How Blair Vermette Went from AI Skeptic to a Pioneer of Viral AI Videos
How Blair Vermette Went from AI Skeptic to a Pioneer of Viral AI Videos  
Podcast: Beyond The Prompt - How to use AI in your company
Published On: Tue Mar 18 2025
Description: In this episode, Blair Vermette, founder of Rabbit Hole, shares his journey from traditional TV production to becoming a pioneer in AI-powered storytelling. Once frustrated by the rise of AI in creative work, Blair chose to lean in—leading to the creation of Floral, a viral Adidas spec ad that transformed his career.He talks about scaling his creative studio, navigating the chaos of AI-generated content, and how his editing background gave him a competitive edge. Blair also breaks down his “break the spine” storytelling philosophy, the balance between curation and creation, and the enduring role of human instinct in an increasingly AI-shaped creative world.Key Takeaways:Curation is as Vital as Creation – AI doesn’t replace creativity; it enhances it. Blair emphasizes that knowing how to curate and refine AI-generated content is just as important as generating it.Spec Ads Can Open Doors – Blair’s Adidas Floral campaign proved that self-initiated projects can be career-defining, attracting industry attention and unlocking new opportunities.Instinct and Storytelling Still Matter – While AI can generate stunning visuals, human intuition, taste, and storytelling structure remain irreplaceable in making content truly compelling.Adapting to AI is Crucial for Creatives – AI is reshaping creative industries, and those who embrace experimentation and evolve their skill sets will be best positioned for success.Breaking the Spine Unlocks Originality – Blair challenges traditional storytelling structures by disrupting linear narratives, starting in unexpected places, and reshaping story arcs to keep audiences engaged.Adidas Spec Ad: BlairVermette/AdidasAdBlair's Instagram: Blair Vermette (@_blairvermette) • Rabbithole: RABBITHOLE | creative studioLinkedIn: (10) Blair Vermette | LinkedIn00:00 Introduction to Blair and Rabbit Hole00:25 Blair's Journey into Generative AI01:53 The Impact of Generative AI on Creativity04:35 Creating 'My Name is Gary'07:51 The Cost and Constraints of Traditional Animation14:38 The Making of the Adidas Spec Ad19:02 The Viral Success and Its Aftermath24:08 Scaling Up to Meet Demand27:20 The Dilemma of Building a Team 28:55 The Importance of Instinct and Originality29:48 Professionalism in Creative Work30:16 Leveraging AI in Storytelling34:50 The Value of Obsession and Specificity36:02 Entrepreneurial Ideas for Creative Growth44:02 Breaking the Story Spine48:18 Navigating the AI Transition50:58 Final Reflections and Encouragement📜 Read the transcript for this episode: Transcript of How Blair Vermette Went from AI Skeptic to a Pioneer of Viral AI Videos |  For more prompts, tips, and AI tools. Check out our website: https://www.beyondtheprompt.ai/ or follow Jeremy or Henrik on Linkedin:Henrik: https://www.linkedin.com/in/werdelinJeremy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyutley Show edited by Emma Cecilie Jensen.