BBC Studios Productions is gearing up to open an AI Creative Lab where teams can figure out how to use the technology in all sorts of areas of the business, including kids & family content. 

The lab is intended to be a place for experimentation where AI specialists, producers and creative talent go to figure out how artificial intelligence can be integrated into all the various stages of content creation, from concept development to production workflows.  

BBC Studios Productions has already been piloting the use of AI tools on several projects to get a sense of its potential and limitations, a BBC Studios spokesperson tells Kidscreen: “Whilst exploratory, the lab is about bringing in specific expertise that can help us further trial and best deploy AI where practical, ensuring it’s applied thoughtfully and with editorial integrity.” 

Next up, the division is looking to recruit AI creatives, technologists and producers to help guide the lab’s work. These roles will all be based in the UK. 

The spokesperson said that it was too early to discuss what the lab would mean for kids & family productions specifically. “Each of our areas have different levels of current adoption—so we expect to see evolution at different speeds, accordingly. AI integration will be tailored to each production stage, balancing innovation with operational, legal and creative considerations. Our goal is that AI will support our program-makers by enhancing workflows.” 

The BBC has established a set of guiding principles that dictate how the pubcaster adopts generative AI, including to “act in the best interests of the public; prioritize talent and creativity; and be open and transparent,” the release noted.

AI usage in the animation industry is picking up steam and new policies are being  implemeted, but there’s still some division over the technology’s place in this very creative, human-driven ecosystem. Today’s announcement is significant because it involves a market-leading public broadcaster planting a flag in AI terrain and expressing interest in exploring how to implement the technology into its production process. Considering the scope and influence of the BBC, the AI Creative Lab could potentially create a blueprint for other broadcasters looking to figure out how AI can be used. 

But still, BBC Studios Productions is taking steps to make sure AI doesn’t affect its relationship with talent and internal editorial standards, said the division’s CEO and chief creative officer Zai Bennett in a release. “As a global producer, we believe the future of British storytelling lies at the crossroads of creativity and technology. 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 of 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.”