In a groundbreaking move, SAG-AFTRA, the union representing film and TV performers, has announced a transformative agreement that sets the terms for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) voices in video games. The deal, unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, was made with Replica Studios, a leading AI voice technology company.
Under this new agreement, Replica Studios will secure licensing rights for digitally replicated voices and establish crucial protections. The deal includes minimum terms and conditions for voice usage, ensuring that performers have control over the continuous use of their voices in future projects. Consent is now a prerequisite for the replication of voices, maintaining ethical standards.
This landmark deal comes on the back of SAG-AFTRA’s contract with major film and TV studios, enacted in December, which mandates consent and payment to actors for the use of their likenesses in AI replication. The negotiation process also saw video game voice actors and motion capture performers authorize a strike if an appropriate labor agreement was not reached.
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA’s national executive director, highlighted the significance of this agreement, emphasizing that it offers protection to performers at all levels of the industry. He noted that lesser-known performers often require increased protection due to the limited bargaining power they possess individually.
Furthermore, the new agreement addresses the replication of deceased performers’ voices, permitting posthumous deals with proper consent from estate representatives. Such provisions ensure that the rights of performers, even after their passing, are respected.
Shreyas Nivas, CEO of Replica Studios, shared his excitement about the opportunities this agreement brings to video game studios. Nivas emphasized that their voice actor agreements guarantee access only to licensed talent who have willingly provided their voices for training data sets. This responsible approach stands in contrast to unethical practices utilized by certain AI platforms that scrape data without permission.
The entertainment industry has been grappling with the future of generative AI and its potential impact on labor. Concerns have been raised regarding the use of AI technology to replicate human work without consent. Recent lawsuits have emerged against companies employing AI-generated art and text, emphasizing the importance of respecting intellectual property.
Crabtree-Ireland emphasized that the key differentiator in this evolving landscape is consent. SAG-AFTRA aims to restore trust and confidence among its members by entering into agreements like the one with Replica Studios. The focus is on leveraging AI as a tool to enforce the commitments made to performers in contracts.
While some social media users have expressed skepticism and raised questions about AI implementation, SAG-AFTRA remains committed to leveraging technology in a responsible and ethical manner. The new deal with Replica Studios demonstrates a commitment to protecting performers’ rights and ensuring a fair and transparent future for the industry.
The source of the article is from the blog kunsthuisoaleer.nl