Artificial intelligence has been a massive point of contention in the entertainment industry. From being one of the most significant sticking points in the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strikes in 2023 to inspiring hundreds of famous musicians to sign an open letter about the technology’s use in music, it’s clear that everyone in the creative industry has a very strong opinion about the role that AI will play in the future of entertainment. However, what if you were told that AI would help make entertainment a more equitable industry?
Ultimately, the use of artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry is nothing new. Streaming services like Netflix and Spotify have long used AI-powered algorithms to provide personalized recommendations to users based on their browsing and viewing habits. In gaming, AI has powered everything from NPC characters in open-world games to opponents in digital chess games. This technology is incredibly commonplace in various forms of entertainment we consume every day, and has been for years.
It’s worth noting that the recent controversy affecting AI in the entertainment space is a result of the proliferation and popularization of this technology. The applications of AI that have existed in the industry for years are mainly behind the scenes, allowing them to go under the radar. Yet, as the proposed newer uses of AI are more public-facing, they have come under greater attention and scrutiny, which has kicked off a wave of paranoia and disinformation that has caused some of the potential of AI as a valuable tool for creators to stall.
AI as a Tool to Make Entertainment More Accessible
Today, artists and creators must use artificial intelligence as a tool to empower creativity, not replace it. The goal is not to eliminate the need for human creativity, but to unlock its potential, eliminating some of the most common barriers artists face to getting their story told. Issues like time and money often serve as gatekeepers that prevent people from getting their stories made. The advent of artificial intelligence technology can help creators overcome some of these common hurdles.
Some of the most exciting uses of artificial intelligence technology in the entertainment industry involve automating mundane tasks in the development and creation process. Processes like creating voiceovers for audio content or coloring and scene composition in comics creation can be automated, giving the creator more time to focus on what matters most: writing and telling the story. This also allows them to significantly increase their speed and efficiency, allowing them to deliver more high-quality content to consumers faster.
Importantly, artificial intelligence also has the power to be a democratizing tool for entertainment. The technology needed to produce entertainment at a massive scale, on a level of production value that is competitive with the plethora of entertainment options available to consumers, can be expensive and difficult to use. Platforms that integrate AI tools into their operations eliminate that barrier to entry to the entertainment industry.
Another apparent effect that artificial intelligence technology will have on the entertainment industry is making it much easier to globalize content. A great story is still great, no matter where it’s from or what language it is in. Artificial intelligence tools can translate content from one language to another near-instantaneously, allowing creators to reach audiences internationally that might not have connected with their content in its native language.
How AI Will Transform the Entertainment Industry
The economic impact of this AI revolution on the entertainment industry will be massive. Because more content will be created thanks to the efficiency of AI-powered productions, audiences will have more options to choose from. Of course, this also means more money spent on entertainment by consumers. Additionally, the greater efficiency of production will allow creators to significantly reduce their production costs and save a ton of money.
However, even more exciting is the creative impact that artificial intelligence will have on the entertainment industry. Although some are understandably concerned about issues such as plagiarism and copyright infringement, the truth of AI is that it will also open the door to a whole new field of creatives. People with great ideas and stories to tell, but not the technical experience or equipment to do it, can now realize their stories in a format that can be consumed by the public, such as an audio series or webcomic. As a result, more exciting, diverse new voices are getting the freedom to leave their mark on the world of entertainment.
Although many are scared of the impact that artificial intelligence could have on the entertainment industry, the truth of AI is that it is a powerful tool that will lead to the democratization of entertainment. With AI’s help, more people will have the freedom and ability to tell their stories in a way that stacks up with the competition of professionals. This is good for artists, audiences, and the industry as a whole, as it means more great content made by more great people.
