SAA - Society of Audiovisual Authors

Sabine VERHEYEN, Vice-President of the European Parliament, highlighted the European Parliament’s LUX Audience Award to connect MEPs with European cinema, and the importance of preserving the MEDIA strand in the next EU budget's AgoraEU Programme. She also emphasised that the AVMS Directive should continue to promote a level playing field for all. Furthermore, she encouraged a real discussion about the fact that the visibility of European stories should not be left to algorithms, and that GenAI 'art' was replacing the authors whose work was used to train the models.

Emma RAFOWICZ, Vice-Chair of the CULT Committee of the European Parliament and rapporteur on AgoraEU, warned that artistic independence was under threat, citing the example of artists who self-censor out of fear of not being heard. She also emphasised the importance of a robust AgoraEU Programme to develop projects that safeguard independence and defend democracy. She added that Europe’s cultural sovereignty must be prioritised on global platforms and that AI does not create but generates. Furthermore, she highlighted that authors should not be bought out; they need fair remuneration.

Barbara HAYES, SAA Chair, pointed out that it is widely documented, in the press and in the courts, that authors’ works have been used to train AI models without authorisation, remuneration or transparency. She argued that the playing field between AI companies and authors is far from level: while the Commission reviews the EU copyright framework and prepares its next steps, tech companies are racing ahead. She noted that OpenAI’s ChatGPT has 1.2 billion weekly users (ref) and that the four largest tech companies are set to spend around 700 billion dollars on AI infrastructure in 2026 (ref), whereas most screenwriters and directors have received nothing, and for them going to court is not a realistic option.

Katarzyna KLIMKIEWICZ, FERA Board member, SAA Patron and Polish director, highlighted the dilemma facing many screen directors today. Working with independent producers and relying on public funding often means long waiting periods and inadequate compensation. Pitching projects directly to streaming platforms, on the other hand, can offer fairer pay and more timely payments, but often comes at the cost of creative freedom. She called for the safeguarding of independence throughout AgoraEU, and for direct funding opportunities for authors.

Jacob GROLL, FSE President, highlighted the vulnerability of artists and the challenges screenwriters face in an industry where their creative work is often shaped by subjective feedback, oftentimes based on different social or political conviction. He illustrated the emotional exposure involved in the creative process and the power imbalance that forces writers to accept repeated revisions, abandon themes, or even completely rewrite projects to secure payment and future employment. He emphasized that collective action among writers is essential to bringing such issues to light. Groll called on MEPs to recognise the precarious working conditions of creative professionals and uphold the principles of freedom of expression and fair working conditions highlighted in the Culture Compass, reminding them that behind every story is an artist whose vulnerability deserves respect and protection.

In a video message from Joachim TRIER, Norwegian screenwriter and director highlighted the vital role of the MEDIA Programme in his career and how independent production has enabled him to follow his artistic vision free from commercial pressures. He stressed the need for direct support for authors, reflecting that, as a young filmmaker, he would have welcomed more opportunities to develop short films and writing projects. He also called for stronger protection of authors’ rights in the face of rapid AI developments.

FERA, FSE and the SAA thank the co-hosts and all MEPs who attended and look forward to continuing the discussion as these files progress.