Derry Girls creator hits out at ITV over AI plans

In light of ITV’s recent job posting for a “head of generative AI innovation” with an annual salary of £95,000, aimed at advancing AI-driven innovations in television and film, there has been notable backlash from writers of popular shows such as Derry Girls and Big Boys.

Lisa McGee, the creator of Derry Girls, expressed her dismay in an interview with Broadcast magazine, stating that the announcement was “incredibly depressing and, considering how AI material is generated, unethical.”

Ellie Peers, the general secretary of the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain, echoed McGee’s concerns. “If ITV has an extra £95,000 to spend, it would be wiser to invest in screenwriters instead of gimmicks,” she said. Peers admitted she was “shocked” by ITV’s intent to potentially substitute writers and other creatives with AI expertise, adding that “there’s no shortage of story ideas out there,” but a clear reluctance from networks to pay for them. She also warned that such a move raises important questions about intellectual property and vowed to discuss the matter with ITV urgently.

McGee further commented, “I personally don’t believe this model will be successful. The essence of great storytelling lies in the nuances of telling a story—its tone, point of view, and personal touch. Screenwriting is both an art and a craft, and what’s most disturbing to me is this inclination to replace us.”

Liam Williams, the creator of the BBC comedy Ladhood, also described the job ad as “depressing.” Jack Rooke, who created Channel 4’s comedy Big Boys, pointed out that ITV seems to overlook the fact that their most successful scripted projects emerge from genuine human experiences. “Recent successes like Mr. Bates vs. The Post Office, alongside enduring shows like Coronation Street, have literally shaped and reflected our society, stemming from talented writers who create beloved characters,” he said. Rooke concluded that ITV should invest more in creative writing talent to continue evolving mainstream narratives rather than cut costs in ways that strip away the human element.

In response, an ITV spokesperson stated, “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 generative AI can assist our staff in becoming more efficient and creative while optimizing our content for viewers.”