SAG-AFTRA, the labor union known for its representation of voice actors in the entertainment sector, recently announced the approval of new contracts tailored for TV animation voice actors. These agreements, backed by an impressive majority exceeding 95% of member votes, introduce a set of innovative protective measures specifically addressing the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the industry.
A notable inclusion in the contracts is the prerequisite for producers to seek an actor’s approval prior to utilizing their name as an input for creating AI-simulated voices. This stipulation is designed to empower voice actors by establishing control over the utilization of their identity in digital cloning. Additionally, the contracts distinctly delineate the definition of “voice actor” to encompass solely human performers, reinforcing the intrinsic value of human talent within the industry.
Moreover, the agreements furnish voice actors with rights concerning the deployment of their digital duplicates by studios. Producers are obliged to inform and engage in negotiations with the union if they opt for AI-generated voices over hiring traditional voice actors. This provision aims to safeguard the employment prospects of voice actors and preserve the sanctity of their profession.
The prevalence of AI-related safeguards signifies a significant leap for the industry, setting a pioneering precedent for impending negotiations. Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the Executive Director and Chief Negotiator at SAG-AFTRA, cited the significance of these agreements as a progressive stride towards fortifying AI protections. He remarked, “This heralds a meaningful advancement in broadening our A.I. safeguards.”
In parallel to the AI-oriented protections, the contracts entail favorable clauses benefitting voice actors. A structured series of wage increments has been outlined, commencing with a retroactive 7% rise effective from July 1, 2023, followed by a 4% increase from July 1 of the ongoing year, and a subsequent 3.5% raise the following year. These wage enhancements are geared towards ensuring equitable remuneration for voice actors’ contributions to TV animation.
The landscape of animation voice acting has been witnessing continuous expansion, fueled by escalating demand for animated content across diverse platforms like TV series, movies, and digital games. Projections indicate sustained growth within the animation domain, attributed to the surging popularity of animated media among global audiences combined with the surge of streaming services.
Despite the industry’s optimistic trajectory, challenges persist. Issues surrounding fair compensation and acknowledgment for voice actors remain pertinent within the domain of animation. The ratification of these new contracts by SAG-AFTRA underscores the union’s unwavering commitment to upholding the rights and welfare of voice actors in the ever-evolving landscape of entertainment.
It is imperative to highlight SAG-AFTRA’s proactive stance in safeguarding voice actors’ interests amidst the AI era. A recent collaboration with Replica Studios, an AI-driven voice generation entity, exemplifies the union’s dedication to furnishing voice actors with a secure avenue to license their digital vocal replicas for video games, solidifying their creative control and intellectual property rights.
FAQ:
Q: 什么是SAG-AFTRA？
A: SAG-AFTRA是代表演员和其他表演者的劳工工会，在娱乐行业中具有一定影响力。它负责协商合同并为其成员提供保护。
Q: 新的TV动画配音演员合同是什么？
A: SAG-AFTRA批准的新合同为TV动画配音演员在人工智能(AI)应用方面引入了一系列保护措施。这些合同要求制片人在使用演员姓名作为生成AI声音的提示之前获得其同意，并概述了有关制片厂使用其数字副本的配音演员的权利。
Q: 为什么AI保护对配音演员至关重要？
A: AI保护对配音演员至关重要，以确保他们对数字副本中使用身份的控制，并保护他们的就业机会。这些保护措施确保了配音演员在行业中继续发挥重要作用，并保护其职业的完整性。
Sources:
The source of the article is from the blog queerfeed.com.br