According to a new report from the British Film Institute (BFI), artificial intelligence companies are using more than 130,000 film and television scripts to train their models, seriously infringing on copyrighted materials, which poses a "direct threat" to the future of the UK screen industry. The report provides a detailed analysis of the benefits and challenges brought by AI technology to the film, television, video game, and special effects industries.
The report points out that the main problem facing the UK creative industry, currently valued at £12.5 billion, is that AI companies are using intellectual property without paying or obtaining permission from rights holders to train generative AI models. This has made practitioners in the creative industry, especially those in junior and entry-level positions, feel threatened about job security.
Despite the fact that AI can accelerate production processes, lower the bar for creation, and empower new voices, it also risks undermining traditional business models and replacing technical workers. Rishi Coupland, BFI's director of research and innovation, stated that the potential of AI to improve productivity and creative freedom is great, but there are many hidden dangers.
The report further notes that the automation capabilities of AI may lead to job losses in writing, translation, technical visual effects, character animation, and other positions, posing a threat to younger workers. As these technologies continue to evolve, the report emphasizes that training and skills enhancement are particularly important to help existing employees adapt to changes in AI technology. However, there is currently a significant shortage of training resources in the AI field, especially for freelancers who often cannot access necessary support.
In addition, the report highlights that AI technology may lower the barrier for creators to enter the industry, allowing a new generation of British creators to produce high-quality content with limited resources. Therefore, the report proposes nine recommendations, including establishing an intellectual property licensing market, developing AI tools with inclusive culture, and increasing investment in the industry.
This report, co-published with Goldsmiths, University of London, Loughborough University, and the University of Edinburgh, calls on the government to consider formulating relevant laws for the creative industry to ensure the protection of creators' rights. Culture Minister Lisa Nandy also promised that the government will follow the principle of paying creators to protect the future of the industry.
Key Points:
📽️ BFI Report: AI Technology Poses Direct Threat to the UK Film Industry, Infringing Copyright Materials.
🧑🎨 AI Automation May Lead to Job Losses in Entry-Level Positions; Training and Skills Enhancement Are Essential.
💡 The Report Recommends Establishing an Intellectual Property Licensing Market to Protect Creators' Rights.