Nicholas Carlton pivots from AI sceptic to founder of Gobstopper, an AI
Melbourne founder Nicholas Carlton opposed AI filmmaking. He said it went against his mission. But he later co-founded Gobstopper. It is an AI-powered creative agency.
Nicholas Carlton, a television and commercial director, launched Spoony as a social media startup. It focused on real human connection.
He rejected AI chatbots. He said they clashed with Spoony's values.
When Spoony shut down earlier this year, Carlton said investors turned to AI entirely. Within months, Carlton launched Parallax.
It is an AI filmmaking tool. He then partnered with creative James Lawler.
Together they built Gobstopper, an AI creative agency. What changed his mind?
He saw what newer AI models could do. A filmmaker friend showed him results.
Carlton was impressed. Carlton said generative AI is advancing fast.
It will reshape filmmaking. He sees it as opening filmmaking to solo creators.
The technology makes it more accessible. Carlton acknowledges questions about intellectual property and consent remain unanswered.
- Nicholas Carlton
- Founder name
- Spoony
- Original startup
- Parallax, Gobstopper
- New ventures
- James Lawler
- Co-founder
Why it mattersCarlton went from opposing AI to founding an AI company. This shows how fast attitudes are changing in the creative tech world. Barriers people thought existed are breaking down.
AustraliaAustralian creative workers and startups are navigating the same rapid AI adoption curve; Carlton's journey reflects a real tension many Australian creatives face.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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