Women Leading the Industry: Verena Puhm

Verena Puhm is the Head of Dream Lab Los Angeles at Luma AI, where she leads a next-generation content studio and R&D lab pioneering cinematic storytelling with generative AI. In her role, Puhm develops scalable, creative-first pipelines that merge traditional filmmaking with cutting-edge AI tools. She oversees the direction and production of original IP, global studio collaborations, and AI-assisted workflows across live-action, animation, and hybrid formats.

A Sundance-featured, award-winning filmmaker and creative technologist, Puhm blends emotional storytelling with technical innovation. With a background producing and managing series for CNN and BBC and writing for Wiedemann & Berg TV and Red Bull Media’s Terra Mater Studios, she bridges traditional and AI-driven cinema. Her work has been recognized by Forbes, The Hollywood Reporter, The Los Angeles Times, and influential AI film festivals worldwide.

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What drew you to work in this industry?

I originally came into this industry through filmmaking as a TV producer and writer and worked on CNN and BBC shows. I’ve always been fascinated by the intersection of storytelling and technology and how tools shape the way we imagine and create worlds. Over time, that curiosity expanded beyond traditional filmmaking into emerging technologies like AI, where we’re redefining how stories and visuals can be made. Being part of that shift is incredibly exciting. As a filmmaker growing up in a small town in Austria, I never had the opportunity to be at the forefront of the industry. Today, being part of shaping how technology is advancing filmmaking, and helping to empower other creators in the process, is an exciting and rare privilege, one I’m proud to hold.

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What's the most empowering career advice you've received?

Early in my career someone told me: You don’t need permission to take ownership. That mindset shift was powerful. Instead of waiting to be invited into spaces or decisions, I learned to step forward and shape the work around me.

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If you could give your younger self one piece of career advice, what would it be?

Don’t spend too much time worrying about whether your path makes sense to others. Careers, especially in creative and emerging technology spaces, rarely follow a straight line. The seemingly unrelated experiences often become the most valuable later.

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Have you ever had a moment in your career where you felt especially proud to be a woman in this industry? What made it meaningful?

I’ve felt particularly proud in moments when I’ve been able to help create space for other women in technical and creative conversations that historically haven’t been very balanced. Seeing more women confidently shaping the future of creative technology, and being able to contribute to that environment, has been very meaningful.

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Who are some female role models who have inspired you?

One of my biggest inspirations has been my older sister, a theoretical physicist. From a young age, she encouraged me to be bold, speak up, and never take no for an answer. Watching her excel as one of the best in her field showed me that determination, focus, and confidence can break barriers and open doors, even in spaces where women are underrepresented.

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Given the incredible women making waves across our industry, do you believe there's more our industry could do to support their advancement?

Absolutely. Progress has been made, but there’s still work to do in ensuring women have equal access to leadership opportunities, funding, and recognition. Supporting advancement also means creating environments where different perspectives are valued and where people feel empowered to contribute fully.

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What does International Women’s Day mean to you personally?

For me, International Women’s Day is both a moment to celebrate progress and a reminder that the work isn’t finished. It’s about recognizing the women who paved the way before us and making sure we continue opening doors for those around us and for future generations.

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