Hollywood is concerned about the impact of artificial intelligence on the entertainment industry, particularly the film and television industries.
A recent report highlights industry workers’ fears over the rise of technologies like ChatGPT and DALL-E, which could automate tasks and threaten jobs. Industry professionals interviewed for the report estimate that more than 20% of jobs in the film, television and animation industry would be impacted by AI by 2026.
Artificial intelligence is disrupting many industries, and the entertainment industry is no exception. A recent report* from the Animation Guild, titled “Future Unscripted: The Impact of Generative Artificial Intelligence on Entertainment Industry Jobs,” highlights workers’ concerns about the rise of AI. According to the study, more than 200,000 jobs in the sector – which includes cinema, television, animation, music and video games – will be affected by the rise of artificial intelligence by 2026. Cinema, television and animation will be the main ones affected with 118,500 positions affected, or 21.4% of all jobs in this sector.
This study highlights that the positions most at risk are those that involve repetitive and routine tasks, such as creating special effects or animating characters. Nearly a third of respondents predict that AI will impact sound editors, 3D modelers, mixers, audio and video technicians within three years. A quarter believe sound designers, composers and graphic designers will also be affected, while 15% predict changes for storyboard artists or illustrators.
California, the most affected state
The study finds that of the 555,000 jobs created by the U.S. film, television and animation industry, nearly a fifth could be consolidated, replaced or eliminated by AI in the three coming years. States where activity is most concentrated will be most affected.
California, the undisputed leader in the sector, could see 39,500 jobs “displaced” by 2026, or 33.3% of all jobs potentially impacted by AI. New York would follow with 15,100 jobs affected (12.8%). Even Georgia, whose industry is growing exponentially, would see 6,100 jobs affected by generative AI by 2026, the report highlights.
However, new professions could emerge in the field of AI supervision, the creation of original AI content or even the adaptation of existing content to new technologies.
Methodology: Between November 17 and December 22, 2023, CVL Economics surveyed 300 executives (C-level executives, senior executives, middle managers) across six U.S. entertainment industries. The survey focused on understanding the impact of generative AI (GenAI), particularly in industries such as film, television and animation, and music and sound recording.
