A.I. in the entertainment industry and at Hofstra

2023 has become the year of artificial intelligence. The current phenomenon has rapidly transformed modern technology landscapes and sparked debates across various fields. It is expected that this technology will play a significant role in shaping the future of various industries, particularly the entertainment industry, which is constantly evolving and has emerged as one of the frontrunners in attempts at adopting AI technology. 

 Since the technology is still relatively new and its capabilities are continuously being explored, there is a possibility that AI could play a significant role in various aspects of entertainment. This has raised concerns among professionals about the potential loss of jobs and the need to adapt to new systems.

 Artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry is not a new concept. It has been utilized for various purposes, such as generating creative ideas and improving production efficiency. Although AI is currently employed in specific areas such as search algorithms or language processing, it can also expand to other regions. However, implementing AI in entertainment raises some ethical concerns. For instance, with a simple prompt, executives could create AI-generated content that doesn’t require payment or credit to real people in the future.

One of the first instances of AI possibly becoming a major concern was in the Writers Guild of America strike, in which writers were concerned their jobs would soon be replaced by AI software. The strike was resolved recently, but it was recognized that writers could still use AI technology in their work, leaving the door open for further debate.

“The deal states that writers can use AI if the company consents. But a company cannot require a writer to use AI software,” said Jake Coyle, a film writer and critic, in an Associated Press article. 

At the university level, artificial intelligence is one of the most exciting developments due to its potential to enhance the future of communication, including filmmaking and journalism.

“In journalism, I believe it’s reasonable to expect that artificial intelligence will take on a greater and greater role in what commodity news [is]. That is, routine and straightforward reporting that can easily be replicated at greater speed and efficiency by AI,” said Dean Mark Lukasiewicz of the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication at Hofstra. “In creative fields such as screenwriting and graphic design or production art, artificial intelligence is likely to become a source of first drafts and initial concepts, with a writer or artist taking the AI-generated product and making improvements, edits and modifications to bring the product to its final form.” 

Artificial intelligence will soon be embraced at Hofstra University, according to Lukasiewicz. He believes that its impact on students and the industry will be significant.

“I don’t believe it would be wise for the Herbert School, or any other educational institution, to attempt a ban or prohibition on AI,” Lukasiewicz said. “It is destined to be a part of all of our lives, and the sooner we come to grips with what it can – and cannot – do, the better we will all be for it … Exactly how that will unfold remains to be seen, and it will be up to faculty to decide whether AI will play a role and how … Just as computers and the internet and digitization changed so many roles in the economy, so too will AI.”

Artificial intelligence will bring both challenges and opportunities for students in college preparing for careers in the entertainment industry. Depending on how you look at it, college students may have a disadvantage or advantage. In the future, children will grow up with artificial intelligence and knowledge that we are just now learning.

On the other hand, AI also gives college students today a chance to become some of the first to use the ever-evolving tool in the field and to make a name for our generation. The real test for students our age is adapting to technological advancements, staying informed about AI trends and acquiring relevant skills crucial for success in this evolving landscape.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROUTINEHUB BLOG