The DCMS committee is launching an inquiry into the challenges facing the high-end TV and film sector and how to help it adapt to those challenges. 
 

The committee of MPs is inviting written submissions over the next two months to find out what more can be done to incentivise international production in the UK. 
 

The new inquiry will examine the key barriers and challenges around overseas investment, whether the current funding routes, tax credits and governance for the industry are fit for purpose, and what the industry and government can do to ensure high-end television can adapt for the future.  
 

It will also investigate what needs to be done to ensure a strong skills pipeline and retention, the risks and benefits of AI, and how to ensure the industry is supporting inclusivity and sustainability.  
 

The inquiry comes amid a commissioning and production slowdown in the UK.  
 

Written submission must be sent in by the deadline of Tuesday 19 September. 
 

Committee chair Caroline Dinenage said: “The actors and writers strikes in the United States show the importance of getting ahead of the game in adapting skills and responding to the challenges of artificial intelligence. 
 

“The challenge now is to make sure the industry and government are thinking of the future to maintain and enhance an industry that is hugely important both to the economy and to the culture of the UK and its power on the world stage.” 
 

Last month, the DCMS summoned super-indie representatives and Pact to discuss the impact of Channel 4 starting to make and own its content, while Bectu gathered several broadcasters around a table to talk about the impact of the commissioning slowdown on freelancers. 
 

Bectu has warned the slowdown will be further exacerbated by writers and actors strikes in the US, which are bringing many film and TV productions to a standstill. Strikers are concerned about pay and the replacement of human performances by AI technology.

This article first appeared on our sister site, Broadcast.