On Sunday, September 21, a panel discussion dedicated to artificial intelligence and the audiovisual industry was held at Cinema Farnese in Rome, as part of the Da Venezia a Roma e nel Lazio festival, running until September 30. Moderated by Francesca Romana Massaro (Writers Guild Italia), the event brought together Francesco Ranieri Martinotti (Giornate degli Autori and ANAC), Alfredo Valeri (Sapienza University of Rome), Giorgio Glaviano (Writers Guild Italia), Lorenzo Sportiello and Giulio Rizzo (100autori), Fabrizio Berruti (ANAC), Toni Biocca (AIDAC), and Stefano Mainetti (Association of Film Music Composers – ACMF).

The event opened with the screening of a video created in just four hours by director Andrea Traina using artificial intelligence. With a touch of irony, the video portrayed the reactions of various film industry professionals to the impact of this technology.

The discussion was informed by the presentation of a previously unpublished survey conducted by SWG, commissioned by WGI in collaboration with ANAC, 100autori, and AIDAC. Carried out between July 21 and August 4, 2025, the survey involved 363 industry professionals — 51% screenwriters, 17% dubbing and adaptation writers, and 32% directors. Professor Alfredo Valeri presented the findings, which, for the first time, provide a clear picture of how AI is being used in the Italian audiovisual industry.

Among the most significant findings, the survey revealed that one in two creators already uses artificial intelligence tools, although usage patterns vary according to professional roles. Screenwriters tend to favor free, general-purpose AI tools, while directors gravitate toward specialized, dedicated software. The approach remains largely experimental, driven by a learning-by-doing mindset, with only two out of ten professionals qualifying as genuinely proficient users.

The survey also highlighted a generally positive attitude toward AI, accompanied by a strong demand for clear regulations and safeguards. Creators are particularly concerned about the risk of creative homogenization, the loss of originality, and the impact on traditional jobs, especially those of adaptation writers, film editors, composers, and visual effects specialists.

Throughout the panel, speakers emphasized the need for a clear regulatory framework and a permanent forum for dialogue among institutions, professional associations, and industry practitioners. The aim is to ensure fair compensation, transparency, and the ethical use of artificial intelligence.