Representing you behind the scenes

Over the summer, our work on behalf of directors has continued behind the scenes. As ever, we’ve been making sure that the voice of our membership is heard by decision makers, both within our industry and beyond.

Representing you in the room

In July, we attended a top level meeting on AI with key executives from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), including their Group Manager for Artificial Intelligence Sophie Ignatidou. Throughout a series of these consultations, we’ve consistently stressed the importance of protecting directors’ individual data protection rights as AI technology progresses. As a result, the ICO now accepts that a directors' directorial style forms part of their personal data and therefore warrants their protection — a hugely important recognition.

AI was also discussed at a meeting with the British Copyright Council, which reviewed the new Government’s Ministers and their likely stance on the issue. We also attended a Creators’ Rights Alliance (CRA) meeting on Image and Personality Rights to discuss the CRA’s position on the issue. These meetings allow us to share the director’s perspective and gain insights into decision making processes, so that we can best represent your interests and concerns as we move forward.

Representing you in consultations 

Last month Ofcom launched a consultation on its general policy on information gathering. We’re responding to the consultation to query Ofcom’s decision not to gather detailed information on the employment practices of the PSBs and their suppliers. Such data would help the industry understand why certain groups in society remain underrepresented in senior television roles.   

Ofcom also issued a revised proposal for Channel 4’s Made outside England (‘MoE’) quotas for hours and spend. Their proposal would increase the quota to 12% — up from their previous proposal of 9% — by 2030. We don’t think that’s satisfactory, and we’re calling for the quota to be raised to 16% and for the new quota to be met as quickly as commissioning and production cycles allow. 

Representing you in the media d

Last week, members of the CRA, including Directors UK, sent a letter to the CEOs of major companies making use of AI, asserting that AI must not use any works of the creators represented by our organisations without a formal licensing agreement being in place. You can find out more here.