Cover More than just a tool, AI is reshaping every note and every scene (photo: griproom)

More than just a tool, AI is reshaping every note and every scene, emerging as an unexpected “colleague” in the entertainment industry, a space long defined by unbounded emotion and creativity.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an unstoppable force, reaching even into industries once thought immune to automation. The entertainment sector, a playground of imagination and sentiment, is no exception. Whether generating melodies, drafting scripts, or tracking audience preferences, AI is becoming ever more present, no longer just a support system but a fully embedded presence within creative teams.

The rise of AI brings forth a pressing question: how will those in entertainment who have long drawn from inspiration and intuition adapt to such a unique colleague? The focus has shifted. It is no longer a debate over replacement, but rather a call to explore how people in the digital age might collaborate with AI to unlock fresh and transformative creative value.

Read more: Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow 2025: 3 Vietnamese leaders creating a “new future” from technology and AI

Is AI shaping the way we “make entertainment”?

AI’s influence in the entertainment industry has moved beyond what many initially imagined. It is not merely a supporting player; it is reshaping how we create, share and engage with content in all its forms.

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Above Within content creation, AI has evolved into a remarkable “assistant” (photo: innovationtraining)

Within content creation, AI has evolved into a remarkable “assistant”. It can compose music, write lyrics, produce script outlines, and even support the editing process through intelligent analysis and sequencing of footage. Generative AI tools such as Runway AI, Midjourney, and DALL-E 3 are ushering in a new creative frontier, enabling artists to transform text into imagery and video. This leap accelerates idea development, turning concepts into visuals in moments. In the world of music, platforms such as AIVA and Suno allow for effortless experimentation, composing background tracks and lyrics without significant cost. Notably, Korean company HYBE used Supertone’s AI technology to release a multilingual track by artist MIDNATT in six different languages, a striking example of AI amplifying global reach.

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Above AI’s mastery of data and marketing also plays a crucial role (photo: vitrina.ai)

AI’s mastery of data and marketing also plays a crucial role. By harvesting vast amounts of behavioural data, producers gain a clearer understanding of audience desires and habits. McKinsey reports that entertainment firms leveraging AI to tailor content see revenue boosts of up to 15 per cent, thanks to sharper audience engagement. Meanwhile, tools such as Scriptbook assess film scripts, offering insights into commercial viability, a way to mitigate risk before cameras roll.

Within gaming, AI is crafting ever more dynamic, personalised experiences. Non-player characters (NPCs), like those featured in Ubisoft titles, now respond fluidly to users, enhancing immersion. Procedural generation, used in games like No Man’s Sky, allows AI to build expansive virtual worlds, planet by planet. Tools powered by AI in engines like Unity enable developers to adapt levels in response to individual play styles, adding a layer of customisation previously unimaginable. According to Statista, the global gaming market is set to hit US$365 billion by 2025, a future in which AI is expected to be a cornerstone of both innovation and efficiency.

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Above Beyond creation, AI is transforming how audiences engage with entertainment (photo: pexels)

Beyond creation, AI is transforming how audiences engage with entertainment. Whether it's Netflix’s viewing suggestions, Spotify’s tailored playlists, or personalised news feeds on social media, algorithms now quietly shape user journeys. YouTube’s AI tracks billions of views to recommend content that keeps viewers on the platform longer. Meanwhile, AI-powered dubbing and subtitling tools such as ElevenLabs enable swift and accurate multilingual adaptation, helping creators bridge linguistic divides and tap into new global markets. These innovations not only increase user connection but also open doors in regions where localised content was once limited.

The unwilling “colleague”

The presence of AI in the entertainment industry does not signal the end of human involvement, but rather a significant evolution in roles and skill sets. Far from being a threat, AI is increasingly regarded as a valuable “co-worker”, transforming the way we work and create.

In this new landscape, tasks that are repetitive, demand precision or involve data-heavy analysis are now handled more efficiently by AI. This shift frees professionals from time-consuming operations, giving them the space to focus on strategic thinking and creativity.

Read more: Nguyen Thuong Tuong Minh, CEO of Base.vn: “AI has the ability to plan strategies and provide feedback like a CSO”

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Above AI’s emergence is also spawning entirely new roles while redefining existing ones (photo: guptadeepak)

Of note, AI’s emergence is also spawning entirely new roles while redefining existing ones. The demand for Prompt Engineering Experts is growing: professionals who can expertly “instruct” AI to yield the most effective outcomes. Titles such as AI Director will oversee the integration of AI tools in production workflows, while Entertainment Data Management Experts will harness the power of extensive information repositories. Most intriguingly, AI Content Curators will become the creative editors, refining and shaping AI outputs to meet aesthetic standards and deliver artistic impact.

As AI assumes more of the technical burden, distinctly human qualities gain renewed value, becoming more vital and irreplaceable than ever. These include emotional depth, empathy, and an intuitive understanding of audiences, all of which remain out of AI’s reach. Visionary thinking, leadership, and the ability to guide complex projects from concept to execution also come to the fore. Above all, it is original creativity, the ability to craft ideas and narratives that move people, that no machine or algorithm can replicate.

The “soul” of entertainment art

To avoid being sidelined and truly thrive in the AI era, entertainment professionals must embrace new skills and cultivate adaptive mindsets. This is not merely beneficial; it is essential for staying ahead.

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Above Every professional would do well to engage with emerging AI platforms and tools (photo: pexels)

At the heart of this shift is a mindset of innovation and lifelong learning. AI should be seen as an enabler, a powerful ally that boosts productivity and expands creative possibilities, not as a rival. Every professional would do well to engage with emerging AI platforms and tools: attending workshops, exploring online courses, and experimenting with generative technologies to grasp their functionality and application. Curiosity and a readiness to explore will set individuals apart.

Moreover, developing AI literacy, from Prompt Engineering to data analysis and evaluation, is fast becoming indispensable. It is equally important to assess the reliability and limitations of AI-generated output and remain mindful of ethical considerations, including copyright, privacy, and fairness.

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Above As AI handles technical processes with increasing competence, professionals in the industry must refine the soft and fundamental skills that machines cannot mimi (photo: pexels)

More critically, as AI handles technical processes with increasing competence, professionals in the industry must refine the soft and fundamental skills that machines cannot mimic. These include conceptual thinking, original storytelling, and the ability to build rich brand narratives or elicit emotional depth from an audience. Emotional intelligence (EQ) and interpersonal connection allow for deeper audience insight, while also fostering stronger, lasting relationships with collaborators, stakeholders, and fans. In an industry marked by rapid change, the capacity to solve complex problems and make sound decisions – with both nuance and foresight is vital.

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