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De Minimis AI Use for Filmmakers

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a research assistant is permitted for creators of Proudly Human™ certified films and screen works. For example, you may use AI to search for facts, summarize ideas, analyze production data, generate ideas or high-level story concepts, or suggest directions for further creative development.

Modern film and post-production workflows may incorporate software tools containing embedded AI-assisted features for technical, workflow, or support purposes.

However, AI must not be used for the generation of non-trivial creative content that materially replaces the core creative authorship of the human creators. All creative expression, performances, storytelling, and authorship must remain the original contribution of the human creators.

Specifically, your use of AI must be limited to de minimis levels. That is, uses so minor or mechanical that they do not affect the copyrightable authorship of your work and, in practical terms, do not alter its human-created nature.

Acceptable De Minimis AI Use

For your guidance, examples of acceptable de minimis AI use typically include:

  • Checking spelling and grammar in production documents or subtitles

  • Generating ideas, outlines, or high-level story concepts

  • Formatting assistance such as file conversion, transcription, subtitle generation, or organising production materials

  • Technical tasks such as colour correction, noise reduction, audio clean-up, balancing sound levels, or removing visual artefacts

  • Workflow assistance such as logging footage, syncing sound, or organising media assets

  • Limited AI-assisted visual effects or technical enhancements that do not materially replace human creative authorship or artistic direction

Unacceptable AI Use (Beyond De Minimis)

By contrast, unacceptable AI use beyond de minimis would include:

  • Using AI to generate screenplay scenes, dialogue, or substantial story content

  • AI-generated performances, voice synthesis, or digital likenesses that meaningfully contribute to the final work

  • AI-generated cinematography, visual storytelling, editing, or creative direction that materially replaces human creative contribution

  • AI-generated visual content that substantially substitutes for human artistic contribution in the final work

  • AI-generated musical scores, arrangements, or soundtrack elements

  • AI-generated promotional artwork, posters, trailers, or marketing materials (unless separately disclosed)