Automation and creativity in AI-driven film editing: the view from the professional documentary sector

Abstract

This article explores the impact of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into film editing, a field that has gradually adopted semi- and fully automated techniques, marking a turning point in film narrative and montage techniques. The study undertakes a systematic literature review and conducts fifteen semi-structured interviews with professional film editors in Spain to investigate how AI might transform workflows in film editing, in general, and documentary filmmaking, in particular. AI’s potential as a complementary tool in the management and organization of large volumes of material is discussed, while growing interest is highlighted in the development of more interactive, more dynamic interfaces. Finally, the study stresses the need for future research to broaden its current scope, further exploring the practical applications of AI-driven film editing and addressing both the ethical and creative concerns associated with its use.