The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has announced an agreement with AI technology company Replica Studios, allowing the use of actors’ voices in the gaming industry to train artificial intelligence and generate voice sounds. However, some voice actors have expressed concerns about the agreement.
According to the agreement, Replica Studio can contact SAG-AFTRA members to negotiate the use of their original voice recordings for AI learning purposes. Studios can then incorporate the authorized voice recordings into video games and other media. SAG-AFTRA states that this is a significant development.
However, several voice actors have expressed their worries through social media, stating that they do not want their voices to be used by AI for any purpose, regardless of the conditions. Some are also angry that this agreement was made without communication with the union members beforehand, feeling excluded from the decision-making process and unaware of the agreement’s details. In response, SAG-AFTRA confirms that the agreement has been approved by affected union members.
Shelby Young, a voice actor, questions the approval process, asking when and where it happened. Another voice actor, Yong Yea, adds that he and others were unaware of this agreement until they read about it on Twitter.
However, union leaders and some supporters have clarified that this agreement aligns with the union’s previous statements. They emphasize that this is not a complete ban on AI voices but rather a collaborative effort with companies to provide options, fair compensation, and consultation for actors when their voices or images are used in AI applications. They urge union members not to criticize a deal they haven’t seen yet and to wait for the details provided by the negotiation committee.
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA’s National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator, states that the agreement with Replica Studio is a critical step towards the responsible application of AI technology. He ensures that the use of members’ voices will only occur with consent and fair compensation. This agreement sets industry standards for video game development, building upon the conditions approved by 80% of union members a month ago. The hope is to see other companies adopt this agreement as well.
Concerned union members are engaging in discussions with union leaders. Linsay Rousseau, a voice actor from the game Deathloop and a member of the committee, promises to address these concerns in a town hall meeting scheduled for next week.
TLDR: The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has reached an agreement with Replica Studios, allowing the use of actors’ voices in the gaming industry for AI training purposes. While some voice actors are uneasy about the agreement, SAG-AFTRA assures that it aligns with their objectives of safeguarding member interests and fair compensation. The negotiation committee plans to provide more details in a town hall meeting to address concerns from union members.
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