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Cut The Tie Podcast with Erich Archer

What happens when a longtime TV producer discovers generative AI and feels the same spark he once had as a college soccer player? In this episode of Cut The Tie, host Thomas Helfrich talks with Erich Archer, a Massachusetts-based television producer turned AI creator, about cutting ties with limits, rediscovering creativity, and why AI is changing the way stories are told.

From network television in New York and LA to running a local nonprofit station, Erich spent two decades building a career in media. But it wasn’t until he dove into AI video production that he found his passion reignited. He shares how creative control has become his new definition of success—and why AI is both disrupting and expanding the future of film, TV, and content.

About Erich Archer

Erich Archer is a television producer and creative director with over 20 years of experience across sports, music, reality TV, and nonprofit community media. Today, he is focused on generative AI video production, creating end-to-end projects, consulting with businesses, and teaching others how to integrate AI into their creative processes. He is the founder of CGA Creative and shares his work and insights on LinkedIn.

In this episode, Thomas and Erich discuss:

• From broadcast to AI storytelling
  Erich’s path from TV in New York and LA to a local station in Massachusetts—and how generative AI reignited his creativity to make full projects on his own.
• Defining success through creative control
  Why success now means owning the process end to end, and how AI brought back the same spark he once felt as a competitive soccer player.
• The future of actors and avatars
  How AI-driven avatars with emotional range are reshaping production, and why live theater and performance will remain in demand.
• Advice for AI beginners
  Start small: use ChatGPT on a real problem. By experimenting, you’ll see AI as a helpful assistant, not a threat.

Key Takeaways

• Creative control defines success - True fulfillment comes from owning the process, not chasing outside validation.
• AI is a catalyst for creativity - These tools don’t just speed up work; they reignite the spark many creatives thought they’d lost.
• Actors won’t vanish, but roles will change - AI will dominate digital production, while live theater and authentic performance will rise in cultural value.
• Don’t stiff-arm AI - Unless you’re already financially free, ignoring AI puts you at risk. Learn it, integrate it, and make it work for you.

Connect with Erich Archer

🌐 Website: https://www.cgacreative.com/
📎 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericharcher

Connect with Thomas Helfrich

🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/thelfrich
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutthetie
📎 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfich
🌐 Website: https://www.cutthetie.com

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