How to Develop an AI Strategy in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central for TV & Film

Why AI Is a Game-Changer for Media Production

In the fast-moving world of TV and film, production companies face constant pressure to deliver high-quality content on tighter budgets and timelines. From managing complex financials to coordinating logistics across multiple locations, the need for smarter, faster operations is clear.

That’s where Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central comes in. Used by over 45,000 companies globally, including media and entertainment businesses, Business Central offers a complete end-to-end solution to streamline financial and operational processes. And with AI now embedded into the platform, it’s time to ask: How do you build an AI strategy that works for your production business?

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Step 1 – Align AI with Your Production Goals

Start by identifying where AI can make the biggest impact in your workflow. For TV and film companies, this might include:

• Budgeting
• Forecasting
• Streamlining vendor management
• Enhancing reporting for investors and stakeholders

Clear goals will help you focus your AI strategy on solving real production challenges.

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Step 2 – Explore AI Features in Business Central

Business Central now includes built-in AI tools designed to support media operations:

Create Pivot Tables within your Financial software

CoPilot can help you in creating pivot tables of your financial and production data

Automated Bank Reconciliation

Let Co-Pilot do your bank reconciliation. Great if you have hundreds or even thousands of lines.

Natural Language Queries

Utilise the CoPilot Chat function.

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Step 3 – Get Your Data Production-Ready

AI thrives on clean, structured data. Ensure your financials, vendor records, and production schedules are centralised and up to date in Business Central. If you’re still using spreadsheets or disconnected systems, now’s the time to consolidate.

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Step 4 – Pilot AI in a Single Production

Choose one upcoming production to test your AI strategy.  

Tell us what you would like CoPilot to help with. Measure the results and gather feedback from your finance and production teams.

According to a 2024 Deloitte report, media companies that piloted AI in financial operations saw a 30% reduction in manual errors and a 25% improvement in reporting speed.

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Step 5 – Leverage Microsoft Copilot and Azure AI

Microsoft Copilot

Embedded in Business Central, Copilot helps your team generate reports, summarise data, and automate tasks using natural language, ideal for busy production environments.

Azure AI Services

For advanced use cases like sentiment analysis of audience feedback or intelligent scheduling, Azure AI can be integrated with Business Central to extend your capabilities.

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Step 6 – Upskill Your Team

AI adoption is only successful when your team knows how to use it. Provide training on Business Central’s AI features and encourage experimentation. Microsoft Learn offers free resources tailored to media and finance professionals.

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Step 7 – Monitor and Optimise

Track KPIs such as:

• Time saved on financial reporting
• Accuracy of cost forecasts
• Reduction in manual data entry
• Improved stakeholder visibility

Use these metrics to refine your AI strategy and scale it across future productions.

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Final Thoughts: AI for Creative Control

AI in Business Central isn’t about replacing creativity; it’s about empowering it. By automating the operational side of production, you give your team more time to focus on storytelling, innovation, and audience engagement.

Whether you're managing a single shoot or coordinating a multi-location series, Business Central with AI gives you the tools to stay agile, informed, and in control.

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