SAG-AFTRA, just months after its successful labor strike against AI use, has inked a deal with Replica Studios to license voiceovers for AI use in video games.
The union announced the deal with the AI voiceover studio at the CES 2024 after an agreement on fair use of digital voice replicas, including informed consent and storage requirements for the digital assets.
SAG-AFTRA executive director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said the deal "is an evolutionary step forward" on benefiting its performers.
Crabtree-Ireland is confident that the terms provided by Replica Studios are "the kind of terms that producers can agree to without disrupting their ability to make content."
According to the union, the deal was approved by the "affected members of the union's voiceover performer community."
Growing fears about AI have been among the major topics raised during the 118-day strike as artists and performers demand producers stop replicating their likenesses without permission or compensation.
SAG-AFTRA Members Express Dismay on Union Decision
While producers and studios are excited about the "groundbreaking AI voice agreement," many union members who also joined the protests on the street were less than happy with the announcement.
Several voice actors in the gaming industry reported not being notified of the decision prior to the announcement.
Excuse me? With all due respect…you state in the article “Approved by affected members of the union’s voiceover performer community.” Nobody in our community approved this that I know of. Games are the bulk of my livelihood and have been for years. Who are you referring to?
— Steve Blum (@blumspew) January 9, 2024
Notable personalities in the community have expressed frustration on the matter as others demand an explanation from its president, Fran Drescher.
No names were given yet for the "affected members" that agreed to the deal.
SAG-AFTRA remains open for negotiations from performers for their digital voice double and provides them the "opportunity to opt out of its continued use in new works."
AI Bridges Closer to the VA Community
The issue of AI duplicating a voice actor's likeness has been a strong issue since last year as more companies use the technology to revive dead actors from their graves.
Mark Hamill, a notable voice actor for his performance as the Joker, has noted the issue when several AI videos were seen to be replicating both his voice and likeness back when he was first cast as Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars series.
Hamill has previously stated that he is not happy with AI bringing back his characters even before the SAG-AFTRA strike started.
