performance computing on creative workflows, as discussed by Ben and Logan.