BBC boss gives verdict on Doctor Who episode created by AI
BBC director general Matt Brittin has given a positive response after being presented with an AI-generated episode of Doctor Who.
BBC director-general Matt Brittin was impressed by an AI generated episode of Doctor Who.
The broadcaster's new boss has insisted artificial intelligence is "not going to replace humans" in the reactive field, but he gave a positive response to the AI story.
Speaking at the Royal Television Society conference, he said: “Somebody sent me a 50-minute episode of Doctor Who that was AI-generated the other day. It’s pretty good.
“I mean, it’s not going to replace humans, and we’ll come on to that. So everyone’s a creator. Not all the creativity is bad.”
Brittin joined the BBC earlier this year after spending 18 years with Google.
He has weighed in on recent comments by Amazon international chief Kelly Day, who insisted AI “brings down costs meaning more stories can be made, more diverse voices can get heard and more creative risks get taken".
Brittin said: "Everyone’s got the ability in their hands — or six billion people have — to create content at the standard of a Hollywood studio.
"In some cases it’s not perfect, but look at what you can do and that’s changing all the time."
The immediate future of Doctor Who doesn't appear to be AI, as the BBC officially put the long-running sci-fi series out to competitive tender, and recently published a criteria for production companies hoping to take on the beloved franchise.
The BBC is currently looking for an initial "brief editorial online for a new multi-episode series" which will include "potential for specials".
The idea is for Doctor Who to return in 2028/2029, with a decision to be made on its production in March next year.
The BBC said: "We are commissioning a new flagship series of Doctor Who.
"The series should feel contemporary, and creatively ambitious, whilst remaining true to the values and characteristics that have made Doctor Who a beloved series across generations."
Companies hoping to land the job have been urged to "innovate and surprise" bosses, striking a balance between "high concept science fiction" and "strong emotional narratives".
They continued: "Successful pitches will deliver ‘back of the sofa’ scares, jeopardy and tension, whilst remaining suitable for a broad family audience."
The BBC wants to maintain "distinctively British storytelling", although they are "flexible" in terms of whether the new Doctor Who will be "serialised" or presented as a "story-of-the-week".
Prospective production companies have also been told to "develop at least one companion for the series", who should be "distinctive, authentic characters in their own right".
When it comes to the visuals, the BBC want a series that feels "cinematic, distinctive, and ambitious, capable of competing for audience attention in a highly competitive global market".
The BBC urged companies pitching for the job to be "brave".
They concluded: "We are seeking a creative vision that embraces the breadth of what Doctor Who can be and could be.
"Doctor Who is a show that has sparked conversation, taken risks and inspired audiences for decades and we are looking for this series to continue that tradition.
"Be brave, have fun and we look forward to hearing from you."
