AI: Generating a More Accessible and Inclusive TV Industry

The truth is we’re all looking for ways to make our jobs easier, get the work done quicker and get even better results. From automation and data management, to script analysis and VFX, AI-powered tools are being deployed right across the production process to do just that. But at Gritty Talent, we believe that the true benefits of these emerging technologies lie beyond productivity and effectiveness.

There’s huge potential in these tools to make the industry more accessible and inclusive of talent from under-represented groups - many of whom face a range of barriers to entry and progression in their careers, whether they’re physical, financial or attitudinal.

Of course, most barriers are a result of societal inaction and require a significant culture shift to truly address them, but with AI-powered tools and other emerging technologies we can help to make that a reality. Let’s explore… 

Physical accessibility, for example, can be a significant barrier for those with mobility conditions, but with shared cloud systems, video call and powerful computer systems, remote working has never been more achievable. Sure, not every job can be remotely worked at present, but roles like editors, animators and scriptwriting are benefitting from increasingly flexible and remote working. 

Similarly, automated captioning and transcription services, like Google’s Live Transcribe and Otter.ai, can support communication between all talent, and assistive tools like Microsoft Seeing AI and Speechify can help visually-impaired talent navigate sight-based barriers. 

AI-generated voice technology, such as Google’s WaveNet and ElevenLabs, makes content more accessible to international audiences with multilingual overdubbing. 

Let’s consider socioeconomic barriers next - high costs of equipment/software, unequal access to education and training, and lack of access to professional networks have often made creative careers inaccessible.

For talent and businesses who don’t have huge financial resources to spend on software, AI is levelling the playing field. Tools like RunwayML can automate complex visual effects, while AI-based animation software like Blender streamlines the animation process, significantly reducing time and costs. 

Tools like Adobe Premiere Pro, which have been a staple in professional video editing, have been updated with AI-powered functionality, making high-quality production more achievable with less expertise and financial investment - all from the comfort of your own home. 

Part of what makes these tools so appealing is their relatively low barrier to use. Many of them are affordable if not free and full masterclasses are readily available on YouTube. These tools tend to also emphasise simple UI and UX, which means with a bit of patience and some imagination, you can essentially teach yourself how to get the most out of the right tool for the job. 

In the past, getting your next job in TV could often rely on who you knew - disproportionately rewarding certain personality types. But now, AI and the internet allows creatives to produce an impressive portfolio and share it worldwide in a matter of clicks. This was the case for producer and ‘AI Filmmaker’ Stephanie Chlond, who speaking on The Plug Podcast said “I can just show them my showreel - ‘this is what I can do’ - and they can’t deny my skills with those tools.”

With its rigid schedules, unpredictable hours and no guarantee of your next job, the TV industry has not traditionally been inclusive of those with care responsibilities. They need time and they need flexibility - two factors which can be afforded by the technology of today.  

Project management tools like Trello offer features such as automated task assignment, deadline tracking, and progress updates - more effectively managing workloads and providing more flexible time management. Communication platforms like Slack allow project updates and reminders to be automatically sent to team members, reducing the need for constant manual oversight, while virtual meeting tools such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, with AI features like background noise cancellation and automated scheduling, support flexible work schedules and remote collaboration.

These are just a few of the use cases to illustrate how these technologies aren’t just enhancing productivity and efficiency but breaking down long standing barriers to help foster a more inclusive and accessible creative sector.

This is the future we’re working towards at Gritty Talent - one where talent is recognised and nurtured regardless of background or circumstances. Technology is a part of that, but as an industry we have to ensure that opportunities to train and upskill creatives in AI are available to all, otherwise we risk creating even deeper inequalities. 

There is a real risk here. The industry has had a challenging year - diverting attention away from the progress we’ve seen in recent years towards creating a more inclusive sector. We know that old habits die hard and there are still cultural norms in the industry that we need to rid ourselves of.

So, let's not just adopt these tools, let's champion them and the hardworking talent of our sector. Let's harness the potential of AI to create a world where every voice can be heard, every story can be told, and all talent can flourish. The future is not just about working smarter; it's about working together to build a creative industry that truly represents all of us.