Will AI Replace Video Content Creators?

Will AI Replace Video Content Creators?

Contributors: Yellow Dog Party

Around the world, people in nearly every job are asking the same question: Will AI completely replace me?

For most, the answer as of now is no. AI can help us do things faster or handle jobs that we simply can’t do, like processing massive data sets. But it also has its weaknesses.

In this blog, we’ll look at what AI and machine learning are, how they might apply to content creators (producers, editors, cinematographers etc.), their strengths and limitations, and what the future looks like for mankind.

What are artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)?

Artificial intelligence is an umbrella term for computer programs that perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. Things like understanding human language, spotting patterns, and decision making based on a specific set of criteria and data.

Machine learning is a subset of AI where algorithms learn from mistakes. These algorithms allow the computer to make predictions, adjust tactics, and find solutions.

Together, AI and ML are changing the world. AI and ML are handling everything to a great benefit, from diagnosing illnesses to directing traffic.

But what about their effects in a creative field like video content production?

How AI Can Affect Video Content Creators

AI is making inroads into video content and films. 

For example, automated camera systems are being designed that operate automatically, capturing the images that the system deems to be most important for the task at hand (auto focus.)  AI-based editing software speeds up the entire process of editing. We can edit entire commercials, interviews and even movies very quickly by letting AI follow a set of instructions. AI can also do color grading and post-production instantly. 

Advantages of AI in Post Production 

AI can make editing much faster and easier. AI can complete the tedious hours of adding and correcting in a matter of seconds or minutes. Below are some of the ways we utilize AI in Post. 

• Speed: Automated systems can process videos faster in post-production. Because the AI can process faster than any human, it can get a job done in much less time, even the most complex processes.

• Consistency: AI can maintain a consistent quality. AI doesn’t get tired, distracted, or bored. It only knows one right way to do everything, and it does it that way every single time. 

• Adaptability: We can train AI systems for specific tasks. An AI system might be taught to do just color grading. It will do only that, leaving other parts of the process alone.

• Inspiration: Sometimes you're looking for inspiration and it's often difficult to find. Generating images with AI can often inspire you to think about subjects in new ways.

• Temporary Elements: It's much easier to edit than it is to create from scratch. AI can give artists a leg up on building their compositions by giving them material to start from and work with.

• Background elements: AI allows us to make more highly detailed worlds by having it generate background elements that would have been tedious to include previously, and might not have been added at all because of that.

• Textures: AI can create textures for 3D models, which saves artists time from searching for the perfect texture across multiple sites, or having to deal with licensing existing texture maps.

• Fixing issues: AI is also quite good at fixing problematic areas, for example helping to make clean mattes to composite back into footage.

• Scaling: AI is also adept at scaling up images that might otherwise not work without a lot of effort. For example, someone loves a portrait stock photo, but we need to make it fit a widescreen video frame. AI can build out the rest of the frame in a convincing fashion.

Limitations and Concerns with AI 

While AI can be a major help in making videography better, it also has limitations and concerns.

• Lack of Human Touch: AI lacks the intuitive, creative input that a human provides. AI is not really creative. It can imitate art or blend to create something new, but AI can't create unique ideas from scratch.

• Ethical Concerns: Manipulation of video content, deep fakes, etc. Since everything AI does has the same digital quality, it’s very easy for AI to make things seem like something they’re not. For example, the problem with deep fakes, where a person is being made to do or say something they never did can lead to all sorts of trouble, from loss of reputation to massive lawsuits.

• Everything AI does is based on the datasets it is given. That means that, by definition, everything it does is derivative and never unique. While the derivation might appear completely unique, it can only be parts of other creations, nearly always human creations.

• Interview Edits using AI. 

• We’ve tested AI when it comes to editing down interviews quickly. While it works, we still have to go back and fix a lot of mistakes and misinterpretations, hence the humans still have to edit. 

• Also, while AI can edit an interview, it can't find new and unique aspects to a story like a human would. Which is a hugely important aspect of editing interviews.

• AI can lead to lazy editors who rely on AI and never fully dive into an interview and footage to create the very best outcome. 

• Inspiration: Yes, we are using this example in two ways. 

Generating images with AI can often inspire you to think about subjects in new ways, but you still need your imagination to create something unique for your project

Collaboration is the Answer
AI won’t replace humans in content creation anytime soon, whether on set, prep or post production, but together, humans and computers can create some outstanding content. 

AI is a tool, not a creator. Like all tools it requires human ingenuity to be useful. Otherwise, it’s just a complex program sitting there waiting for someone to ask it to do something.

Conclusion

AI and machine learning are powerful tools for video content creation and films. They can make video content better, but by themselves, they’re simply not good enough to create anything special.

AI can imitate human ingenuity, but it can’t actually create, imagine, or innovate.

You need a human to make that happen.

Contributors: Yellow Dog Party