AI Trained on 130,000 Movie and TV Scripts

Recent insights from a comprehensive report on artificial intelligence (AI) in the entertainment sector reveal that over 130, 000 movie and television scripts have been utilized to train generative AI models, which some experts are deeming a “threat”to the film and screen industry.

As AI technology increasingly permeates our daily lives, debates regarding its role in artistic creation have intensified. This contention has reached a boiling point, particularly illustrated by the actors’ and writers’ strikes of 2023. Notably, audiences are expressing dissatisfaction, leading to backlash against creators, both large and small, for their decisions to employ AI in their productions.

Examples abound: marketing campaigns for films like Megalopolis and Thunderbolts, along with television series such as True Detective, have all encountered criticism for their use of AI. In a recent move, Crunchyroll decided against employing AI in their creative processes for anime, much to the delight of their fanbase.

Concerns Regarding Generative AI in Film and Television

The report, derived from a collaboration between the British Film Institute (BFI) and the CoSTAR Foresight Lab, underscores significant challenges presented by generative AI—technology that generates new content based on existing data—particularly in the context of copyright infringement.

A current trend, exemplified by AI image generation on platforms like ChatGPT, has led to users producing works reminiscent of Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki’s style.

According to the report, “The existing training paradigm for generative AI models poses a threat to the fundamental economics of the screen sector and its ability to create value from making and commercializing new intellectual property.” Researchers highlighted the dependence of AI companies on over 130, 000 scripts, encompassing both films and television shows, allowing these models to learn the nuances of storytelling through exposure to various forms of media.

As these models replicate narrative structures, they can generate new content at a fraction of the cost and effort required for traditional productions.

It’s been 24 hours since OpenAI unexpectedly shook the AI image world with 4o image generation. Here are the 14 most mindblowing examples so far (100% AI-generated): 1. Studio ghibli style memes pic.twitter.com/E38mBnPnQh

— Barsee 🐶 (@heyBarsee) March 26, 2025

The report argues that while these learned capabilities can assist human creators, they also pose a risk of competing directly against the original artists whose work was utilized during training.

Despite acknowledging the potential benefits of generative AI in boosting efficiency, sparking creativity, and opening new avenues, the report emphasizes the necessity for implementing regulations to ensure responsible application.

The findings prompt a distressing conclusion: navigating barriers and opportunities within the sector is essential as technology evolves quickly. The report presents a nine-point strategic roadmap designed to guide the industry forward.

Key recommendations include enhancing the workforce’s skill set to integrate AI, establishing guidelines for reducing the environmental impact of AI technology, and empowering independent creators with AI tools for their projects.

Though primarily focused on the UK, the implications of this report resonate globally. The swift integration of AI into filmmaking and television in markets like the US often occurs without clear regulations or protective measures in place. Consequently, the concerns raised in the BFI’s findings—ranging from copyright violations to the devaluation of creative labor—are surfacing worldwide, with calls for regulatory oversight becoming ever more urgent.

For further insights, explore discussions surrounding potential AI incorporation in projects by The Brutalist, Lionsgate’s emerging AI strategies, and Google’s innovative Veo 3 AI video generator.

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