AI, Emmy Awards & a Chicken Named Tilly: Students Get a Front-Row Seat to the Future of Entertainment at College of the Desert

The Cravens Student Services Center at College of the Desert buzzed with energy as students, creatives, and faculty filled the room for the “Careers in Arts, Media & Entertainment” panel, hosted by the Career & Workforce Solutions Center and PSWIFT (Palm Springs Women in Film & Television).

Among the Emmy-winning panelists was Levi Vincent, Executive Director of the Greater Palm Springs Film Alliance & Film Office, who delivered a surprising and memorable presentation that combined humor, storytelling, and the cutting edge of technology.

In a live demonstration, Levi placed a call to an AI assistant and, right in front of the audience, co-wrote a short script in real-time about a rescued chicken named Tilly—his beloved backyard companion turned breakout star. The audience watched in amazement as the AI and Levi built out the story, showcasing how artificial intelligence can now act as a true creative collaborator.

“It wasn’t just about Tilly,” Levi said. “It was about showing how AI can now partner with creatives to write, organize, and execute ideas in real time. This is only the beginning—and I wanted these students to feel that shift happening right in front of them—and most importantly, to embrace it.”

Levi explained how AI is already transforming modern production workflows—from scriptwriting and call sheet preparation to location sorting and headshot selection. His message to the students was clear: innovation isn’t coming, it’s here—and those who lean in early will lead the way.

The event also featured professionals such as:

• Jeff Hudson – Television Producer & Entertainment Executive

• Alan Gitlin – Cinematographer & Producer (*Star Trek: Generations*, *Rush Hour 2*)

• Russ Simon – Audio Engineer, *Entertainment Tonight*

• Sally Young – Production Manager, *Modern Family*

• Laurilie Jackson – Anchor & Producer, KESQ News Channel 3

Levi (pictured center top) closed his segment with encouragement to the students:

“Don’t be afraid to be transparent about your experience. If you’re just starting out, let the producer know.

Productions love helping new talent—so long as you’re upfront and show up with that supercharged attitude.”

The panel left a lasting impression on students and faculty alike. As one attendee put it, “We didn’t just hear about the future of media—we watched it happen.”

Want to see where creativity meets opportunity? Follow Tilly’s journey from backyard rescue to breakout star—and discover how AI is rewriting the future of storytelling.

Explore upcoming panels, creative job opportunities, and behind-the-scenes moments that make the Coachella Valley a filmmaking hotspot at FilmPalmSprings.com.

Inspired to turn your passion into a career? Start your path in Film, Television, or Journalism at College of the Desert—where the future of media is already in motion.