The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has entered into an agreement with AI startup Replica, allowing performers to create and license digital replicas of their voices. The deal, which establishes minimum terms and conditions, emphasizes performer consent and the right to negotiate the use of their digital voice double. Performers also have the option to opt out of continued use in new works, such as video games or other interactive media.
SAG-AFTRA stated that the agreement is considered "fair" and "ethical," and members from the voiceover performer community who are affected by this development have reportedly approved the deal. SAG-AFTRA president and actress Fran Drescher praised the agreement, describing it as a positive example of AI implementation.
Replica, the AI startup involved in the deal, has developed Vox-1, an AI voice model capable of creating voices for characters in high-quality 44.1kHz audio. The startup has garnered clients in the video game industry, including Crytek and Cloud Chamber.
However, not all performers are pleased with the agreement. Some expressed concerns about the impact of AI on their jobs and questioned the union's decision. Emi Lo, a voice actor known for work in the 'Chainsaw Man' anime and 'Cyberpunk: Edgerunners,' criticized the union for endorsing AI use at the expense of actors. Similar sentiments were echoed by other performers, raising questions about the approval process and the potential consequences of AI replacing human actors.
Meanwhile, negotiations for the Interactive Media Agreement union contract at SAG-AFTRA, covering video game and interactive media actors, are ongoing. Last year, members voted in favor of a potential strike for those covered by the contract. The use of AI in the industry remains a contentious issue, with actors seeking fair compensation and addressing concerns about job security in the face of advancing technology. The Replica deal is separate from the ongoing negotiations for the Interactive Media Agreement. If a strike were to occur, it would follow the strike by writers and actors last July, which lasted until November and touched on issues related to AI usage in film and TV studios. SAG-AFTRA later secured a contract compensating actors for the use of AI-generated likeness in these projects.
