One embodiment sets forth a technique for creating a generative model. The technique includes generating a trained generative model with a first component that converts data points in the training dataset into latent variable values, a second component that learns a distribution of the latent variable values, and a third component that converts the latent variable values into output distributions. The technique also includes training an energy-based model to learn an energy function based on values sampled from a first distribution associated with the training dataset and values sampled from a second distribution during operation of the trained generative model. The technique further includes creating a joint model that includes one or more portions of the trained generative model and the energy-based model, and that applies energy values from the energy-based model to samples from the second distribution to produce additional values used to generate a new data point.