News/Entertainment
Celebrity Voices Resurrected: ElevenLabs Brings Dead Hollywood Stars Back to Life
The AI voice startup ElevenLabs has expanded its Reader app to include AI-generated voices of late Hollywood celebrities Judy Garland, James Dean, Burt Reynolds, and Sir Laurence Olivier, in partnership with intellectual property rights firm CMG Worldwide. Reader app converts text to AI-narrated audio: The iOS app allows users to input any digital text, such as articles, PDFs, or e-books, and instantly generate an AI voiceover in various voices and accents, with a green highlighter following along with the narration. The addition of iconic celebrity voices enables users to experience content narrated in the voice of late stars, potentially driving...
read Jul 2, 2024Hollywood Union Secures Landmark Deal with AI Rules, Pay Hikes, and Improved Conditions
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) has reached a tentative three-year agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), which includes wage increases, new rules for artificial intelligence usage, and improved working conditions for Hollywood crew members. Key terms of the deal: The contract includes wage increases of 7%, 4%, and 3.5% over the three-year term. Hourly workers are entitled to triple pay for workdays exceeding 15 hours, and on-call employees qualify for double pay on the seventh consecutive workday to discourage excessive work hours. Employers must negotiate with the union when implementing AI behind...
read Jul 1, 2024Morgan Freeman Slams Unauthorized AI Voice Imitations, Urges Authenticity Amidst Advancing Tech
Morgan Freeman speaks out against unauthorized AI voice imitations: The acclaimed actor thanked fans for their vigilance in calling out the deceptive use of AI-generated voices imitating his own, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and integrity in the face of advancing AI technology. Rising concerns over celebrity voice imitations in AI: Freeman's statement comes amidst growing unease in the entertainment industry regarding the unauthorized use of AI to mimic well-known voices: Actress Scarlett Johansson recently called on OpenAI to disclose how it created an AI assistant with a voice extremely similar to hers, despite her refusal to work with the...
read Jun 27, 2024NBC is Going to Use an AI Broadcaster for The Olympics
NBC is set to bring artificial intelligence to its Olympics coverage, with a customized daily highlight reel narrated by an AI-generated voice modeled after legendary broadcaster Al Michaels. A groundbreaking move in sports broadcasting: NBC's decision to incorporate AI technology into its Olympic coverage marks a significant shift in how major sporting events are presented to audiences: Peacock, NBC's streaming service, will offer subscribers a daily highlight reel featuring AI-generated narration that mimics the voice and style of Al Michaels, a veteran sportscaster known for his Olympic coverage. The AI system has been trained using clips of Michaels' past broadcasts,...
read Jun 27, 2024YouTube Pursuing AI Song Deals, Prompting Debate Over Music’s Future
YouTube is negotiating with major record labels to license music for its AI song generation tools, aiming to launch new features this year despite many artists' opposition to AI-generated music. Key Points: YouTube needs labels' content to legally train AI song generators and is offering upfront payments to convince more artists to participate. The company tested a limited AI tool called "Dream Track" last year with only 10 artists, and now wants to sign up "dozens" for a broader rollout in 2024. The deals would apply to select artists rather than being blanket licenses, with labels encouraging their stars to...
read Jun 26, 2024Google’s AI Chatbots to Mimic Celebrities, YouTubers, and Fictional Characters on YouTube
Google is reportedly developing AI chatbots that mimic celebrities, YouTube influencers, and fictional characters, potentially integrating them into YouTube to enhance user engagement and monetization opportunities. Key details of Google's AI chatbot plans: The report suggests Google is working on creating customizable AI chatbots that users can interact with and even build their own based on famous personalities: These chatbots will focus on replicating the personalities and responses of the celebrities or characters they are modeled after, going beyond task-specific AI like Google's recently released Gems. Google may incorporate these AI chatbots directly into YouTube, leveraging the platform's popular creators...
read Jun 26, 2024AI-Powered Bookmarklet Transforms YouTube Shorts Experience on Desktop Browsers
Using AI to improve the YouTube Shorts experience on desktop browsers: A tech enthusiast leveraged ChatGPT to create a custom JavaScript bookmarklet that converts the layout of YouTube Shorts to the standard YouTube video format with a single click, without requiring any coding knowledge. Identifying the problem and potential solutions: The author noticed that YouTube Shorts have a suboptimal viewing experience on desktop browsers, with issues like incorrect video framing and difficult navigation. Recognizing that YouTube is unlikely to address this soon, he decided to find his own solution. By examining the URL structure of regular YouTube videos and Shorts,...
read Jun 25, 2024Slushy Raises $10.2M, Becoming First Adult Content Platform to Secure Institutional Investment
Slushy, an adult entertainment platform, has raised $10.2 million in a landmark venture funding round, becoming the first adult content company to secure institutional investment. Key Takeaways: Slushy's successful fundraising validates its unique approach to adult content, which combines innovative technology with robust moderation, security, and compliance: The round includes investments from prominent VCs and high-profile angels, such as Mantis VC, Electric Feel Ventures, and music entrepreneur Brooklyn Johnny. Slushy's platform empowers creators to monetize their content and connect with audiences directly, while providing users with a personalized experience through AI-powered discovery tools. The funds will be used to develop...
read Jun 24, 2024NBCUniversal Exec Advocates Optimism, Innovation Amid Hollywood’s Challenges
Donna Langley, NBCUniversal's chief content officer, advocated for optimism amid the challenges facing Hollywood, emphasizing the need for innovation and adaptation in the evolving media landscape. Key takeaways from Langley's keynote at UCLA's entertainment symposium: Langley addressed several pressing issues in the industry, including the monetization of streaming content, the future of bundling, and the impact of artificial intelligence: Despite the "doom and gloom" sentiment pervading the industry, Langley stressed the importance of remaining optimistic and believing in the future of entertainment. She acknowledged the challenges of monetizing streaming content as traditional revenue streams like linear television and theatrical moviegoing...
read Jun 21, 2024Entertainment and Marketing Creatives Are Actually Optimistic About AI, Study Finds
A majority of entertainment and marketing creatives are optimistic about AI's potential to elevate content, according to a new study from talent agency UTA. The survey reveals a significant shift in attitudes as the industries move from fear and resistance to curiosity and excitement about AI's possibilities. Key findings: The study, conducted in mid-May 2024, interviewed nearly 300 creative professionals in marketing and advertising and over 200 in entertainment: 73% of all creatives believe AI will elevate content, with 75% of current AI users saying they are creating higher-quality work. 76% of entertainment creatives said AI will "make more things...
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