American actors union signs historic agreement around voices and AI
The Replica company will be able to use new technologies to recreate voices, but only with the validation of the actors. Who will be well paid for this.
The question of artificial intelligence was at the heart of the writers’ and actors’ strike. Several scandals broke out last year on this subject, notably when large cinema and streaming studios wanted to use software to write “pre-scripts” (in order to then have them retouched by real screenwriters) or that extras have had their movements and appearance scanned to be able to integrate them into a crowd in the background of series and TV films.
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The strike ended when the unions succeeded in validating several new rules in Hollywood. There SAG-AFTRA thus reveals that the use of AI concerning the voices of actors will be better supervised and controlled.
In a long press release, the group explains having signed a partnership with the company Replica Studios, so that actors agreeing to have their voices recorded to be recreated in the future for films, series or video games, can be properly remunerated for this. And they sign a contract stipulating their rights in black and white.
Fran Drescher, the leading actress ofA nanny from hell, is the head of the union. She underlines the wish to validate “a fair and ethical agreement” for actors who agree to have their voice recorded and licensed for reuse “within interactive media”.
“Artificial intelligence has made headlines, and for most actors, the best way to protect unauthorized use of digital simulations of their voices is to sign a SAG-AFTRA contract, she says. We are delighted to create this partnership with Replica Studios, as it is a good example of what AI can do for good, if used correctly.”
Idina Menzel and Kristen Bell during the dubbing of Frozen.
“With this agreement, we have managed to ensure that the actors are fully informed and give their full consent before signing for their voices and performances to be recorded, also explains Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, who participated alongside him in the negotiations. As well as fair compensation for this work. We are proud to work with Replica to find an innovative and simplified way for these specialized companies to have access to our union’s talent while respecting ethical rules.”
“We are happy with the new opportunities that are opening up, reacts Shreyas Nivas, head of Replica Studios. The biggest studios will now be able to benefit from the best artificial voice technologies while ensuring that talent will be recognized and paid correctly for their work. This agreement will assure game developers using our platform that they will only use voices from talents who have given permission to use them, unlike AI platforms that use unethical methods to recreate voices. synthetic without any permission.”
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