TF1 looks to automated text-to-video future with Wibbitz

French broadcaster TF1 has struck a partnership with text-to-video technology specialist Wibbitz to enhance the digital offerings of its LCI news channel.

LCI will begin using the technology to generate video content for its Metronews website this summer. Content will also be generated for LCI’s soon to be launched 24-hour video-focused digital platform.

TF1 said that the Wibbitz technology would enable it to generate addition video content to illustrate stories, which would be central to its future news platform.

TF1 is taking a minority stake in Wibbitz as part of the partnership.

Oivier Abecassis, director of digital and innovation at TF1 Group, said that the organisation had been particularly attracted to the text-to-video solution developed by Wibbitz, which would allow it to significantly enrich its inventory of video content.

Wibbitz’s technology uses language processing algorithms to scan text content to understand a story, summarises it into a narrative script and then packages branded videos, selecting clips, photos and infographics from a publisher’s own content or licensed content from partners.

According to Wibbitz, a professionally recorded human voiceover for the content is then generated in under 10 minutes. Immediate publication can be facilitated by the use of the Wibbitz automated voiceover.

TF1 has placed digital innovation at the centre of its plans for LCI, which recently passed from the digital-terrestrial pay TV platform in France to the free-to-air platform.