Summary: SAG-AFTRA, the largest labor union representing performers, has entered into a groundbreaking agreement with Replica Studios, an artificial intelligence voice technology company. The partnership aims to safeguard the digital replicas of union members’ voices for use in video games and establish consent, contract, and compensation guidelines.
The influence of AI in replicating famous voices has recently stirred controversy, prompting debates on issues like Grammy eligibility and artist compensation. Recognizing the need to address these concerns, SAG-AFTRA is pioneering an initiative to ensure the consent and compensation of its members when AI models replicate their distinct voices.
AI’s involvement in the entertainment industry has been an ongoing issue, as demonstrated by the Hollywood strike of 2023. SAG-AFTRA’s 90-year history saw its longest movie and television strike, with actors and writers protesting AI-related matters. Following the strike, studios are now obligated to acquire consent and provide payment to actors for the use of their AI-generated likenesses.
Fran Drescher, the union’s president and actor, emphasized the significance of a SAG-AFTRA contract for performers, stating that it offers the best protection against unauthorized digital simulations of their voices, likenesses, and performances.
Negotiating AI-related matters for almost a decade, SAG-AFTRA has taken a proactive stance in safeguarding the rights of its members. The recent partnership with Replica Studios marks an important step towards establishing groundbreaking protections for voice actors, including consent, contracts, compensation, and secure storage of digital assets.
Although the current agreement focuses on video game usage, SAG-AFTRA aims to reach similar agreements for other vocal performances, such as music and TV commercials. However, the new licensing agreement does not cover the use of performer voices to train large language models.
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the union’s national executive director and chief negotiator, expressed optimism that the estates of deceased performers could also engage in agreements under the new guidelines.
As the entertainment industry continues to navigate AI’s expanding role, SAG-AFTRA’s collaboration with Replica Studios sets a precedent for protecting the rights and interests of performers in a digital age.
The source of the article is from the blog rugbynews.at