Will AI replace Audio and Video Technicians?

AI can do 33% of the work Audio and Video Technicians do at least twice as fast. People already use it for 2 of their 29 tasks, while 14 more are ready but barely used so far. Robots can technically handle 2 physical tasks. 11 still need a person.

AI is already doing this2 · 1% of time

People already use AI for these tasks in real work, based on Anthropic's analysis of how Claude is used.

  • Produce rough and finished graphics and graphic designs.Mostly automated1% of time
  • Develop manuals, texts, workbooks, or related materials for use in conjunction with production materials or for training.Mostly automatedunder 1% of time

AI could do this next14 · 32% of time

AI can speed these up by at least half, but real use has not caught up yet. These are next in line.

  • Mix and regulate sound inputs and feeds or coordinate audio feeds with television pictures.9% of time
  • Compress, digitize, duplicate, and store audio and video data.5% of time
  • Record and edit audio material, such as movie soundtracks, using audio recording and editing equipment.5% of time
  • Edit videotapes by erasing and removing portions of programs and adding video or sound as required.2% of time
  • Meet with directors and senior members of camera crews to discuss assignments and determine filming sequences, camera movements, and picture composition.1% of time
  • Plan and develop pre-production ideas into outlines, scripts, story boards, and graphics, using own ideas or specifications of assignments.1% of time
  • Determine formats, approaches, content, levels, and mediums to effectively meet objectives within budgetary constraints, using research, knowledge, and training.1% of time
  • Locate and secure settings, properties, effects, and other production necessities.1% of time
  • Conduct training sessions on selection, use, and design of audio-visual materials and on operation of presentation equipment.1% of time
  • Organize and maintain compliance, license, and warranty information related to audio and video facilities.1% of time
  • Perform narration of productions or present announcements.1% of time
  • Reserve audio-visual equipment and facilities, such as meeting rooms.1% of time
  • Analyze and maintain data logs for audio-visual activities.1% of time
  • Obtain and preview musical performance programs prior to events to become familiar with the order and approximate times of pieces.under 1% of time

Robots can technically do this2 · 2% of time

Physical tasks that today's robots can perform in at least some settings. Robots are cost competitive for very few tasks so far, so this change moves slower.

  • Obtain, set up, and load videotapes for scheduled productions or broadcasts.Robots: purpose built settings1% of time
  • Maintain inventories of audio and videotapes and related supplies.Robots: purpose built settings1% of time

Still needs a person11 · 64% of time

No real AI use, no proven AI speedup and no robot that can do it yet. This is the part of the job to build on.

  • Install, adjust, and operate electronic equipment to record, edit, and transmit radio and television programs, motion pictures, video conferencing, or multimedia presentations.17% of time
  • Diagnose and resolve media system problems.9% of time
  • Monitor incoming and outgoing pictures and sound feeds to ensure quality and notify directors of any possible problems.7% of time
  • Control the lights and sound of events, such as live concerts, before and after performances, and during intermissions.7% of time
  • Perform minor repairs and routine cleaning of audio and video equipment.5% of time
  • Construct and position properties, sets, lighting equipment, and other equipment.5% of time
  • Design layouts of audio and video equipment and perform upgrades and maintenance.4% of time
  • Switch sources of video input from one camera or studio to another, from film to live programming, or from network to local programming.4% of time
  • Direct and coordinate activities of assistants and other personnel during production.4% of time
  • Notify supervisors when major equipment repairs are needed.1% of time
  • Inform users of audio and videotaping service policies and procedures.1% of time

Your week is not the average

Describe what you actually do and get a personal report: your own tasks, what AI can already do, what stays yours and a 90 day plan.

Get my personal report

What this means

AI can speed up parts of this job, mostly the paperwork and information work around it. The core still depends on hands, presence or relationships.

What to do next

  • Do the 2 tasks AI is already handling with AI yourself. Your peers already are, and it is quickly becoming the baseline.
  • Get ahead on the 14 tasks AI could do next. These move as tools improve, so learning them early pays off.
  • Keep an eye on the 2 physical tasks robots can technically do. Cost keeps most robots out of work today, so this shift is slower.
  • Build on the 11 tasks that stay human. This is where your judgment, skill and relationships matter most.
Broadcast Technicians28%Sound Engineering Technicians49%Lighting Technicians11%Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film38%Photographers55%Film and Video Editors85%

Get the weekly brief

One short email a week on how AI is changing work, including jobs like this one.

Check another job