Transforming production with innovation, AI and efficiency

By Stephanie Mavropoulos 11-04-2025

The Arrow Media director of production looks at how advancements in technology, AI and other efficiencies can positively benefit production companies in a challenging and rapidly changing landscape.

The global factual TV industry is evolving at lightning speed. Rapid technological advancements, shrinking budgets, and tighter deadlines are reshaping how content is created. But rather than seeing these challenges as roadblocks, we should view them as opportunities to innovate, get more creative, and rethink the way we make television.

The key to success in this new landscape isn’t just about making great TV, it’s about making it smarter, faster, and more sustainable. Now is the time to rethink production models from the ground up, embracing new ways of working with stretched budgets while maintaining the same high standards of quality.

With the tightening of budgets across the industry, both producers and networks are having to reconsider how they deliver high-quality programming. The old ways of working may no longer be the most cost-effective or efficient. This gives us an opportunity to approach projects with a fresh perspective, learning, unlearning, and rethinking what’s possible.

Production needs to be flexible, adaptive, and strategic. By embracing new techniques, nurturing and training diverse talent, and experimenting with different filming methods, we can deliver the same level of quality in more efficient ways.

AI is no longer a futuristic concept, it’s here and already transforming production models. With production timelines shortening and budgets tightening, AI is proving to be an essential tool for streamlining workflows and cutting costs.

The role of AI isn’t to replace human creativity but to enhance it. By integrating AI into production, teams can focus on storytelling and strategic decision-making. Less time spent on repetitive tasks means faster production timelines and more resources available for the creative process.

As budgets shrink, co-productions are becoming more important than ever. Partnering with other production companies, studios, and networks allows for financial risk-sharing, but it also requires strong relationship management.

Managing these relationships effectively is critical to success. Trust, open communication, and clearly defined roles are essential for ensuring a smooth collaboration. With shared creative control and transparent financial structures, co-productions can be incredibly beneficial for all parties involved.

The rapid changes we’re seeing in the industry present a unique opportunity for even the most experienced professionals to learn, adapt, and embrace new ways of working. Managing a budget is no longer enough, it’s about using that budget as effectively as possible.

Embracing AI, working with diverse teams, and exploring innovative storytelling techniques will be key to staying competitive. While it may feel overwhelming at times, this shift should be seen as a chance to rediscover what makes this industry so dynamic and exciting.

Production isn’t just about logistics, it’s about people, relationships, and creativity. By balancing vision with practicality, we can ensure productions remain both creatively ambitious and financially sustainable.

Now is the time to embrace change. By staying ahead of industry shifts, leveraging new technology, and continually learning, we can create a more efficient, sustainable, and innovative production landscape that sets the stage for the future of the industry we love.