The Problem With Letting AI Do the Grunt Work

The consulting firm CVL Economics has estimated that AI will disrupt over 200,000 entertainment-industry jobs in the US by 2026. Writer Nick Geisler argues that the most significant impact will be on entry-level positions where aspiring artists traditionally learn their craft. Geisler, a screenwriter, notes that AI tools like ChatGPT can now handle tasks he once performed, such as writing copy for a how-to website. This trend is visible across creative industries, with AI software like Eddie capable of producing first edits of films. Many job listings now seek people to train AI models rather than create original content. Entry-level creative jobs are essential for developing skills, as they allow young artists to work within established formulas and routines. Many famous artists, including Hunter S. Thompson and Joan Didion, began their careers in low-level positions that helped them develop their craft. These jobs provide practice time and opportunities for mentorship that are not available in other types of work. The loss of these entry-level positions could have a significant impact on the development of future artists. The availability of these jobs is crucial for the growth and development of the creative industry, and their disappearance could have long-term consequences for the industry as a whole.