SAG-AFTRA, the labor union representing voice actors in the entertainment industry, has ratified new contracts for TV animation voice actors. With an overwhelming majority of over 95 percent of the members voting in favor of the terms, the three-year agreements introduce groundbreaking protections concerning the use of artificial intelligence (AI).
One of the significant provisions requires producers to obtain an actor’s consent before using their name as a prompt to create an AI-generated voice. This safeguard ensures that voice actors maintain control over the usage of their identity in digital replicas. The contracts also clearly define the term “voice actor” to only include human performers, reinforcing the importance of human talent in the industry.
Furthermore, the agreements establish rights for voice actors concerning studios’ utilization of their digital replicas. Producers must notify and negotiate with the union whenever they opt for AI-generated voices instead of hiring voice actors. This provision aims to safeguard the employment opportunities of voice actors and maintain the integrity of their profession.
Bob Bergen and David Jolliffe, Co-Chairs of the TV Animation Negotiating Committee, expressed their satisfaction, stating, “This is the first SAG-AFTRA animation voiceover contract with protections against the misuse of artificial intelligence.” The inclusion of AI safeguards marks a significant milestone in the industry and sets a precedent for future negotiations.
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA’s Executive Director and Chief Negotiator, emphasized the significance of the agreement. He stated, “This represents a meaningful step forward in expanding our A.I. protections,” and recognizes the inclusion of important new terms such as foreign residuals, high-budget SVOD productions, and addressing the issue of late payments.
In addition to the AI-related protections, the contracts also include favorable terms for voice actors. The agreements provide for a series of wage increases, beginning with a retroactive 7 percent increase from July 1, 2023. Following this, voice actors will receive a 4 percent increase from July 1 of the current year, and a 3.5 percent increase the following year. These wage increases aim to ensure fair compensation for voice actors’ contributions to TV animation.
SAG-AFTRA’s commitment to protecting voice actors in the age of AI was solidified earlier this year when the union reached an agreement with Replica Studios, an AI voice generation company. This collaboration provides voice actors with a secure platform to license their digital voice replicas for video games, ensuring their creative rights and control over their own performances.
FAQ:
Q: What is SAG-AFTRA?
A: SAG-AFTRA is a labor union representing voice actors and other performers in the entertainment industry. It negotiates contracts and provides protections for its members.
Q: What are the new contracts for TV animation voice actors?
A: The new contracts ratified by SAG-AFTRA introduce protections regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in TV animation. They require producers to obtain consent from voice actors before using their name as a prompt to create AI-generated voices and outline rights for voice actors around studios’ utilization of their digital replicas.
Q: Why are AI protections important for voice actors?
A: AI protections are crucial for voice actors to maintain control over the usage of their identity in digital replicas and safeguard their employment opportunities. These safeguards ensure that voice actors continue to play an essential role in the industry and protect the integrity of their profession.
Sources:
– [SAG-AFTRA](https://www.sagaftra.org)
– [Replica Studios](https://www.replicastudios.com)
SAG-AFTRA, the labor union representing voice actors in the entertainment industry, has ratified new contracts for TV animation voice actors. With an overwhelming majority of over 95 percent of the members voting in favor of the terms, the three-year agreements introduce groundbreaking protections concerning the use of artificial intelligence (AI).
One of the significant provisions requires producers to obtain an actor’s consent before using their name as a prompt to create an AI-generated voice. This safeguard ensures that voice actors maintain control over the usage of their identity in digital replicas. The contracts also clearly define the term “voice actor” to only include human performers, reinforcing the importance of human talent in the industry.
Furthermore, the agreements establish rights for voice actors concerning studios’ utilization of their digital replicas. Producers must notify and negotiate with the union whenever they opt for AI-generated voices instead of hiring voice actors. This provision aims to safeguard the employment opportunities of voice actors and maintain the integrity of their profession.
The inclusion of AI safeguards marks a significant milestone in the industry and sets a precedent for future negotiations. This is the first SAG-AFTRA animation voiceover contract with protections against the misuse of artificial intelligence. According to Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA’s Executive Director and Chief Negotiator, “This represents a meaningful step forward in expanding our A.I. protections.”
In addition to the AI-related protections, the contracts also include favorable terms for voice actors. Wage increases are part of the agreements, beginning with a retroactive 7 percent increase from July 1, 2023. Following this, voice actors will receive a 4 percent increase from July 1 of the current year, and a 3.5 percent increase the following year. These wage increases aim to ensure fair compensation for voice actors’ contributions to TV animation.
The industry of animation voice acting has been experiencing growth over the years, with the demand for animated content in various formats like TV shows, films, and video games. According to market forecasts, the animation industry is expected to continue its upward trajectory. Factors such as the increasing popularity of animated content among global audiences, coupled with the proliferation of streaming platforms, contribute to the positive outlook for the industry.
However, the industry also faces several challenges. One of the ongoing issues in the animation industry is the need for fair compensation and recognition for voice actors. The ratification of these new contracts by SAG-AFTRA demonstrates the union’s commitment to protecting the rights and interests of voice actors.
It’s important to note that SAG-AFTRA’s commitment to protecting voice actors in the age of AI was solidified earlier this year when the union reached an agreement with Replica Studios, an AI voice generation company. This collaboration provides voice actors with a secure platform to license their digital voice replicas for video games, ensuring their creative rights and control over their own performances.
Overall, the ratification of the new contracts by SAG-AFTRA for TV animation voice actors represents a significant milestone in the industry. The inclusion of AI protections, along with favorable wage increases, demonstrates the union’s dedication to safeguarding the rights and interests of voice actors in the evolving landscape of entertainment.
The source of the article is from the blog papodemusica.com