JENNIFER WOLFE

Los Angeles-based media strategist & technology storyteller

Navigating the Future of Post-Production: AI, Efficiency, Economics, and the Science of Saying “No”



TL;DR

  • Post-production veteran Scott Simmons examines two of the biggest trends the industry currently faces: artificial intelligence and the ongoing challenge of delivering high-quality work amid shrinking budgets and tighter deadlines.
  • AI, Simmons says, has the potential to enhance job performance rather than replace jobs, urging professionals to view it as a tool for improvement in the face of industry evolution. He also advocates for the necessity of setting realistic expectations and sometimes saying “no” to protect quality and well-being.
  • He critiques as well the industry-wide shift towards subscription pricing models: “While monthly pricing is great for the company, there are some tools that just shouldn’t ask the customer for a monthly fee.”
  • At NAB Show, Simmons will lead nearly a dozen workshops focused on editing at POST|PRODUCTION WORLD, including remote workflows and collaborative post-production.


The post industry stands at a crossroads as the relentless push for more efficient workflows present both unprecedented opportunities and daunting challenges. But as longtime industry pro Scott Simmons notes, it’s essential to recognize that the path forward is paved with both innovation and introspection.

Freelance editor and writer Scott Simmons.
Freelance editor and writer Scott Simmons.

As a seasoned freelance editor, Simmons has worked on a wide range of multi-cam, broadcast TV and music video projects over the course of his career, which spans more than 25 years. He has a featured role at POST|PRODUCTION WORLD at the upcoming NAB Show, leading nearly a dozen workshops focused on editing, including tips for remote workflows and collaborative post-production.

Simmons casts a spotlight on AI’s burgeoning role in post, naming it as one of the two biggest industry trends.

“Everyone is wondering what the long-term ramifications will be as AI penetrates deeper in the post-production industry,” he says. “While software tools and cloud-based services are pushing AI more into all areas of post-production, everyone is wondering if and when AI will take jobs. But the correct way to look at AI now is: how can AI help me do my job better?”

Another enduring trend, according to Simmons, is the pressure of decreasing budgets coupled with tighter delivery timelines. This scenario is all too familiar to post-production professionals who strive to produce their best work under increasingly stringent constraints.

“Delivering quality work becomes more difficult as budgets and timelines decrease,” Simmons observes. The industry’s relentless demand for faster, cheaper output challenges not only the quality of the work but also the well-being of those who create it. It’s here that Simmons advocates for a crucial shift in mindset: the courage to say “no.”

“Everyone wants to do their best work, but at some point, you just have to say no, for your own sanity’s sake. Often people asking for miracles have never been told, ‘no, miracles can’t happen in the matter you have asked.’ Perhaps that is something they need to hear?”

Continuous learning and discovery is key to navigating a rapidly evolving post industry, Simmons advises. This ethos of lifelong learning is not just about keeping up with technological advancements; it’s about fostering a culture of curiosity and adaptability that enriches our professional and personal lives. “Here’s a little secret: Even veteran P|PW instructors like myself learn new things at Post|Production World,” he shares.

“It might be an interaction with attendees after a class or a discussion during a session that prompts some new thinking or a new discovery. But even better than that is, as an instructor, sitting in on a full class from one of my colleagues for a topic that I know nothing about. You’re never too old or too busy to learn something new, and that is what P|PW is all about.”

Simmons encourages NAB Show attendees to explore the show floor with an open mind, seeking out both established and emerging technologies. “Post-production happens in ‘big apps,’ so first, the attendees should seek out those companies on the show floor and thank them for being there,” he suggests.

But the exploration shouldn’t stop at familiar tools; Simmons urges professionals to investigate competing products and engage with smaller vendors. “Everyone has their favorite tools that you’d have to pry from our cold, dead hands, but all of those tools most likely have competitors. Go find those competing tools you might have never seen or just dismissed and give them a look. Kindly ask questions of the vendors. Take the time to learn a little about these products that you might not encounter outside of a show like NAB Show,” he continues.

“That’s where you just might find your next game-changing product or service.”

One of the critical discussions Simmons advocates for involves the industry’s shift toward subscription pricing models. “While monthly pricing is great for the company, there are some tools that just shouldn’t ask the customer for a monthly fee,” he says. “With both inflation and the ever-increasing cost of streaming services people are tired and frustrated when yet another tool moves to a subscription model. Let’s make that one of our main topics of conversation at NAB Show.”

Jennifer Wolfe

A Los Angeles-based content producer and media strategist with 15+ years of experience in Media & Entertainment, I bring a broad-scope knowledge of M&E business and technologies spanning visual storytelling, creative post production, and digital content creation and delivery. Fluent across digital publishing platforms, including development and back-end management, I am highly skilled at translating technical workflows into narratives that showcase product features and capabilities.