SAG-AFTRA's AI Voice Cloner Agreement Sparks Outrage Among Actors

The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has made headlines with its recent agreement with an artificial intelligence startup, allowing performers to create and license digital replicas of their voices. This landmark deal establishes essential terms and conditions that prioritize performer consent and negotiation regarding the use of their digital voice doubles. Importantly, performers retain the right to opt out of future projects, including video games and interactive media.

In a public statement, SAG-AFTRA emphasized that the agreement was "fair" and "ethical," highlighting that members of the voiceover community directly impacted by these developments supported the terms. "This is a great example of AI being done right," expressed SAG-AFTRA president and actress Fran Drescher, reflecting a commitment to protecting the rights of voice actors.

The AI startup at the center of this agreement, Replica, has developed Vox-1, an advanced AI voice model capable of producing character voices at 44.1kHz quality. With several prominent video game studios among its clients, including the developer of the acclaimed 'Crysis' and 'Hunt: Showdown', Crytek, as well as Cloud Chamber, the studio behind the upcoming 'Bioshock' installment, Replica is poised to play a significant role in the industry.

However, the reaction among performers has been mixed. Emi Lo, known for her roles as Akane in the English dub of 'Chainsaw Man' and Lucy in 'Cyberpunk: Edgerunners', expressed frustration on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Love how we're paying dues to a union that will throw our jobs to AI and then claim we all agreed to it.”

Fellow voice actor Steve Blum, famous for his portrayal of Spike Spiegel in 'Cowboy Bebop', voiced his discontent, asserting, “Nobody in our community approved this that I know of.” This sentiment was echoed by Veronica Taylor, the original voice of Ash Ketchum in 'Pokémon', who questioned how such an agreement could progress without proper notice or a vote. “Why can’t the actual actor be used for the video game? Every job brings a unique opportunity for an actor to… act. Encouraging and allowing AI replacement is a slippery slope downward,” Taylor remarked.

Looking ahead, negotiations are ongoing regarding the Interactive Media Agreement, which governs all video game and interactive media actors under SAG-AFTRA. Last year, members voted overwhelmingly in favor of a potential strike concerning this contract. If voice actors choose to strike, it would follow the writers' and actors' walk-outs of July to November last year, which were fueled by contentious issues surrounding the use of AI in film and television. Although SAG-AFTRA succeeded in securing a contract that included compensation for the use of actors' AI-generated likeness in projects, the debate regarding the implications of AI on creative jobs continues.

As this dialogue unfolds, the balance between technological innovation and the preservation of artistic integrity remains a critical concern for actors and their advocacy organizations. The broader industry must consider how to navigate these changes without compromising the rights and livelihoods of those who bring characters and stories to life.