Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee slams ITV after controversial AI announcement

Screenwriters including the creator of Derry Girls have criticised over a job advert for an -related role.

ITV announced plans recently to hire a 'Head of Generative AI Innovation' on . The full-time job, based in , was advertised as including spearheading "AI-driven innovations in content creation for TV shows, films, and digital-first content," as well as implementing tools like "AI-generated ideation, character development, and enhanced production graphics".

A description of the artificial intelligence (AI) related role read: "This position will drive the strategy and execution of AI-driven transformation across both ITV Studios and ITV's streaming services (ITVX). The successful candidate will lead the exploration, development, and deployment of cutting-edge generative AI technologies that will shape the future of content creation, streaming experiences, and operational workflows."

The job, listed with a salary of £80,000 to £95,000, had a closing date of October 23 in the advertisement. However, it's stated on LinkedIn that applications are no longer being accepted.

The job advert has been met with some criticism, including from acclaimed screenwriters in the industry, amid some wider concerns over the impact of AI in the entertainment industry. Lisa McGee, who created and wrote 's Derry Girls, said in a statement shared by that she found the news "incredibly depressing" and "considering how AI material is generated, unethical". She added: "Great stories are in the telling, the tone, the point of view, the personal. Screenwriting is both an art form and a craft and I think what I find most disturbing is this desire to replace us."

READ MORE:

She hasn't been alone in voicing her concern. Others who have addressed the news include Jack Rooke, who created Channel 4 comedy Big Boys, who is quoted as having said that ITV was "neglecting to realise their most successful scripted projects have always been born out of real life human experience." He referenced examples like , and also mentioned long-running soap .

Jack said in a statement that such shows have "quite literally shaped, reflected and changed" society, and were "built by real life writers," adding: "That is what ITV have always been good at." He encouraged ITV to further invest in "creative writing talent" to "continue developing mainstream stories for audiences", rather than "cost-cutting in dehumanising ways".

Trade union has also reacted, with General Secretary Ellie Peers saying: "We were shocked to hear that ITV are intending to bring in an AI expert to replace writers and other creators. There's no shortage of story ideas out there, though sadly there appears to be an unwillingness to pay for them. If the broadcaster has a spare £95,000, they would be better off investing in screenwriters rather than gimmicks. We strongly oppose this move from ITV, which also raises serious questions about IP. We will be talking about this to ITV as a matter of urgency."

In a statement published by amid the backlash, a spokesperson for ITV said: "At ITV we are using AI tools to enhance and expand our creative and production processes. While nothing can replace the human creativity of our teams, we are exploring how GenAI can help our staff to work more efficiently and creatively and optimise our content for viewers."

Follow Mirror Celebs on , , , , , and .