Innovation unit to explore application of new technologies to productions around the world

prehistoric planet

Prehistoric Planet

BBC Studios Productions is to launch an AI Creative Lab in a bid to explore how the technology can unlock new possibilities for its global content.

The lab will serve as a dedicated hub for experimentation across concept development and production workflows, Broadcast can reveal. BBCS will shortly open up a recruitment process to set up a specialist team of AI creatives, technologists, and producers in charge of the lab.

Broadcast understands a small number of experts will be recruited to lead the lab to ensure AI is applied with editorial integrity and support global teams across scripted, unscripted, audio and kids & family – as well as its labels and partners - to experiment confidently and responsibly with the rapidly expanding technologies.

The BBC’s AI Principles, which were unveiled earlier this year, will be at the core of BBCS’s approach to this new venture. The principles largely establish audience concerns about the use of the technology and set out the need for content that uses AI to act in the best interests of the public, prioritise talent and creativity and be open and transparent.

Chief executive and chief creative officer of BBC Studios Productions Zai Bennett said: “As a global producer, we believe the future of British storytelling lies at the crossroads of creativity and technology.

planet earth iii

The AI Creative Lab will explore whether tentpoles like Planet Earth III can benefit from AI

“The AI Lab is about doing just that - creating new worlds, new formats, and new ways to tell stories that matter, and a space where our teams can push boundaries, experiment fearlessly, and reimagine what’s possible.

“Throughout all this however, we’ll continue to ensure that innovation never compromises our editorial integrity or the deep respect we have for the rights of our creative talent and contributors.”

BBCS, which is behind shows including Prehistoric Planet (Apple TV+) and Planet Earth III (BBC1), has previously run pilot projects and is applying AI in certain content, including its online learning platform BBC Maestro.

The platform recently used advanced audio-visual AI technology to deliver a crime writing course, featuring lessons from Agatha Christie brought to life through her own words and likeness.

Topics