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www.canadianlawyermag.com 37 Why AI is still mainly 'off limits' for filmmakers Founded in 1988 by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Norman Jewison, the Canadian Film Centre (CFC) is a cornerstone of Canada's cultural and creative industries, supporting home-grown talent in the screen sector. At the legal helm of this institution is Jane Angel, general counsel, whose role spans managing contractual commitments, licensing, intellectual property (IP), board relations, and more. One of the key legal challenges Angel faces is the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly its effect on IP. "AI is presenting a challenge to us as an organization that supports Canadian creators," Angel tells Lexpert. AI-generated imagery raises concerns about originality and insurability, as there is uncertainty about whether AI-generated content can be MANIK RAINA COMPANY: EllisDon TITLE: Vice president of legal service Navigating large-scale projects Manik Raina, vice president of legal services at EllisDon, leads a team of 11 lawyers responsible for navigating the legal complexities of large-scale construction projects. Speaking with Lexpert, Raina outlines his role, which includes providing legal support for EllisDon's diverse portfolio, from contract reviews and procurement issues to claims management and dispute resolution. A key area of focus for Raina's team is Public-Private Partnerships (P3s), which have been central to EllisDon's work. However, the landscape is shifting as new procurement and contractual models from Australia and the UK, such as alliance contracting and progres- sive design-builds, gain prominence. These collaborative models are increasingly used for large infrastructure projects, including hospi- tals and transit systems, providing an alterna- tive to traditional P3 structures. One of the main challenges Raina iden- tifies is the growing complexity of public infrastructure projects, particularly in a market where skilled labour is in short supply. The pandemic exacerbated these challenges, affecting labour availability, global supply chains, and project sched- uling. As a result, there is a heightened sensitivity to risks traditionally shouldered by contractors, especially as projects grow in scale and complexity. In response, Raina notes a trend toward increased collaboration between contractors and public clients. This collaborative approach emphasizes prolonged dialogue and risk- sharing, allowing for more due diligence in the procurement process. EllisDon is also leveraging technology to stay ahead. The legal team uses AI tools like Provision for contract analysis and cross- department collaboration. However, Raina stresses that human expertise remains essential for navigating the nuances of complex legal and contractual issues. Ultimately, Raina emphasizes that success in construction projects depends on the right contracting model and strong collaboration. protected by copyright. For now, the CFC has put a hold on using AI-generated content in their work until there is more legal clarity. Beyond AI, cybersecurity is another pressing issue. The Canadian Film Centre has implemented multifactor authentication and privacy training as part of its risk management strategy, recognizing that even smaller organizations need to be vigilant about cyber threats. "Every organization, large and small, is concerned about cybersecurity," says Angel. Angel's focus remains on maintaining content originality, ensuring compliance with copyright laws, and improving operational efficiency. One significant development in this area has been the automation of the CFC's contracting process, which allows for faster workflows while maintaining professional standards and legal protections. NAME: JANE ANGEL COMPANY: Canada Film TITLE: General counsel