AI plundering scripts poses 'direct threat' to UK screen sector, says BFI

In a wide-ranging report analysing the benefits and threats posed by AI to the UK's film, TV, video game and visual special effects industries, the BFI also raises fears that automation will eliminate the entry-level jobs that bring in the next generation of workers. It says the "primary issue" facing the 125bn industry is the use of intellectual property (IP) to train generative AI models without payment to, or permission from, rights holders. The UK creative industries want to see an "opt-in" regime, forcing AI companies to seek permission and strike licensing deals before they can use content, and the government is currently in the process of considering what legislation to put in place. "AI offers significant opportunities for the screen sector such as speeding up production workflows, democratising content creation and empowering new voices," said Rishi Coupland, director of research and innovation at the BFI. "However, it could also erode traditional business models, displace skilled workers, and undermine public trust in screen content."