Key Points
- Gennie and Phoenix Television are producing an eight-part documentary on modern conspiracy theories.
- Each episode explores how a single theory forms, spreads and collides with verified facts.
- The series blends AI-assisted visuals with interviews and archival footage and is seeking buyers.
Gennie, a newly-launched generative AI content studio based in Los Angeles, has partnered with Britain-based production company Phoenix Television to co-produce an eight-episode documentary series titled “Birds Aren’t Real,” the firms announced on Monday.
The documentary series will examine modern conspiracy theories and the broader dynamics behind how misinformation spreads, gains traction, and in some cases becomes widely accepted. The companies said the program will focus on what these belief systems reveal about public trust in media, science, institutions, and authority in an increasingly digital and interconnected environment.
The project was announced by Max Einhorn, CEO and co-founder of Gennie, alongside Phoenix Television founding partners Miles Jarvis and Jaimi West, during Realscreen Summit.
The series is named after the Birds Aren’t Real phenomenon, which began in 2017 as a satirical critique of conspiracy culture before evolving into a movement frequently cited as an example of how misinformation can spread beyond its original intent. Each episode will center on a single conspiracy theory, exploring its origins, the evidence presented by its proponents, and the historical, scientific, or journalistic record used to evaluate claims and distinguish speculation from verified fact.
Topics addressed in the series include the Birds Aren’t Real movement, moon landing denial, the flat Earth movement, the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, claims of suppressed medical breakthroughs, and allegations involving hidden or withheld technologies, among others.
“This is a fascinating topic that has intrigued me for many years, and I’m thrilled to help explore the line between fact and fiction,” Einhorn said. “Our AI technology will dramatically enhance these stories, guiding viewers through the evolution of conspiracy theories and providing a deeper understanding of how these movements originate and take hold.”
Miles Jarvis added, “In an increasingly connected world where ideas can proliferate rapidly, we believe it is essential to responsibly examine these conspiracy theories and how they spread. We are excited to bring on Gennie’s AI expertise to truly show the viewer how these theories originate in this new and compelling series.”
Gennie said its AI-assisted sequences will be designed and directed by filmmakers and integrated with live interviews and licensed archival material to provide context, clarify timelines, and support narrative coherence. The series is currently seeking commissioning broadcasters and streaming platforms.
Global sales are being handled by BossaNova Media.
