Most conversations about artificial intelligence in the audiovisual industry focus on the possibilities. The Hands-On AI Producer Lab is designed for producers who are ready to move beyond discussion and start applying these technologies.
This new program, hosted by the International Screen Institute in collaboration with EAVE, provides a hands-on environment where participants can experiment with AI tools, develop customized workflows, and explore how emerging technologies can support their daily work as producers.
The lab, which will be held in Vienna from December 3 to 4, 2026, is built on the simple principle of “learning by doing.” Participants come with a specific project, production challenge, or development context and spend two intensive days working directly with AI tools, with guidance from mentors and colleagues.
Lab director Eva Fischer believes the lab is a natural next step for professionals who want to move from theory to implementation.
“This program is designed to help you address technological change openly, collaboratively, and pragmatically, without losing sight of ethics, artistic integrity, and cultural responsibility,” she says.
Curator, festival director, and educator Eva Fischer has worked at the intersection of technology, creativity, and culture for over a decade. She is the founder of the audiovisual arts festival “sound:frame”, director of the media arts festival “CIVA”, and former COO of the International Screen Institute. Her work focuses on immersive media, AI, and experimental art, bringing together artistic practice, innovation, and critical reflection.
Participants will work in small groups to explore prompting techniques, workflow design, and AI-assisted production processes to develop solutions tailored to their projects and professional needs. This program is especially suitable for producers who have already worked with AI through previous training and experimentation and want to gain a more practical understanding.
The team of experts reflects the institute’s interdisciplinary approach. Among the identified mentors is artist and AI researcher Claudia Larcher, whose research explores the relationship between artificial intelligence, data, and visual culture. Maciej Żemojcin is an AI producer and consultant who specializes in integrating emerging technologies into production environments. Producer Joanna Szymanoska focuses on innovation, audience research and new development models in the European film industry.
Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach, this lab encourages participants to develop solutions that address their own professional realities. By the end of the program, participants will have taken concrete steps toward building a personalized AI-based workflow, tool, or production process that can continue to evolve after the workshop ends.
The Hands-On AI Producer Lab is available as a standalone program. However, we encourage you to join Future Ready in advance to establish common ground. Another program that complements the Hands-On AI Producer Lab is EAVE’s AI Skills Booster. Together, these programs offer participants the opportunity to explore both the broader impact of technological change and the practical application of AI tools in modern production environments.
The 2026 edition marks the launch of the program, offering participants the opportunity to join the first group of focused producers exploring how AI can be used responsibly, creatively and effectively in the audiovisual field.
“We want participants to leave not only with practical knowledge and new tools, but also with newly formed networks and stronger ownership in shaping the future of the audiovisual industry,” added Eva Fisher.
Alongside practical training, participants will interact with a diverse group of experts from Europe and abroad, creating opportunities for exchange, collaboration and future partnerships.
To facilitate participation by professionals from a wide range of backgrounds, the International Screen Institute offers scholarships and financial support, including reduced participation fees, to applicants from countries with low Creative Europe MEDIA capabilities. Additional funding opportunities can be explored through our financial support database.
Applications for the first edition of the Hands-on AI Producer Lab have been extended until August 15, 2026.
For more information and to apply, please see below.
