Producers and Directors

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 6 (20%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 18 (60%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 6 (20%)

• Consult with writers, producers, or actors about script changes or "workshop" scripts, through rehearsal with writers and actors to create final drafts.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Compile scripts, program notes, and other material related to productions.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Write and submit proposals to bid on contracts for projects.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
• Compose and edit scripts or provide screenwriters with story outlines from which scripts can be written.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
• Write and edit news stories from information collected by reporters and other sources.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
• Perform administrative duties, such as preparing operational reports, distributing rehearsal call sheets and script copies, and arranging for rehearsal quarters.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
• Plan details such as framing, composition, camera movement, sound, and actor movement for each shot or scene.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Research production topics using the internet, video archives, and other informational sources.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Review film, recordings, or rehearsals to ensure conformance to production and broadcast standards.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Study and research scripts to determine how they should be directed.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Confer with technical directors, managers, crew members, and writers to discuss details of production, such as photography, script, music, sets, and costumes.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Perform management activities, such as budgeting, scheduling, planning, and marketing.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Identify and approve equipment and elements required for productions, such as scenery, lights, props, costumes, choreography, and music.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Establish pace of programs and sequences of scenes according to time requirements and cast and set accessibility.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Coordinate the activities of writers, directors, managers, and other personnel throughout the production process.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Obtain rights to scripts or to such items as existing video footage.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Cut and edit film or tape to integrate component parts into desired sequences.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
• Choose settings and locations for films and determine how scenes will be shot in these settings.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
• Review film daily to check on work in progress and to plan for future filming.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Negotiate with parties, including independent producers and the distributors and broadcasters who will be handling completed productions.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Develop marketing plans for finished products, collaborating with sales associates to supervise product distribution.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Arrange financing for productions.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Hire principal cast members and crew members, such as art directors, cinematographers, and costume designers.AI can speed this up with extra software
• Select plays, scripts, books, news content, or ideas to be produced.AI can speed this up with extra software · Seen in real AI use
• Communicate to actors the approach, characterization, and movement needed for each scene in such a way that rehearsals and takes are minimized.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Direct live broadcasts, films and recordings, or non-broadcast programming for public entertainment or education.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Supervise and coordinate the work of camera, lighting, design, and sound crew members.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Conduct meetings with staff to discuss production progress and to ensure production objectives are attained.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Resolve personnel problems that arise during the production process by acting as liaisons between dissenting parties when necessary.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Hold auditions for parts or negotiate contracts with actors determined suitable for specific roles.Little or no AI speed-up

Questions about producers and directors and AI