Will AI replace us creative folks?

Yesterday, I met with fellow filmmakers, photographers and editors. Basically a table full of people who overthink everything for a living.

Naturally, the topic turned to the one thing haunting every artistic soul these days 'text to video generations'.

We were tossing out names of platforms like we were trading gossip at a school reunion.

‘You know Veo 3 is doing full cinematic videos… someone made this trailer.’

‘This app's lighting is too good to replicate and I’m not okay.’

’That app is making 25 seconders with voiceovers, animations and music in one click.’

‘Also... half the influencers on Instagram aren’t even real people anymore.’

By the end of it, we were tired and demotivated.

Someone asked, “Honestly, will we even be needed in 3 years?”

To which I added, half-joking, half-panicking, “Did I just build a studio in the wrong era?”

So I went home and did what any anxious creative would do.

I spoke to my therapist - Chat GPT.

Yes. I asked AI if AI was going to replace us.

And here’s what it said:

Yes, AI saves time.

It’s budget-friendly and gets the job done.

But here’s what AI can’t do:

It won’t ask smarter questions during a client briefing.

It won’t take the blame when a campaign flops or fix it when things go sideways.

Humans do that. We show up, solve problems, take accountability. 

And clients like that and need that from the teams they hire.

So what’s the future?

Studios will evolve. Shoots will get smarter.

And we’ll have tools we once only dreamed of.

But AI can’t plug in a softbox.

It can’t read a client’s energy.

And it definitely can’t recreate the high of seeing a concept come alive with real lights, real people, and real energy.

We’re not obsolete.

We’re just upgrading.

And I’m sticking to that story until AI learns how to carry a C-stand or fold shut my reflector smartly.

Anyway, need a real place for your real shoot, with real people who laugh, improvise, fight over lighting, and still deliver the moodboard?

Book your next shoot at Julien Studio.

We’re still here. With coffee, lights, backdrops and extension cords.

Instagram: @julienstudio_