Justin Hackney

Justin Hackney is a creative director and entrepreneur at the forefront of AI-driven storytelling and technology. As Creative Director at ElevenLabs and founder of Realdreams, he has played a key role in shaping AI’s impact on filmmaking, interactive media, and creative tools. With a background in filmmaking and advertising, he transitioned into AI to explore its potential in content creation and immersive experiences. He is currently building a major AI studio and coworking space, backed by £3.25M in funding, to advance AI-generated media and storytelling. He is also developing original IP through a new-age entertainment studio that integrates AI into the creative process. Justin has helped set up and host four AI film competitions, including Project Odyssey, the world’s largest AI film competition, now in its second season. He is deeply engaged in the intersection of AI, art, and storytelling, aiming to build tools and platforms that empower creators while redefining how AI and human creativity interact.