Creative Technologies International Scan #1
This is the first of the International Scan series which explores global developments in advanced technologies shaping the Creative Industries.
Posted: 02 December 2024
“Governments around the world are promoting creative careers and digital skills. Advanced media roles that involve digital and technological skills are emerging as key areas for development across the globe within the creative sector.”
This International Scan is the first in a series of reports designed to present and unpack global developments of advanced technologies and their use in and for the creative industries. This report is a compilation of key trends and updates from markets outside of the United Kingdom, with analysis into the opportunities and challenges on the horizon for UK stakeholders.
Research and data analysis for this report has been undertaken by Olsberg•SPI and developed in partnership with the CoSTAR Foresight Lab.
Image credit: Hanna Barakat & Cambridge Diversity Fund / Better Images of AI
- AI regulation and digital transparency are becoming central policy issues globally, with governments exploring new frameworks to address intellectual property, workforce impacts and responsible use of emerging technologies.
- Technology companies are actively shaping the debate around AI adoption, advocating for flexible regulation while exploring partnerships with film, television and immersive media producers.
- Production incentives are evolving to include digital media sectors, with many jurisdictions expanding eligibility to video games, immersive content and other advanced media formats.
- Investment in AI for screen production continues to grow, with studios and technology firms exploring applications across pre-production, post-production and content development workflows.
- Global consolidation and investment are reshaping the media and entertainment landscape, as mergers, acquisitions and strategic partnerships focus increasingly on digital content and technology-driven production.
- New international partnerships and acquisitions highlight the growth of the games sector, including moves by global companies to expand development capacity in regions such as Latin America.
- Streaming platforms are experimenting with new distribution and subscription strategies, including bundles, expanded international distribution deals and new digital content partnerships.
- Industry labour negotiations in the United States have begun to stabilise production activity, although debates around AI protections, compensation and working conditions remain ongoing.
- Governments worldwide are investing in creative workforce development, with increasing emphasis on digital skills such as VFX, animation, game design and immersive media production.
- Training initiatives in areas such as virtual production and post-production are expanding, supported by collaboration between industry, education providers and public agencies.
- Virtual production continues to develop as a core screen production capability, supported by new studio infrastructure, LED stages and investment in advanced production facilities.
- Technology companies are increasingly collaborating with creative producers, exploring partnerships that integrate AI tools into content development and production workflows.
- Sustainability is becoming an important consideration in production practices, with virtual production, VFX and digital workflows offering opportunities to reduce travel, resource use and carbon emissions.
- Immersive and extended reality content is also being used to support environmental education and advocacy, highlighting the wider social impact of emerging creative technologies.