Storytelling Over Tools w Ben Davis of Moondog Animation

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AI is speeding up animation so fast it can feel like the industry is getting rewritten in real time and it is. We sit down with Ben Davis of Moondog Animation to talk about what actually stays true when the tools change: a clear mission, human relationships, and stories that earn attention instead of chasing it.

Ben shares how Moondog grew from France into a Charleston based animation studio creating 2D and 3D animation, interactive installations, and immersive experiences, including a multi person VR space theater built for Patriots Point. We also dig into the realities behind the work: why high quality animation costs real money, why many projects have to come from outside the local market, and how international co productions, talent networks, and film incentives can make ambitious ideas possible.

Then we get honest about AI in animation. Ben breaks down how generative AI is compressing timelines, reshaping team sizes, and forcing reinvention across studios large and small. We talk about the delusion of “I made a Pixar level film in five minutes,” the legal landmines hidden in tool terms and conditions, and the big difference between using AI as a crutch versus using it as an accelerated pipeline. If you’ve ever wondered what the animation process really looks like from script to storyboard to rendering and sound, you’ll walk away with a clear mental model.

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The Harbor House Party Vol. II brings together conversation, connection, and live music for one unforgettable night in Charleston - all while raising funds to support the Harbor Entrepreneur Center.

On September 23, guests can choose how they experience the night, from an intimate VIP gathering at Share House to the roundtable and live music at Music Farm featuring the Futurebirds.

HarborEC.org

Join Camp Happy Days on Saturday, September 19th for Happy Steps, a 5K run/walk on Sullivan's Island in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The race starts and finishes at The Island Club, where we invite you to stick around for the afterparty featuring food, drinks, raffles, auction items, music, and race awards — all benefiting Camp Happy Days and the children and families we serve. 

https://www.camphappydays.org/happysteps

How can Charleston businesses get noticed, found and chosen? The Charleston Marketing Podcast, brought to you by Charleston AMA and recorded at Charleston Media Solutions, answers the marketing and media questions local business owners are asking. We explore media buying, advertising budgets, radio, digital marketing, storytelling and the customer journey, with practical strategies for growing your business in today’s attention economy. CharlestonMediaSolutions.com

Support the show

Title Sponsor: Charleston American Marketing Association

Presenting Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions

Annual Sponsor: ‪SCRA; South Carolina Research Authority

Quarterly Sponsor: King and Columbus

CAMACast Cohosts: Stephanie Barrow, Mike Compton, Rachel Backal, Tom Keppeler, Amanda Bunting Comen, 

Silicon Harbor Hot Take Host: Stanfield Gray, https://digsouth.com

Produced and edited: RMBO Advertising

Photographer | Co-host: Kelli Morse

Score by:  The Strawberry Entrée; Jerry Feels Good, CURRYSAUCE, DBLCRWN, DJ DollaMenu
Studio Engineer: Brian Cleary and Mathew Chase

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