Derry Girls Creator Criticizes ITV's AI Job Plans
- ITV has advertised for a 'head of generative AI innovation' to utilize AI in content creation for television and film.
- Several prominent writers, including Lisa McGee, have expressed their dismay over this decision, citing ethical concerns and the potential replacement of human creativity.
- Criticism has arisen over the focus on AI instead of investing in human screenwriters, emphasizing the importance of genuine human experiences in storytelling.
Recent events in the UK have stirred controversy within the television industry. ITV, a major broadcaster, posted a job listing for a 'head of generative AI innovation' aiming to integrate artificial intelligence into its content creation processes for TV shows and films. This move has raised alarms among writers who believe it undermines the artistic craft of screenwriting. Lisa McGee, creator of the acclaimed series Derry Girls, called the initiative 'incredibly depressing and, considering how AI material is generated, unethical.' The Writers' Guild of Great Britain has voiced strong opposition to this approach, suggesting that ITV could make better use of its budget by investing in human talent rather than relying on technology. General Secretary Ellie Peers highlighted the abundance of story ideas lacking financial backing, indicating a troubling trend in the industry of prioritizing cost-cutting measures over creativity. In addition to Peers and McGee, other creators echoed similar sentiments. They argued that successful shows often stem from authentic human experiences and warned against the risk of dehumanizing storytelling through AI. They believe such approaches fail to acknowledge the depth that genuine writers bring to projects. Although ITV claims the use of AI tools will enhance its creative processes, many industry veterans remain skeptical about their impact on the future of storytelling. With ongoing debates about screenwriter job security, this development arrives in a landscape already strained by recent strikes in the US over similar concerns.