SAG-AFTRA inks AI voice deal with Replica Studios

pcgamesinsider.biz:

The Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) has signed a deal with Replica Studios that would let its membership create a digital replica of their voice.

In a post on the organisation's website, it said that this would allow voice actors to "safely explore" this new industry under a "fair, ethical agreement" that will apparently let them "safety create and license" this digital replica of their voice to games companies. SAG-AFTRA says that this agreement sets the basis for "fair and equitable employment" in this new field. The deal also requires voice actor consent and allows talent to opt out of the continued use of their voice.

SAG-AFTRA says that this agreement has the approval of its relevant membership but judging by the response on social media, affected members are not happy that they were not consulted. Voice actor Linsay Rousseau has pointed out that membership is not consulted on single company agreements, rather it will have been given the nod by relevant negotiating committee. 

“Recent developments in AI technology have underscored the importance of protecting the rights of voice talent, particularly as game studios explore more efficient ways to create their games,” SAG-AFTRA's national exec director and chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said.

“With this agreement, we have achieved fully informed consent and fair compensation when it comes to the use of our members' voices and performances. We are proud to work with Replica in leading the way to make it easy for these companies to access SAG-AFTRA’s world-renowned talent in an ethical manner that ensures consent and fair compensation for their contributions. This agreement also paves the way for other companies to follow their lead.”

Replica CEO Shreyas Nivas