WHO DIS?
A S S E E N I N
IT’S NICE TO MEET YOU!
Curious Refuge is a home for unlocking your inner storyteller using the latest tools. We truly believe we are on the cusp of a new era in storytelling.
This transition is changing the way stories are told, and we want to be your guides along the way.
Through our training, we share the creative potential of AI tools with studios, brands, and everyday artists looking to explore where the creative world is heading.
We believe in giving back to the creative community. As a result, our videos, blog content, interactive courses, and weekly workshops are designed to inspire curiosity and help you achieve your creative potential.
We host the world’s first online AI filmmaking course, the first AI advertising course for high-end campaigns, and we are the masterminds behind the first viral AI trailer. We showed the world the future of storytelling, and now we’re passionate about helping you explore what’s possible.
Beyond our courses, we're building a global community of artists who learn, collaborate, and grow together through workshops, office hours, mentorship, and in-person events.
We also work with world-class studios and storytellers to bring their creative visions to life.
We are also a part of Promise, a forward-thinking film studio specializing in AI assisted production.
Click around the Curious Refuge site. This is your new refuge for inspiration.
Welcome to our online home. We’re a bunch of goofballs, so you’re in good company. 😉
WHAT WE OFFER
CREATIVE CONTENT
Our content is creative, fun, and full of happiness. We’ve helped thousands of creators and storytellers on their journey, and we know we can do the same for you.
ENGAGING COURSES
Our courses are specifically designed to be tactical, engaging, and effective. You won’t find any fluffy content. Our experience and expertise will tactically help you on your creative journey.
1- ON - 1 ARTIST CALLS
Get personalized guidance from working AI artists who know the creative process firsthand. Our one-on-one calls give you the opportunity to receive feedback on your projects, improve your portfolio, and get advice on your next career move.
TEAM TRAINING
We offer customized AI training for studios, agencies, and schools looking to bring new creative tools into their workflows. Each training program is designed around your team's goals, with group pricing to help everyone learn together.
WORKSHOPS & OFFICE HOURS
AI moves fast, and we're here to help you keep up! Join our weekly workshops to explore the latest tools and creative techniques. Our weekly office hours give you a chance to get feedback on your projects, work through creative challenges, and learn alongside fellow artists.
A GLOBAL COMMUNITY
Connect with a creative community of artists from over 172 countries! You can share your work, exchange ideas, and collaborate with fellow creators in our members-only chat. We also host in-person meetups around the world and AI film competitions where you can put your skills to the test and win prizes.
OUR CONTENT
EVERY YEAR, MILLIONS OF FOLKS WATCH AND CONSUME OUR CONTENT AROUND THE WEB.
Together, we’ve combined our experience and sense of humor to create a welcoming online home. From original creations to studio collaborations, we have a blast creating engaging AI training and entertainment content.
OUR TEAM
Co-Founder & CEO
Shelby Ward
COO
Mike Mirano
Graphic Designer
Devin Ricker
Video Editor
Yuriy Futalo
Video Editor
D. Ryan Reeb
Instructor /
Executive Producer
Tyler Smith
Marketing Director
Pedro Guerrero
Research & Development
Kavan Cardoza
Instructor / Filmmaker
Sean Klooster
Course Producer
Ike Wagh
Operations Director
Leilani Ricker
Customer Support Specialist
Michael Davis
Teaching Assistant
Fred Grinstein
Instructor /
Co-Founder of Machine Cinema
Adam Nieri
Course Instructor
Val Lancu
Teaching Assistant
Karine Suvaryan
Teaching Assistant
Justin Trevor Winters
Instructor /
Screenwriter
Liz Cutbirth
Student Success Director
Mable Huang
Marketing Manager
Albert Bozesan
Instructor / Filmmaker
Connor Morgan
Biz Development
Keith Min
Gallery Curator
Dave Clark
Instructor /
CCO at Promise
A Climate Positive Community.
BEYOND CARBON NEUTRAL
We offset all carbon emissions from the Curious Refuge team and students (like you) as they learn in our training AND partner with organizations dedicated to reforestation, emission reduction, and renewable energy to make a net positive impact on the planet.
NEVER MISS ANOTHER AI UPDATE.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get the latest tools and info you need to know. We sort through the important news so you can focus on creating your art.
