The BBC World Service has announced the launch of its first AI-animated episodes.
In a first for the corporation’s World Service, the Witness History programme is aiming to extend its reach with the release of five video adaptations of recent episodes created with generative AI, transforming its audio storytelling into a visual experience.
The episodes will debut on 1st March, with The World’s First Labradoodle launching on the World Service’s YouTube Channel.
Four more episodes will follow as the project: Brazil’s Biggest Bank Heist; Ramesses II’s ‘Mummy Makeover’; The Discovery of Lord Sipan in Peru; and Arrested for Playing Football in Brazil.
Fred Durman, head of business development, BBC World Service, said, “This exciting project uses generative AI to give a second life to our original programming, enabling us to reach new audiences in a novel way.”
“We’re exploring using AI technology to help bring these fascinating audio stories from Witness History to life in visual form. We look forward to hearing how new audiences respond to this new approach,” added Anna Doble, digital editor at the BBC World Service.
Guang Jin Yeo, animator at 1UpMedia, said, “By thoughtfully adapting these Witness History stories into video, we have produced an animation to accompany the audio that doesn’t compromise the depth and care that defines the programme. Using generative AI allows us to unlock the extraordinary BBC World Service archive of narrative audio for visual audiences who may never have encountered it before.”
