Equity has called on the government to “heed” recommendations made by the influential Culture, Media and Sport Committee in a report published today, Thursday, which calls for licensing of creative works in all cases where they are used to train AI models.
The wide-ranging report stems from the Committee’s inquiry into British film and high-end television (HETV). In addition to meeting the challenges of AI, the report also calls for a streamer levy; enhanced tax incentives for HETV similar to the welcomed Independent Film Tax Credit; a range of workforce support, including investing in training, tackling bullying and harassment, and supporting freelancers, including when they are out of work.
In response, Equity’s General Secretary Paul W Fleming said that the government should “heed the Culture, Media and Sport Committee’s call today for the licensing of creative works in all cases where they are used to train artificial intelligence models.”
Commenting on the challenges posed by artificial intelligence, he continued: “AI is being built illegally by stealing Equity members’ life’s works. These big tech firms must be brought to the table and made to pay creators what they owe.
“Yet so far, the Government has appeared to labour under the false impression that our copyright laws are ‘disputed’. This is not the case. Those AI companies using copyright protected works without their creator’s permission are breaking the law on an industrial scale. They must be held to account.”
You can read more about Equity’s position on AI on our Stop AI Stealing the Show section.
Equity believes that existing tax breaks or government incentives for investment should come with a requirement for good terms and conditions and union contracts for those working in the related industries. The government should explore options for a streamer levy, with the aim of bolstering investment into British film and TV production alongside improved public support made by well-resourced Public Service Broadcasters and screen agencies, and Equity would also welcome more support for UK indigenous TV continuing drama production.
Commenting on the recommendation regarding supporting the workforce, Equity Assistant General Secretary for Recorded Media, John Barclay, said: “The report recognises that we are at a tipping point for homegrown and culturally distinct UK film and TV.
“The successful UK industry also offers a training ground for cast and crew – and an access point for underrepresented groups – which global high-end television (HETV) and film productions rely on. But in recent years we have seen many long running UK productions close, studio spaces sold, and members of Equity and other creative unions lose their jobs. Without this pool of talent, the industry will suffer.”
Equity is currently seeking better terms and conditions for performers and creatives, including on pay, AI, harassment, and skills.
