SAG-AFTRA members have ratified new contracts for animation voice actors, addressing concerns over AI and ensuring human-only voice performance.
Main Points:
- New three-year contracts for animation voice actors include clauses to limit AI’s role, preventing the recreation of actors’ voices without permission.
- The contracts assert that only humans can be considered voice actors, diverging from previous agreements by specifically excluding AI.
- The agreements include provisions for consent and compensation over the use of digital replicas and synthetic voices, with a significant 95.5% ratification support from members.
Summary:
SAG-AFTRA, the union representing voice actors, has achieved a significant milestone by ratifying new contracts for those working in animated TV shows. These contracts, ratified with an overwhelming 95.5% support, are designed to address the growing concerns among actors regarding artificial intelligence potentially replacing human performances. Unlike their live-action counterparts, these agreements explicitly stipulate that only humans qualify as voice actors, a clear stance against the indiscriminate use of AI in animation.
Furthermore, while not outright banning AI, the contracts meticulously outline conditions under which actors’ voices and likenesses can be used, emphasizing consent and proper compensation. This includes detailed clauses on the use of “digital replicas” and the creation of “synthetic” voices from past performances, ensuring actors’ contributions are respected and compensated accordingly. The move reflects a broader industry trend towards establishing clear boundaries and protections for creative professionals in the age of AI, underlining the importance of human talent in storytelling.
The ratification of these contracts not only demonstrates the unity and resolve among voice actors but also sets a precedent for future negotiations across the entertainment industry. By securing terms that respect the integrity and contributions of human actors, SAG-AFTRA has made a strong statement about the value of human creativity in an era increasingly dominated by technological advancements.
Source: SAG-AFTRA Ratifies Contracts That Limit Use of AI Voices in Animated TV Shows
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