Will AI replace Producers and Directors?

AI can do 65% of the work Producers and Directors do at least twice as fast. People already use it for 7 of their 30 tasks, while 16 more are ready but barely used so far. 7 still need a person.

AI is already doing this7 · 21% of time

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

  • Study and research scripts to determine how they should be directed.Mostly automated4% of time
  • Coordinate the activities of writers, directors, managers, and other personnel throughout the production process.Mostly automated3% of time
  • Research production topics using the internet, video archives, and other informational sources.Mostly automated3% of time
  • Consult with writers, producers, or actors about script changes or "workshop" scripts, through rehearsal with writers and actors to create final drafts.Mostly assisted3% of time
  • Compose and edit scripts or provide screenwriters with story outlines from which scripts can be written.Mostly automated3% of time
  • Write and edit news stories from information collected by reporters and other sources.Mostly automated2% of time
  • Compile scripts, program notes, and other material related to productions.Mostly automated1% of time

AI could do this next16 · 44% of time

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

  • Confer with technical directors, managers, crew members, and writers to discuss details of production, such as photography, script, music, sets, and costumes.7% of time
  • Plan details such as framing, composition, camera movement, sound, and actor movement for each shot or scene.5% of time
  • Review film, recordings, or rehearsals to ensure conformance to production and broadcast standards.4% of time
  • Conduct meetings with staff to discuss production progress and to ensure production objectives are attained.4% of time
  • Cut and edit film or tape to integrate component parts into desired sequences.3% of time
  • Establish pace of programs and sequences of scenes according to time requirements and cast and set accessibility.2% of time
  • Perform administrative duties, such as preparing operational reports, distributing rehearsal call sheets and script copies, and arranging for rehearsal quarters.2% of time
  • Resolve personnel problems that arise during the production process by acting as liaisons between dissenting parties when necessary.2% of time
  • Choose settings and locations for films and determine how scenes will be shot in these settings.2% of time
  • Review film daily to check on work in progress and to plan for future filming.2% of time
  • Write and submit proposals to bid on contracts for projects.2% of time
  • Select plays, scripts, books, news content, or ideas to be produced.2% of time
  • Arrange financing for productions.1% of time
  • Negotiate with parties, including independent producers and the distributors and broadcasters who will be handling completed productions.1% of time
  • Obtain rights to scripts or to such items as existing video footage.1% of time
  • Develop marketing plans for finished products, collaborating with sales associates to supervise product distribution.1% of time

Still needs a person7 · 35% 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.

  • Direct live broadcasts, films and recordings, or non-broadcast programming for public entertainment or education.11% of time
  • Perform management activities, such as budgeting, scheduling, planning, and marketing.7% of time
  • Communicate to actors the approach, characterization, and movement needed for each scene in such a way that rehearsals and takes are minimized.5% of time
  • Supervise and coordinate the work of camera, lighting, design, and sound crew members.5% of time
  • Identify and approve equipment and elements required for productions, such as scenery, lights, props, costumes, choreography, and music.3% of time
  • Hire principal cast members and crew members, such as art directors, cinematographers, and costume designers.2% of time
  • Hold auditions for parts or negotiate contracts with actors determined suitable for specific roles.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 do most of this work faster, but a real part of the job still needs a person. Real use is still behind at 18 out of 100, so the change here is only getting started. The people who learn which tasks to hand off will pull ahead.

What to do next

  • Do the 7 tasks AI is already handling with AI yourself. Your peers already are, and it is quickly becoming the baseline.
  • Get ahead on the 16 tasks AI could do next. These move as tools improve, so learning them early pays off.
  • Build on the 7 tasks that stay human. This is where your judgment, skill and relationships matter most.
Actors13%Media Programming Directors74%Talent Directors48%Media Technical Directors/Managers36%Disc Jockeys, Except Radio65%Music Directors and Composers39%

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