Directors Digest — Friday 14 February 2025

In the news this week, UK copyright consultation is “fixed” in favour of AI companies according to a crossbench peer, the Academy is considering introducing new rules requiring filmmakers to disclose AI use, and the 77th DGA Awards have been announced.

Read about it in this week’s Digest.

News

•  Crossbench peer Beeban Kidron has said a consultation on changes to UK copyright law is “fixed” in favour of artificial intelligence companies and will lead to a “wholesale” transfer of wealth from the creative industries to the tech sector. (Guardian)

•  According to a report, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences is considering introducing new rules around filmmakers disclosing if they used AI as part of their creative process. (TVB Europe)

•  The technology and creative sectors disagreed in their approaches to how AI and copyright law should progress in the UK, during a hearing in Parliament this week. (Screen)

•  A Channel 4 digital documentary has prompted the government to introduce new powers in its flagship immigration bill. (Broadcast)

•  The European Parliament’s panel discussion at the 75th Berlinale, titled “AI in the Audiovisual Sector: Balancing Innovation, Ethics and Democratic Values”, will bring together policymakers, industry leaders and creators to explore how AI can foster innovation while preserving European cultural diversity and democratic values. (Cineuropa)

Features

•  Is the International Film Industry Starting to Embrace AI? (The Hollywood Reporter)

•  British TV dramatists lament “austerity” era as they navigate funding crisis with no easy solutions. (Deadline)

Opinion

•  Graham Lovelace looks at how generative AI is about to offer radically new opportunities for streamers and new experiences for audiences. (TVB Europe)

•  Alex Weprin writes about how this year could see the completion of the transition to streaming. “2025 is quietly shaping up to be linear TV’s last gasp, the year when the pieces that were gluing what was left of the pay-TV bundle together break free from it, and migrate toward the inevitable streaming future.” (The Hollywood Reporter)

Awards

•  The Directors’ Guild of America announced the winners at this year’s DGA Awards his week. See the full list of winners here. (DGA)