Partnership on AI Announce New Series of Short Films on AI and Society

In 2024, Partnership on AI (PAI) launched Beyond the Code exploring the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. Filmed across 11 countries, the stories from the first series examined the human stories behind the systems, and the people working to ensure AI develops in ways that are more equitable, transparent and beneficial.

The stories resonated. The series reached more than 1.5 million views on the Beyond the Code hubsite and 99 million impressions across social media, demonstrating a global appetite for rigorous, grounded storytelling about the defining technology of our time.

Since then, the conversation has shifted – and so have the stakes. What was once speculative is now structural: AI is increasingly embedded in healthcare systems, infrastructure, classrooms and the decisions that shape our daily lives. The world is navigating how to build, deploy and govern AI responsibly, and questions of accountability, trust and equitable access are no longer the preserve of academic debate. For some, they are defining the business landscape, politics and public conversation.

Organisations are now invited to submit stories for the second series of Beyond the Code, detailing how they are contributing to an AI-enabled future that works for everyone. Beyond the promise and the hype, this series is interested in AI in action, and is seeking real-world case studies across four key themes:

• Work in Progress: As AI reshapes the nature of work and the broader structures of society, who stands to benefit? This chapter could explore workforce transition, collaboration, education and lifelong learning, community cohesion, and the frameworks being built to ensure the benefits of AI are equitably shared.
• The Invisible Grid: As AI becomes the connective tissue of energy grids, transport networks, and urban systems – and one of the most powerful predictive tools in response to the climate crisis – how is it being deployed, and to what end? This chapter could explore smart cities, predictive maintenance, early warning systems, carbon tracking, or the potential of AI to build a world that is smarter and more resilient.
• Care and Code: How is AI transforming the way we help prevent, diagnose, and treat disease, and what does it mean for the people delivering and receiving care? This chapter could explore early detection, AI-assisted surgery, or what it means to preserve the human touch in an increasingly algorithmic system.
• The Global Exchange: From farm to factory to doorstep, AI is quietly revolutionising the systems that move goods around the world. How is it being used to build supply chains that are more efficient and transparent, and what does that mean for the workers and communities at every link in the chain?

The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, 3rd June. To submit your story for consideration, please fill out this short form. For further information, please contact James Murphy, Series Development Researcher, at james.murphy@bbc.com.

After review, selected organisations will be invited to discuss engaging BBC StoryWorks’ creative teams to produce a branded piece for the series, which will require a fee as determined by production variables. A dedicated production team will work closely with selected organisations to create compelling content, and organisations will be able to distribute the content across their own channels with support from Partnership on AI.

Spots are limited. Submit your story today.