MIXED*
AI FILM & STORY LAB
SAVE THE DATE → OCTOBER 16, 2025
INTRODUCING MIXED*
A first-of-its-kind creative event and workshop series—where cinematic craft meets generative AI. Analog meets algorithm. Art meets science. Human meets machine. Coming to Portland FW25.
MIXED* is a celebration of storytelling in all its evolving forms—a space for curious creators to experiment, collaborate, and reimagine the future of film, media, and content.
* FEELINGS *PERSPECTIVES *BACKGROUNDS *EMOTIONS *SIGNALS *MESSAGES *REALITIES *NARRATIVES *CULTURES *DISCIPLINES *FREQUENCIES *FORMATS *IDENTITIES *INTENTIONS *VIEWS *MATERIALS *MEDIA
* FEELINGS *PERSPECTIVES *BACKGROUNDS *EMOTIONS *SIGNALS *MESSAGES *REALITIES *NARRATIVES *CULTURES *DISCIPLINES *FREQUENCIES *FORMATS *IDENTITIES *INTENTIONS *VIEWS *MATERIALS *MEDIA
db clay is thrilled to partner with AI Portland to bring this hybrid event to life—an aligned organization dedicated to making AI more accessible, inclusive, and creatively empowering.
HOW IT WORKS ↓
SUBMIT YOUR PROJECT
We’re looking for curious creators ready to experiment at MIXED*. Share your idea through our Call for Project Submissions and take the first step with us.
JOIN OUR WORKSHOPS
Explore the tools, workflows, and hybrid approaches shaping AI-augmented storytelling. From concept to post, our sessions will help you create with confidence.
ATTEND THE EVENT
On October 16 in Portland, we’ll come together for the first-ever MIXED* gathering. Join the waitlist below to stay updated as final details and registration go live.
SAVE THE DATE
OCTOBER 16, 2025 PORTLAND, OR
WHY MIXED* MATTERS
Why MIXED*? Because today, stories are no longer bound by medium, format, or pipeline. With GenAI in concert with the timeless craft of filmmaking, we can imagine, create, and share stories in entirely new ways.
This event isn’t a debate. It’s an open invitation—to test tools, remix disciplines, and prototype new ways to connect with audiences everywhere. To highlight how emerging technology can expand—not replace—human creativity.
Part creative showcase, part demo day, part networking event—MIXED* is for anyone curious, collaborative, and committed to honoring the power of a good story as the future rages on.
To attend, sign-up to be notified when event registration goes live. We are excited to share what we’ve been working on ✨
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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MIXED* is an AI Film Event hosted in Portland—a gathering where filmmakers, mixed-media artists, and creative technologists come together to experiment, collaborate, and share stories. It’s where cinematic craft meets generative AI tools, and where storytelling in all its evolving forms takes center stage.
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Anyone curious about film, content creation, and AI. Whether you’re a seasoned director, indie filmmaker, content creator, or first-time explorer—you’re welcome. Teams can be just you, or a small group of collaborators. Cross-discipline projects are especially encouraged, since the magic often lives at the intersections.
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We’re targeting late October to coincide with Design Month in Portland. Official venue details, dates, and program flow will be announced soon. In the spirit of co-creation, we’re shaping MIXED* in real time with community feedback—thank you for your patience as the details unfold.
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The first step is to submit your project through our CALL FOR PROJECT SUBMISSIONS form. Films should ideally combine traditional filmmaking and AI in creative ways, with at least 50% of the content generated using AI tools. From there, selected teams will prepare their work for the October showcase.
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Don’t be scared of the word “film.” Above all, we’re looking for compelling stories. Short narratives, music videos, experimental films, animations, horror shorts, or spec ads are all welcome. Surprise us with something new. Because of the live format, we encourage projects between 1–5 minutes in length.
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Sort of—ideally one team member should be able to attend in person for the showcase. Each selected team will present briefly on stage before screening their work, followed by a short Q&A. Cross-border collaboration is encouraged, but the live presentations matters for this first showcase.
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We’re happy to share creative prompts and playful constraints to spark ideas, but you’re free to take your story in any direction. Think of the theme as MIXED* itself—where real cameras, generative tools, and human/machine collaboration can merge in unexpected ways.
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A juried panel will review submissions and select 4–6 standout teams to present live. All projects, however, will eventually be featured online. Work-in-progress is welcome—whether that’s a polished short, a prototype, or even a trailer. We value ideas more than perfection.
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Leading up to October, our plan is to host virtual workshops and community sessions covering tools, workflows, and creative development. If you’re an expert in one of these areas, we’d love to hear from you about hosting a workshop.
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Not really. MIXED* is about co-creation, not winners and losers. We may highlight standout projects, but the heart of the event is experimentation, learning, and sharing. This is not a debate or a contest—it’s an invitation to explore the future of storytelling together.
GUIDELINES
Deadline
Final submissions are due October 3, 2025.
Film Length
Projects should run about 1–5 minutes.
AI + Craft Balance
At least 50% of your film must use AI (visuals, audio, editing, etc.). Pair it with traditional craft—camera, sound, performance, effects—for best results.
Original Work
Your film should be your team’s original creation, with rights cleared for any explicitly rights-managed IP.
Selection
Submission doesn’t guarantee acceptance. Selected films will be screened at the official MIXED Showcase*.
Promotion
By submitting, you grant MIXED* permission to use stills, clips, and project info for event promotion (website, press, socials).
Communication
Stay responsive. Missing info or radio silence may lead to disqualification.
Code of Conduct
This is a collaborative container. Respect, consent, and inclusion are required at all times.
Attendance
At least one team member must attend the showcase in Portland to present your work.
Responsibility
We’re not liable for lost files, tech issues, or ownership disputes. Make sure your film is good to go.
Above All
Be bold. Be curious. Have fun.
WHERE TO NEXT?
We’re always iterating on new product concepts and exploring the edges of what a wallet can be—physical, digital, and the spaces in between. Visit our BLOG to learn more, subscribe to our newsletter below, or shoot us a note.