SAG-AFTRA, the union representing professional performers, has partnered with Replica Studios, an AI voice technology company, to introduce a groundbreaking agreement to safeguard the rights and interests of actors in the digital realm. The announcement was made at CES, the leading technology conference in Las Vegas.
The agreement offers SAG-AFTRA members the opportunity to explore new job prospects involving their digital voice replicas, while ensuring industry-leading protections specifically designed for AI technology. This means that leading video game studios and companies working with Replica Studios will have access to SAG-AFTRA’s top talent, allowing performers to lend their voices to video game development and other interactive media projects from start to finish.
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the national executive director and chief negotiator for SAG-AFTRA, emphasized the importance of this agreement in regard to AI technology. It introduces “evolution improvements,” including secure storage, similar to the provisions in the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers agreement. The resolution of the recent strike with AMPTP, which represents Hollywood producers, was greatly influenced by the pivotal issue of AI.
In addition to ensuring minimum terms and conditions, the agreement also prioritizes performer consent and negotiation for the use of their digital voice replicas. Performers have the option to opt out of continued use in new works, providing them with greater control over their digital presence.
Crabtree-Ireland further discussed the significance of the new agreement, stating that the language within it could be applied to future negotiations involving AI in other areas. He emphasized that this agreement specifically addresses voice replication in video games and highlights the actors as being at the forefront of AI implementation and its associated risks.
This historic agreement was announced by Duncan Crabtree-Ireland at CES, alongside Shreyas Nivas, co-founder and CEO of Replica Studios. It marks an important milestone in protecting the rights and opportunities of performers in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI and digital media.
The source of the article is from the blog girabetim.com.br