ScreenSkills-Backed AI Standard Rolled Out Across Production

AIMICI has expanded its ScreenSkills-accredited responsible AI training beyond individual learners to the wider production ecosystem, enabling production companies to certify complete teams, while educators can prepare entrants to the same benchmark and broadcasters, distributors and financiers can recognise and endorse the standard.

Instead of centring on specific tools that may date quickly, the programme focuses on durable capabilities, practical frameworks and best practice for using AI. It synthesises guidance from commissioners, broadcasters and unions and aligns with national frameworks, including those from The Alan Turing Institute and Skills England.

Pact has been confirmed as the exclusive launch partner for adoption among production companies. Pact members can access an exclusive discount on bulk pass purchases, offering independent producers an accredited and cost-effective way to bring teams up to the standard.

The goal is a shared competency baseline so that, whenever a production comes together, everyone starts from a trusted, accredited foundation. For teams, that means a common language, a consistent base of knowledge and awareness of key partner and industry policies.

Companies can buy passes in bulk and manage cohorts via a single admin dashboard. Each participant earns an individual certificate through self-paced online learning designed to fit around production schedules. Details on how Pact members can redeem the discount are available via Pact, and the training is live now on the AIMICI Platform.

Developed and vetted by more than 50 experienced screen professionals, the training was created with support from Bournemouth University and UCL, drawing on leading academic research, including the AHRC-funded report Shared-Posthuman Imagination: Human-AI Collaboration in Media Creation. The project is supported by Innovate UK's BridgeAI programme, which promotes AI adoption across high-growth UK sectors.

The curriculum comprises two self-paced online courses delivered in short, bite-sized lessons:
- Level 1: Responsible AI for Film & TV Production 101 (introductory, around 1 hour of lessons). A starting point for everyone in production, covering what AI is, how it is already used in the industry and principles of responsible use.
- Level 2: Responsible AI in Film & TV Production (advanced, 4–5 hours of lessons). For those making AI-related decisions, from choosing tools to drafting policies. It covers assessing AI tools, key risks (legal, reputational, creative, operational) and AI governance, with separate certification routes for film, TV or both.

Following the launch of the AIMICI Learn Hub in May—the first AI courses accredited by ScreenSkills and aligned with UK national AI skills standards—the focus is shifting from individuals to sector-wide adoption of a common benchmark. More than 1,000 people are already learning on the platform, including participants from over 20 universities, and AIMICI is now making the same accredited training easier for organisations to adopt.

The standard is intended to serve the whole ecosystem, not just one group:
- For production teams: a shared language and common foundation, with awareness of key partner and industry policies.
- For educational institutions and training providers: preparation for real-world AI scenarios in production so newcomers arrive ready.
- For broadcasters, distributors and financiers: a credible, accredited benchmark they can reference, recommend or endorse.

Kathryn Webb, Managing Director, AIMICI, said: "In our experience the barrier in teams has rarely been willingness to learn; it is about being able to quickly and easily support different levels of knowledge of understanding around AI across a team. This training is the equaliser, bringing everyone up to the same level, enabling informed discussions and coordinated actions when it comes to AI. The same approach holds right across the industry, from the production teams doing the work to the broadcasters and distributors that back it. This is about building a common language and credible approach to handling risks."

Nigel Warner, CEO, Pact, said: "Our members are navigating significant change, and AI is one of the biggest questions facing the independent sector. Giving production companies an accredited, practical way to bring their whole teams up to a common standard responsibly is an important step for indies right now. We're pleased to be AIMICI's launch partner and to make this accessible to our members."

www.pact.co.uk/