On February 14, 2025, in the vibrant city of Sofia, Budakov Films successfully conducted a series of focus group interviews as part of Activity 1 in the Erasmus+ co-funded project Navigating AI Regulations: Practical Guide (Project No: 2024-2-DE02-KA210-VET-000287096). Moderated by Dr. Yordan Karapenchev, the session brought together seven representatives from our target audience in Bulgaria. With an inclusive approach ensuring gender equality among participants, the discussion provided a well-rounded perspective on how AI tools are reshaping creative processes in the workplace.
The focus group interviews revealed that AI tools have significantly transformed creative workflows by streamlining processes, automating repetitive tasks, and accelerating content generation. Participants shared how these technologies, particularly tools like ChatGPT for generating text and content, along with built-in AI capabilities in Photoshop and Canva for visuals, have allowed them to concentrate more on ideation, innovation, and artistic refinement. While some noted that Midjourney, although renowned for graphic design, remains less accessible due to its complexity, the overall sentiment was that these technologies contribute greatly to enhanced efficiency and faster production timelines.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.Throughout the discussions, participants identified several key opportunities afforded by AI integration. They highlighted time savings, the potential for rapid prototyping and user testing, and the benefits of seamless technological integration within creative practices. However, the dialogue also brought to light significant risks, including potential layoffs, issues of confidentiality in AI-generated information, and evolving legal challenges such as changing regulations and copyright requirements.
A notable point of the discussion was the participants’ limited familiarity with the AI Act. While there was a general awareness of the EU’s efforts to introduce AI regulations, the term “AI Act” was not widely recognized. This gap in knowledge underscores a critical need for clearer guidance and resources at the European level—a sentiment echoed by many during the session. Interestingly, many participants expressed surprise at some regulatory focuses, such as measures addressing fake CVs and application forms, though they identified job losses as the most pressing concern requiring regulation.
The insights gained from this focus group have proven invaluable. They not only pinpointed the specific skills and knowledge gaps within the creative industry—such as the need for enhanced understanding of AI compliance, risk management strategies, ethical AI use, and intellectual property protection—but also highlighted the importance of technical literacy and language proficiency. Many participants noted that online training, with its flexibility and self-paced format, is their preferred method for acquiring new skills, particularly in navigating AI compliance and ethical considerations.
These findings have been meticulously compiled into a detailed report, directly informing the structure of our upcoming training program. The program will address the critical areas of risk management, regulatory compliance, and ethical content generation, ensuring that creative professionals are equipped with the competencies necessary to thrive in an AI-driven environment.
The successful completion of these focus group interviews marks a significant milestone in our project. By capturing the real-world challenges and opportunities faced by creative professionals, we have laid a strong foundation for developing an industry-specific training curriculum that promotes digital readiness and aligns with EU values. The insights not only enhance our understanding of the current landscape but also serve as a catalyst for fostering responsible AI adoption across the creative sector.
As the project continues to evolve, Budakov Films remains committed to translating these valuable insights into actionable training modules that empower the creative industry to navigate AI regulations effectively and sustainably. Stay tuned for more updates on our journey towards elevating digital creativity through informed, innovative, and responsible practices.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
Project No: 2024-2-DE02-KA210-VET-000287096
