Will AI replace Film and Video Editors?
AI can do 85% of the work Film and Video Editors do at least twice as fast. People already use it for 4 of their 22 tasks, while 13 more are ready but barely used so far. 5 still need a person.
AI is already doing this4 · 29% of time
People already use AI for these tasks in real work, based on Anthropic's analysis of how Claude is used.
- Organize and string together raw footage into a continuous whole according to scripts or the instructions of directors and producers.Mostly automated14% of time
- Edit films and videotapes to insert music, dialogue, and sound effects, to arrange films into sequences, and to correct errors, using editing equipment.Mostly automated11% of time
- Program computerized graphic effects.Mostly automated3% of time
- Study scripts to become familiar with production concepts and requirements.Mostly automated1% of time
AI could do this next13 · 56% of time
AI can speed these up by at least half, but real use has not caught up yet. These are next in line.
- Select and combine the most effective shots of each scene to form a logical and smoothly running story.11% of time
- Cut shot sequences to different angles at specific points in scenes, making each individual cut as fluid and seamless as possible.6% of time
- Review assembled films or edited videotapes on screens or monitors to determine if corrections are necessary.6% of time
- Review footage sequence by sequence to become familiar with it before assembling it into a final product.6% of time
- Trim film segments to specified lengths and reassemble segments in sequences that present stories with maximum effect.6% of time
- Manipulate plot, score, sound, and graphics to make the parts into a continuous whole, working closely with people in audio, visual, music, optical, or special effects departments.5% of time
- Confer with producers and directors concerning layout or editing approaches needed to increase dramatic or entertainment value of productions.4% of time
- Determine the specific audio and visual effects and music necessary to complete films.3% of time
- Verify key numbers and time codes on materials.3% of time
- Piece sounds together to develop film soundtracks.3% of time
- Develop post-production models for films.1% of time
- Collaborate with music editors to select appropriate passages of music and develop production scores.1% of time
- Discuss the sound requirements of pictures with sound effects editors.1% of time
Still needs a person5 · 15% 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.
- Set up and operate computer editing systems, electronic titling systems, video switching equipment, and digital video effects units to produce a final product.9% of time
- Supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in film editing, assembling, and recording activities.3% of time
- Mark frames where a particular shot or piece of sound is to begin or end.1% of time
- Record needed sounds or obtain them from sound effects libraries.1% of time
- Conduct film screenings for directors and members of production staffs.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.
What this means
AI can already do almost all of this work at least twice as fast. Real use is still behind at 28 out of 100, so the change here is only getting started. Expect the role to shift toward deciding what to do, checking AI's work and owning the result.
What to do next
- Do the 4 tasks AI is already handling with AI yourself. Your peers already are, and it is quickly becoming the baseline.
- Get ahead on the 13 tasks AI could do next. These move as tools improve, so learning them early pays off.
- Build on the 5 tasks that stay human. This is where your judgment, skill and relationships matter most.
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