Recently, I was approached by a company proposing to license my archive of industrial video footage for AI training purposes. At first glance, it might sound like an exciting new revenue stream – passive income, new business opportunities, and a chance to tap into the AI revolution.
But after careful consideration, I decided to refuse. Here’s why.
The Nature of Industrial Filming. Trust and Proprietary Content.
Industrial filming isn’t just about pointing a camera at machinery. It’s a specialist craft that requires technical expertise, precision, and above all, trust. My clients entrust me with footage of their proprietary equipment, processes, and sometimes sensitive factory environments.
This footage is often protected by strict agreements that prevent me from using it outside of the original project scope. It’s not simply content; it’s a representation of their competitive advantage and intellectual property.
Why Licensing for AI Training Is a Red Line
AI companies pay well for large volumes of high-quality footage to train their models – that much is true. But that doesn’t mean all footage should be sold or licensed for these purposes. When footage of proprietary machinery or processes is used in AI training datasets, there’s a real risk it could be replicated, reverse-engineered, or used in ways that breach client confidentiality.
I’m not going to lie – I’m a digital creator, and I do benefit from AI tools like ChatGPT to quickly build website sitemaps, structures, and even video ideas, so this may be something of an oxymoron. But this recent request has really irritated me.
Allowing my footage to be used for AI training could ultimately devalue the industry I’ve invested so much in, damage client relationships, and potentially expose sensitive information. That’s a cost I’m not willing to pay.
Protecting Client Relationships and Industry Integrity
I’m proud of the trust I’ve built with my clients over the years. Respecting confidentiality and honoring licensing agreements is fundamental to maintaining those relationships. Sacrificing that trust for a short-term financial gain isn’t worth it.
Moreover, industrial filmmaking is a specialised field that requires real skill, insight, and dedication. The risk that AI could commoditise or undermine this work is very real, and I feel a responsibility to protect the craft and those who work in it.
A Call to My Peers
If you’re approached with similar offers, I urge you to consider not just the financial benefits but the wider implications for your clients and your industry. Licensing footage for AI is not a straightforward decision – it’s one that touches on ethics, trust, and the future of our profession.
Final Thoughts
Technology will continue to evolve, and AI will become an important tool in many industries. But we must not lose sight of the value of human expertise, client trust, and the integrity of our work. For me, that means saying no to licensing industrial footage for AI training – now and always.
