In this episode, Orlando speaks with Dav Karbassioun, CEO and Co-Founder of Magna Studios, about the shifting tides in production and what it takes to build a creative company that thrives across disciplines – without losing the humanity that creates it.

With a background spanning global advertising agencies and leading production companies, Dav shares how Magna is reimagining the role of the producer in a world where commercials, features, music videos, and branded content all blur together. He reflects on his journey from BBH to Pulse Films, and now Magna, where the mission is simple: let the work be your noise.

The conversation explores the economics of creativity – from helping Oscar-nominated directors like Brady Corbet and James Marsh make ends meet through commercial work, to Magna’s breakthrough Oasis documentary. Dav and Orlando delve into why emotional investment and care are the foundation of great production, how AI is reshaping post-production and voice work, and what it means to protect artistic integrity in a world obsessed with content.

They discuss the hidden value of advertising as a training ground for innovation, the danger of turning production into a commoditised service, and why fostering culture and community – inside a company and across industries – matters more than ever.

Whether you’re in film, advertising, or creative production, this is a conversation about staying human in the age of algorithms and building a system that lets artistry flourish.

Orlando and Dav explore:

• How Magna helps directors move between film, commercials, and content without losing their voice
• Why betting on multidisciplinary creativity is the only way to stay relevant
• The surprising role commercials play in keeping indie film afloat
• What AI really means for post-production, performance, and the creative process
• Why culture, care, and community still matter more than ever in production

Useful Links

Find out more about Magna Studios: https://magnastudios.com/

Connect with Dav on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dav-karbassioun-2701766a/

Follow Dav on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davud_k/

Follow Magna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magna.studios/ 

Visit KoobrikLabs: https://koobriklabs.com/

Connect with Orlando Wood: https://www.linkedin.com/in/orlando-wood/