How is AI Changing the Entertainment Industry

One of the most noticeable ways AI is making waves is in the early stages of production: scriptwriting and story development.

Tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, and Jasper are being used by writers to brainstorm plot lines, generate dialogue, and even create entire scenes. While AI can’t yet replicate the nuance of human emotion or complex narrative arcs, it offers a valuable starting point for screenwriters.

For instance, if a writer is stuck on a scene or needs fresh dialogue ideas, an AI program can quickly generate multiple variations. It’s like having a brainstorming partner that never runs out of steam.

AI is also being used to analyze scripts for pacing, tone, and character development. Some companies offer services that assess a screenplay’s potential success by comparing it to past box office hits using machine learning models.

This kind of predictive analytics is helping studios.  Casting is no longer limited to who is physically available or alive. AI- generated faces, deep-fake technology, and digital de-aging have opened up new possibilities in how actors are used on screen.

We’ve seen this with the digital resurrection of Carrie Fisher in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, and a young Luke Skywalker appearing in The Mandalorian. AI can now create digital doubles of actors, allowing them to “perform” scenes they never actually filmed.

This opens doors for filmmakers while raising ethical questions: Who owns a digital likeness? Should actors be compensated when their image is used posthumously? Some companies are even experimenting with fully AI-generated characters who can perform in films without human input.

While we’re not at the point of replacing live actors, the idea isn’t far-fetched—and it’s prompting serious conversations about the future of performance. AI is revolutionizing post-production, particularly in the realm of visual effects (VFX). Traditional VFX processes can be time-consuming and costly, but AI is streamlining everything from background removal and CGI rendering to motion capture and animation.

Tools like Runway and Adobe’s AI suite allow editors to change scenes, swap objects, or color grade entire sequences with just a few clicks. Machine learning can even upscale footage, smooth out frame rates, or create slow-motion effects from standard video—all without reshoots. This tech isn’t just for big-budget films either. Independent creators are gaining access to powerful AI tools that level the playing field, allowing them to produce high-quality content on tighter budgets.

Understanding the audience has always been key to success in film and television, and AI is helping studios get inside viewers’ heads like never before. By analyzing massive amounts of data—from social media trends and streaming habits to ticket sales and review scores—AI can predict what genres, storylines, or even actors will appeal to certain demographics. This data-driven approach helps marketers tailor promotional campaigns, choose ideal release dates, and even localize trailers and posters for specific regions. Streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime already use AI-driven algorithms to recommend content to viewers and decide which original projects to produce based on user behavior.

One of the most fascinating (and controversial) developments is fully AI-generated content. AI tools are now capable of creating short films, voiceovers, and even background music with little to no human involvement. In 2023, the short film The Frost made headlines for being created almost entirely with AI-generated visuals and audio. While these creations are still in their infancy, they hint at a future where AI could autonomously generate entire episodes or movies complete with scripts, animation, and sound design. Some see this as an exciting new genre; others fear it may dilute the creative value of human storytelling.

As with any technological shift, the rise of AI in film and television brings with it a host of ethical and legal concerns. Who owns the rights to an AI-generated script or image? How do we protect actors’ likenesses and voices from unauthorized use? And where do we draw the line between creative assistance and creative replacement?

Hollywood unions and guilds are already engaging in these debates. In fact, concerns over AI were a central issue in the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike, where screenwriters demanded protections against AI-generated scripts replacing their work. AI is not just a trend—it’s a transformative force in the film and television industry. It’s making production more efficient, opening new creative possibilities, and redefining what’s possible on screen.

But as with any powerful tool, its impact depends on how we use it. At its best, AI can empower creators, enhance storytelling, and bring new voices into the spotlight. At its worst, it could threaten the very heart of human creativity. The key to the future lies in balance: leveraging AI to push boundaries while preserving the soul of the stories we tell.