Will AI Replace Creators?

As artificial intelligence technology progresses and becomes more ingrained in our daily work, there is growing concern about how these AI tools will impact the labor force. This issue spans multiple industries, as workers fear AI may replace their jobs. However, AI concerns were brought to the forefront of the entertainment industry, becoming a major topic in the Writers Guild of America negotiations and contributing to the writers' strike in the spring of 2023. One segment of the writing community’s main concern was that AI technology could advance to the point where it would completely replace writers' jobs, while another feared it would be used as a tactic to leverage lower pay. Ultimately, the writers won, and the decision of whether or not to use AI is now in the hands of the writers, rather than the studios. Even with this victory, the threat of AI lingers among other workers in the entertainment industry.

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While AI technology may not yet be perfected, it is advancing rapidly, and has the potential to replicate human voices. This poses a significant concern for many voice actors in animated film and television, as well as in video games. In the music industry, AI can also replicate the voices of popular artists, creating audio of them performing songs they have never sung. The technology has advanced to the point where it can generate full songs mimicking a performer’s voice. For example, in anticipation of Taylor Swift’s newest album The Tortured Poets Department, generative AI created mock-ups of songs based on track titles that had been released. The AI version of the song Fortnight featuring Post Malone got a lot of popularity with some even fans preferring the AI version. The ability to mimic the voices of actors and singers is concerning, as it reduces the reliance on the performers themselves and may confuse fans about which work is truly from the artist.

Despite these concerns, artificial intelligence can also provide benefits to the industry. For example, The Beatles used restorative AI to bring an unreleased recording of John Lennon to life, creating the song "Now and Then," which featured all four members of the band, even after Lennon’s passing. Additionally, artificial intelligence can speed up productivity by handling repetitive tasks in animation and production. AI tools can accelerate processes such as cutting and trimming clips, refining audio, organizing footage, and other tasks that enhance efficiency for creators. In music production, AI can also help smaller artists who lack the budget for a music producer, enabling them to create their own music.

Workers in the entertainment industry must recognize that artificial intelligence is here to stay and will only continue to improve. Embracing the ways AI can enhance productivity and creativity is vital for creators to remain competitive in the industry. However, it is important to address concerns, as the writers did in their 2023 strike, and implement rules and regulations surrounding the emerging technology that protect workers. These protections will help maintain a healthy balance between leveraging productivity tools and preserving creative integrity, ensuring the artistry of the industry is not lost. Ultimately, by navigating the integration of AI thoughtfully and collaboratively, the entertainment industry can harness its potential while safeguarding the human creativity and craftsmanship that define its success. As the industry continues to evolve, staying informed about emerging trends is crucial. Follow my blog for ongoing insights into the latest innovations in the entertainment industry!