What happened
The Austrian Film Institute (ÖFI) has set out how the AI Act affects projects under the Film/Fernseh-Abkommen with the public broadcaster ORF. Projects follow the ORF AI guidelines in force at contract signing. Every AI system used in production must be disclosed with timecodes, and AI-generated music is not allowed.
By the delivery date, producers send ORF a timecoded script and a cut list separating self-shot, ORF archive, AI-generated and third-party material, with rights holders named. As of 23 October 2026, the ORF guidelines are at version 1.2, dated 24 July 2026.
Why it matters
For an Austrian producer with ORF money in a film, AI use becomes a delivery item logged by timecode, not a credits line. ORF's guidelines say a credits-only label is not sufficient.
The music rule reaches composers and sound teams. ORF's guidelines allow AI-generated music on YouTube and social media, where only royalty-free music would be used, and do not currently plan it for broadcast or ORF's own online services.
Still open
The ÖFI notice is undated. It does not say whether projects contracted before Article 50 began to apply on 2 August 2026 must file the new cut list.
For your film
Producers negotiating an ORF contract can confirm which guideline version applies on signing and keep a timecoded AI log from the first shoot day. ORF takes questions at FilmFernsehabkommenFP6@orf.at.
Read further