Actors union strikes AI voice deal with startup Ethovox

Groundbreaking AI voice model agreement: SAG-AFTRA, the union representing actors and performers, has reached a significant deal with Ethovox, a company developing an advanced AI voice model.

• The agreement focuses on fair compensation for voice performers whose work contributes to training Ethovox’s AI model, which could be used to create “digital replicas” of voices.
• This deal marks a notable step in addressing concerns about AI’s impact on the entertainment industry and performers’ rights.

Key provisions of the agreement: The contract between SAG-AFTRA and Ethovox sets important precedents for performer compensation and protection in the age of AI voice technology.

• Voice actors will receive both upfront session fees and ongoing revenue sharing for the duration of the foundational model’s use.
• The agreement ensures that performers can participate in Ethovox’s AI model development with the assurance of fair compensation and protection.
• Ethovox has committed to creating a diverse and inclusive voice model, reflecting a range of performers.

Implications for the entertainment industry: This agreement could serve as a model for future negotiations between performers’ unions and AI companies in the rapidly evolving landscape of synthetic media.

• The deal addresses growing concerns about AI potentially replacing human performers or using their work without proper compensation.
• It sets a benchmark for how performers can be fairly compensated for their contributions to AI technology development.

Ongoing labor issues in voice acting: Despite this progress, labor tensions persist in certain sectors of the voice acting industry.

• Video game voice actors represented by SAG-AFTRA remain on strike, highlighting the complex and evolving nature of labor negotiations in the digital entertainment space.
• The ongoing strike underscores the need for continued dialogue and negotiation between performers and industry stakeholders across various media formats.

Balancing innovation and performers’ rights: The SAG-AFTRA-Ethovox agreement represents a step towards finding a middle ground between technological advancement and protecting performers’ livelihoods.

• As AI technology continues to advance in the realm of voice synthesis, similar agreements may become necessary across various entertainment sectors.
• The deal could encourage other AI companies to proactively engage with performers’ unions to establish ethical and fair practices in AI development.

Looking ahead: Challenges and opportunities: While this agreement marks progress, the rapid pace of AI development in entertainment will likely present ongoing challenges and opportunities for performers and unions.

• Monitoring the implementation and impact of this agreement will be crucial for assessing its effectiveness and potentially refining future deals.
• The entertainment industry may see a shift towards more collaborative approaches between AI developers and performers, potentially leading to new creative possibilities and career opportunities.