The latest SAG AFTRA AI deal has sparked controversy and made people raise questions about the video gaming industry, considering the union’s latest fight against artificial intelligence. This collaboration focuses on using artificial intelligence to create digital copies of actors’ voices specifically for video games. The revelation at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas marks a significant step towards integrating technology into the entertainment industry.
The introduction of AI-generated voice replicas has sparked a mix of reactions among the talented voices. While the deal opens doors to new opportunities, concerns from some SAG AFTRA actors have surfaced on social media. As we dig into the details of this transformative collaboration, we’ll also revisit the union’s past encounters with AI, reflecting on the 2023 strike and drawing parallels with previous agreements in Hollywood. Let’s take a look at all the details of the SAG AFTRA AI deal.
Details of the SAG AFTRA AI deal
Today, SAG AFTRA, a union of actors, announced a big deal with a tech company called Replica Studios. They’re teaming up to use AI to make digital copies of actors’ voices for video games. The union boss, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, explained the SAG AFTRA AI deal at CES 2024 in Las Vegas. He said it includes rules for getting permission to use AI voices and making sure the digital copies are kept safe.
The idea behind the SAG AFTRA AI deal is to make technology work for actors, not against them. Crabtree-Ireland wants to use new tech in a way that helps performers instead of blocking progress.
SAG AFTRA video game strike
This isn’t the first time SAG AFTRA is dealing with AI. Back in 2023, there was a big strike. The union and major studios made a deal about using AI to copy actors’ faces. But that deal didn’t stop studios from making totally fake actors with AI.
Now, there’s another negotiation with big video game studios, and a strike might happen again. Some actors are upset about the idea of AI copying their voices, no matter the rules. The current talks are following a similar path to the Hollywood deal, with rules on payment, safety, transparency, and how long a copied voice can be used without asking the actor.
What is SAG AFTRA?
SAG AFTRA is a powerful union formed in 2012 by joining two groups – SAG and AFTRA. They represent around 160,000 media professionals worldwide. The union is part of the AFL-CIO, the biggest union group in the U.S., and also part of the International Federation of Actors (FIA). Their main job is to protect the rights and interests of people working in media.
Who leads SAG AFTRA?
Running the show at SAG AFTRA is Fran Drescher. She’s an American actress and comedian famous for creating and producing “The Nanny” TV show. Drescher is a successful entertainer and the national president of SAG AFTRA, guiding the union through the challenges of the entertainment world and new technologies.
It is clear the union is paving the way forward. Balancing the dance between actors and artificial intelligence shows how the industry is navigating new paths. With exciting possibilities and the need to protect artistic expression, SAG-AFTRA’s journey reminds us of the importance of finding harmony between technology and the timeless art of storytelling.
Featured image credit: Tim Wildsmith/Unsplash
