In the news this week, the Government has launched a consultation on how copyright material can be used to train AI models, Ofcom's 2019-23 review of Public Service Media identifies potential upcoming challenges for PSB media, and BAFTA has appointed Lee Walters as new chair of BAFTA Cymru.
Read all about it in this week’s Digest.
News
• This week, the Government launched a consultation on how copyright material can be used to train AI models. (The Hollywood Reporter) The consultation will run for 10 weeks, closing on Tuesday 25 February. Directors UK is in discussions with fellow organisations representing creators and will be providing a response. Find out more about the consultation here. (GOV.UK)
• In Ofcom's 2019-23 review of Public Service Media, Ofcom has found the PSBs to have delivered their obligations to audiences amidst challenging conditions. They also identify several potential challenges for PSB media in the future, including an increasing challenge in connecting with (particularly younger) audiences, a struggle to replace traditional income streams, and PSB news content struggling to “cut through” online. (Ofcom)
• BAFTA has appointed Lee Walters as the new chair of BAFTA Cymru. Walters will lead the BAFTA Cymru committee, an advisory group which helps steer BAFTA Cymru’s work supporting the film, games and television industries in Wales. (Televisual)
• Netflix has unveiled six filmmakers who will receive funding and professional support to make a short documentary as winners of the third year of the Netflix Documentary Talent Fund. (Televisual) Congratulations to Directors UK Inspire alumni Maya Avidov and Owen Tooth for having their projects chosen.
• HMRC has confirmed it is putting extra resource in place to help redress issues surrounding delays in value-added tax (VAT) repayments, which have thrown some UK projects into disarray. (Screen)
• ITV and YouTube have signed a new distribution and commercial partnership which will see hundreds of hours of ITV shows to be available on the web streaming platform. (Televisual)
Director Interviews
• Directors Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham on AI made tactile in Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl. (IndieWire)
Have Your Say
Join the discussion on Facebook