AI-Assisted Film Editing and Visual Effects: Craft, Workforce Displacement, and Style Evolution
Kato Nabirye H.
Faculty of Business, Kampala International University, Uganda
ABSTRACT
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming film editing and visual effects (VFX), reshaping creative workflows, aesthetic practices, and labour dynamics within the film industry. This study examines the capabilities of AI-assisted editing and generative VFX tools, focusing on their impact on narrative construction, stylistic evolution, and professional roles. Drawing on film theory, automation theory, and labour-market analysis, the research explores how AI influences editorial decision-making, including pacing, continuity, and shot selection, while also enabling new forms of visual expression through generative models and real-time rendering. The paper further interrogates the ethical, legal, and cultural implications of AI integration, particularly issues of authorship, intellectual property, bias, and representation. While AI systems enhance efficiency and expand creative possibilities, they also introduce risks of labour displacement and stylistic homogenization. Empirical insights from case studies and industry trends suggest that AI is more likely to augment rather than fully replace human creativity in the near term, though its long-term effects remain uncertain. Ultimately, the study argues that AI is not merely a technical tool but a transformative force that redefines the relationship between human agency and machine intelligence in filmmaking. It highlights the need for adaptive policy frameworks, reskilling initiatives, and ethical safeguards to ensure that technological advancement supports sustainable creative practices and preserves the cultural integrity of audiovisual storytelling.
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Film Editing, Visual Effects (VFX) ,Creative Labour and Cinematic Style
CITE AS: Kato Nabirye H. (2026). AI-Assisted Film Editing and Visual Effects: Craft, Workforce Displacement, and Style Evolution. IDOSR JOURNAL OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES 11(1): 1-9. https://doi.org/10.59298/IDOSRJHSS/2026/1111900