Australian Screen Composers Launch ‘Human Made’ Campaign Against AI Copyright Threats

Australian screen composers are taking a stand against the unauthorised use of creative works to train artificial intelligence, with the Australian Guild of Screen Composers (AGSC) launching its new ‘Human Made’ campaign at this week's APRA AMCOS Screen Music Awards.

Led by award-winning composer and Sonar Music co-founder Antony Partos, the campaign calls for stronger copyright protections as the federal government considers potential changes to Australia's copyright framework to accommodate AI development.

The initiative will be unveiled at Wednesday's ceremony in Brisbane, where composers, musicians and industry representatives will wear record-shaped badges featuring the copyright symbol in a show of solidarity.

“The message is simple: Australian creativity is not free training data,” Partos said. “If AI needs copyrighted material to train its models, then a license system needs to be implemented to compensate those artists who chose to opt in.”

The campaign comes amid growing concerns across Australia's creative industries about the use of copyrighted material to develop generative AI systems without permission or compensation.

Partos, who chairs the AGSC's Industrial Relations Committee, argues that existing music licensing frameworks demonstrate how creators could be compensated for the use of their work in AI training.

He also claims APRA AMCOS, which already administers licensing and royalty payments for Australian music creators, has not been consulted on the proposed copyright changes. 

“The Screen Music Awards are our industry's annual gathering, recognising the extraordinary talent, originality and hard work behind Australian film and television,” Partos said. “But while we're celebrating the achievements of our composers, we're also having to fight to protect their future.

“Why should Australian artists be expected to hand over a lifetime of work so multinational technology companies can profit from it?”

The campaign's launch coincides with a significant year for Partos, who has received four nominations at the 2026 Screen Music Awards. His work on Christy, starring Sydney Sweeney, is nominated for Best Feature Film Score and Best Soundtrack Album, while Disney's The Artful Dodger and documentary Edge of Life have earned nominations in their respective television drama and documentary categories.

Fellow Sonar Music co-founder Matteo Zingales is also nominated for Best Music for a Television Drama for Sunny Nights.

Beyond the immediate copyright debate, Partos has raised concerns about the longer-term implications of AI for Australia's screen music workforce, particularly emerging composers attempting to establish careers in the industry. 

“Our intellectual property represents decades of investment and sacrifice by people who have dedicated their lives to building careers and businesses in an already challenging industry,” he said. “It generates billions in economic activity, supporting local jobs and businesses. We should be protecting it, not trading it away.

“If the government is serious about supporting Australian culture and innovation, then creators need a seat at the table.”

According to Screen Australia's latest drama report, Australian film and television drama production expenditure reached $2.7 billion in 2024–25, highlighting the broader economic contribution of the screen sector.

Partos believes the potential impact of AI extends beyond established professionals, warning that the technology could undermine opportunities for the next generation of Australian composers. “What happens to Australian film, television and music when there is no viable future for the people who create it?” he asked.

Partos has worked across Australian and international film and television for more than two decades, with credits including Animal Kingdom, The Rover, Mystery Road, The Slap, Poker Face and the Academy Award-nominated Tanna.

He co-founded Sydney-based music and sound production company Sonar Music in 2010 alongside Jono Ma, David McCormack, Matteo Zingales and Andrew Lancaster.