The explosive growth of AI-generated film and television is fundamentally reshaping the industry's talent structure, creating a widening gap for roles such as AI editors and "card pullers." In June of this year, demand for AI editors skyrocketed by 179% compared to the same period last year, while also driving a 7% increase in traditional editing positions.
Single-Person Productions and Cloud Collaboration Redefine Efficiency and Costs
Previously, producing a film or TV show required a team of writers, directors, cinematographers, art designers, editors, and visual effects artists—a crew ranging from dozens to hundreds of people. Now, it is sometimes possible for a single individual to complete the entire process. A faded, old photograph can be restored and enhanced using AI, then extended into dynamic shots to serve as the opening of a visual story. This entire process requires no studio, no lighting technicians, and no props department. By leveraging AI tools, creator Dong Jiaqi can independently manage the entire workflow from script and storyboarding to visuals and special effects.
AI not only makes the "one-person crew" a reality, but it also transforms traditional production workflows and collaboration models. Where teams once needed to gather in the same studio or editing room, today, countless shots are generated by AI, with creators forming "cloud production" teams that collaborate efficiently from remote locations. Industry data indicates that AI has compressed production cycles from "months or years" to "days," with some single-episode short dramas taking only hours to produce. The efficiency of visual effects and pre-visualization has generally increased by 3 to 10 times.
AI technology has not only dramatically boosted efficiency but also reduced costs. Complex shots that once required travel to distant locations or the construction of physical sets can now be generated through AI. Some intricate camera movements that were impossible to capture on a real set are now achievable with AI. The workload that previously demanded a crew of dozens or hundreds can now be done with AI, resulting in a cost difference of up to one hundred times.
New Roles Emerge as Young Cross-Disciplinary Talent Pursues Film Dreams
He Ziqiang, a film director with nearly 20 years of experience, is among the first creators in China to use AI for text-to-image and image-to-video generation. In his latest project, the team has added several entirely new positions: AI storyboard artists, AI image generators, AI "card pullers," and AI editors. Many of the people filling these roles do not have a formal background in film or television.
Zhang Wenxuan, a student of cultural relic restoration, works as an AI "card puller" on He Ziqiang's team. Her main task is to input prompts to generate video material, then sift through the results—like opening blind boxes—to find usable shots that match the character's setting and story requirements. Shi Yilin, who studied landscape environmental design, serves as an AI image generator, using her professional sensitivity to spatial environments to handle the landscape design and post-production retouching for the show.
Many other team members have also entered the industry from different fields. He Ziqiang believes this is another key example of how AI is transforming the film industry: "Anyone can make their own film, as long as you have a vision. This will greatly enrich all forms of artistic creation and vitality, allowing more talented ordinary people to express their ideas through AI."
Structural Upgrade in Talent Demand Creates a Need for Versatile Professionals
The explosive growth of AI film and TV has led to a structural shift in talent demand, with the gap for roles like AI editors and "card pullers" continuing to widen. "What we need most right now are versatile professionals who understand both creative work and how to use and operate AI."
"An AI director is essentially a 'hexagonal warrior'—they need to master writing, directing, shooting, and editing. They also need a good eye for art, an outstanding script, strong AI skills, and a deep understanding of aesthetics and how to craft prompts." "You need aesthetic ability, the mindset of a director, and, most importantly, original creative capability." "AI is not simply about replacing people; it's about empowering the entire industry through technology, driving the transformation of traditional professions and roles."
This is the common understanding among practitioners of AI's profound impact on the film and television industry. As the technical barriers continue to fall, the value of creativity and content itself becomes more prominent. This technological revolution will ultimately lead to a richer creative ecosystem and broader room for industrial growth. The next person to realize their "film dream" could be you.
Data Snapshot of Industry Trends
AI has increased the efficiency of visual effects and pre-visualization by 3 to 10 times, compressing the entire production cycle from months to days. For a short drama company, for example, monthly output can grow from a few shows to nearly one hundred. In June of this year, hiring demand for AI editors surged 179% year-on-year, while also driving a 7% increase in traditional editing roles. The monthly salary range for AI-related film and TV roles, based on individual ability, generally falls between 8,000 and 20,000 yuan.
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