Director, AI Artist

Esteban “Steve” Petersen is an Emmy-winning live-action director with a bold visual style and strong roots in visual design. He co-founded award-winning VFX studio Big Machine in 2003, leading it for 17 years and shaping the look of countless campaigns, promos, and title sequences. A proud Cuban and Korean American, he brings a unique cultural perspective to national spots for Disney, Toyota, Netflix, and XBOX, blending humor, heart, and high style.

Passionate about comedy, kids, and cars—often in richly designed worlds—Steve is also a creative futurist at the forefront of AI-powered content, using emerging tools to craft bold, original work that’s visually striking yet emotionally grounded.