The new Office of Technology Enablement will be led by Jamie Voris, the film studio’s chief technology officer (CTO), according to an email seen by Reuters on Friday.
Voris has previously led the development of Disney’s app for the Apple Vision Pro mixed reality device. Manager Eddie Drake will replace Voris as the studio’s CTO.#
“The pace and scope are profound”
“The pace and scope of advances in AI and XR (extended reality) are profound and will continue to impact customer experiences, creative endeavors and our business for years to come – so it is critical that Disney explores the exciting opportunities and controls the potential risks,” wrote Alan Bergman, co-chairman of Disney Entertainment.
The Office of Technology Enablement, which will start with a core leadership team, is expected to grow to about 100 employees, according to a person familiar with the matter. Disney has built expertise across the company to capitalize on emerging technology.
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**Interview with Jamie Voris, Head of Disney’s New Office of Technology Enablement**
**Interviewer:** Thanks for joining us today, Jamie. Congratulations on your new role leading the Office of Technology Enablement. Can you tell us a bit about what this office aims to achieve?
**Jamie Voris:** Thank you! I’m excited to be here. The Office of Technology Enablement is set up to focus on the integration of artificial intelligence and extended reality into Disney’s creative and operational processes. Our goal is to enhance customer experiences and empower our creative teams to innovate in ways we haven’t even imagined yet.
**Interviewer:** That sounds like a significant undertaking. You mentioned the integration of AI and XR. How do you envision these technologies impacting Disney’s creative projects?
**Jamie Voris:** The potential is immense. AI can assist in everything from scriptwriting to character creation, enabling our teams to explore ideas more rapidly. Meanwhile, extended reality can transform how audiences engage with our content, allowing them to immerse themselves in the stories we tell. The pace and scope of advancements in these areas are profound, and we want to harness that to captivate our audiences.
**Interviewer:** Alan Bergman highlighted the importance of exploring opportunities while controlling potential risks. What are some of the challenges you foresee as you move forward with these technologies?
**Jamie Voris:** User privacy and data security are paramount in the digital age. We must ensure that as we adopt these powerful technologies, we are also protecting our audiences and staying compliant with regulations. Additionally, the challenge of maintaining the authentic Disney storytelling experience amidst technological advancements is something we will carefully navigate.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like there’s a lot of responsibility on your shoulders. How do you plan to build and expand your team?
**Jamie Voris:** We’ll start with a core leadership team of experts in technology and creativity, but our vision is to grow this office to around 100 employees. We’ll be looking for individuals who are not only technically skilled but also share a passion for storytelling, as that’s at the heart of what we do.
**Interviewer:** That’s great to hear. Lastly, what excites you the most about this new chapter for Disney and the impact of technology?
**Jamie Voris:** The possibilities are endless. We stand on the brink of a new era in entertainment, where storytelling can become more interactive and personalized than ever before. I’m thrilled to be a part of this journey and to see how we can leverage technology to enchant audiences around the world.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Jamie. We look forward to seeing the exciting developments from your office and how they’ll shape the future of Disney.
**Jamie Voris:** Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time for all of us at Disney.
