According to consulting firm CVL Economics, generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) tools will lead to more job losses in the film and animation industry compared to other sectors. The firm’s January 2024 report, based on a survey conducted with 300 leaders from six entertainment sectors including senior and middle managers between November 17 and December 22, 2023, stated that 75% of the respondents supported the elimination, reduction, or consolidation of jobs in their divisions due to Gen AI tools, software, and models.
What Are the Notable Details from the Survey?
Gen AI generates various contents such as images, text, and music without explicit programming. It uses machine learning to understand and replicate patterns from existing data. According to the report, 55% of leaders expect sound designers to be the most affected within the next three years. Over 40 see music editors, sound technicians, and sound engineers as vulnerable, while around 33% anticipate effects on lyricists, composers, and studio engineers.
Shortly after the launch of ChatGPT in July 2023, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) called a strike due to developments in artificial intelligence that could affect job roles and security in the field.
Prior to the strike, numerous companies were using writers’ content to train Gen AI programs and create digital copies and characters based on an actor’s likeness. Workers on strike feared their roles being replaced by Gen AI technology without solid assurances.
Generative Artificial Intelligence Tools
Despite recent positive contract negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, concerns about the impact of Gen AI tools on the film and television industry and other entertainment sectors continue among WGA and SAG-AFTRA members.
The report indicates that 47% of business leaders believe Gen AI tools will effectively produce 3D assets and realistic sound design for film, television, and video games within the next three years. It also mentions that 44% think Gen AI tools will be able to create realistic and convincing foreign language dubbing for film or television dialogues, and 39% believe that Gen AI tools will produce music mixes and masters by 2026.
However, CVL Economics has announced that companies such as Riot Games, Unity Software, Amazon MGM Studios, Pixar, and Universal Music Group have made layoffs in the first few weeks of 2024, with more layoffs expected in the coming months.
