The CMS Committee has published a report on high-end television (HETV) and has set up a set of government recommendations designed to support “under threats.”
Here are eight outstanding suggestions from the report:
AI companies must need a license to use creative works
For AI to be a positive power in film and HETV, it must strengthen the copyright framework and require a license to the creative work used to train AI models. Promoting the “opt-out” system would undermine the UK’s favorable reputation on copyright by training the material model, unless the rights holder reserves the rights.
The government will need to fund the development of BFI’s AI Lookout and Technology Demonstrator Hub, and the next AI sector champion will need to work with the industry to develop an AI certification scheme for the ethical use of HETV generation AI to protect the interests of copyright holders.
The government should require financial support for watchdogs of bullying and harassment
To tackle the issue of bullying and harassment, all parts of the creative industry, including the HETV sector, must financially support the Creative Industry Independent Standards Agency (CIISA). They should commit to unconditional long-term funding within six months, and if that doesn’t happen, the government should consider potential collections against industry players.
The appointment of a freelancer commissioner has been urged
The government should appoint freelancer commissioners to represent workers in the creative industry and implement measures to address wage instability among freelancers, such as guaranteed basic income and minimum hourly wages.
HETV also requires a tax credit for “game-changing” indie films
HETV needs enhanced tax credits, such as the “game-changing” independent film tax credits, which allow indie movies to claim approximately 40% relief. Applying a similar tax credit to HETV productions between £1 million and £3 million per hour can benefit optimally for PSBs and indie, but further research should be done about whether this is the best. Click here for details.
Streaming collection to feed the Cultural Fund for UK content
Streamer collection must be introduced. Streamers in the UK donate 5% of their subscriber revenue to the Cultural Fund to help fund UK dramas. Click here for details.
Streamer trade terms?
PSB trade terms should be considered for streamers to protect the minimum ownership of producers’ IP. Existing trade terms may not be appropriate for streamers, but similar mechanisms should be taken into consideration and more research should be carried out. Click here for details.
A detailed examination of skill training
Screenskills may not be facing the challenge of providing meaningful behavior for skills and training and addressing the root causes of problems. Responding to HETV skills shortages is slow, and there are no questions left about what the question is, what filling is needed, and the possibility that it may cost money. Governments should link public funds for future public funding screen skills to measurable results based on ambitious and robust performance indicators. Click here for details.
The UK should not be satisfied as “Hollywood of Europe.”
The recommendations in the report to support domestic production should help ride the storm in the future, but in light of global political and market forces, governments and industries should not be satisfied with the UK’s position as “Hollywood in Europe.”
