As things change, the more they stay the same. I have written before about the SAG-AFTRA strikes, which were to prevent the use of AI in projects. AI is not a substitute for real human beings, especially when it comes to acting and writing. The members of SAG-AFTRA were on strike for 118 days and were very clear about their terms of not allowing AI to do their jobs, as they are not viable replacements. However, it seems SAG-AFTRA themselves did not get the memo, as on January 9, 2024, they announced they would be allowing the use of AI replication of actors’ voices in games.
This is obviously a huge slap to the face for the people who stood out in the blazing sun for over a hundred days to prevent this exact thing from happening. When asked why they decided to go this way, SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland had this to say: “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. 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.” What they clearly forgot to take into consideration is that many actors do not exactly want an AI to have their voice and be able to use it without their consent, regardless of how they are compensated.
Voice actor, Emi Lo, stated on X (formerly Twitter); “Love how we’re paying dues to a union that will throw our jobs to AI and then claim we all agreed to it.” This is just one example of many actors who are heavily against SAG-AFTRA’s decision. Despite the obvious outcry from a majority of their members, however, SAG-AFTRA National Director had this to say: “I think the first thing that I would just say is I think there are quite a large number of members who are very pleased with this announcement.” He says that more information will be released soon, but regardless, I feel as though this issue is not being considered or taken as seriously as it should be.
Overall, I think this is a horrible outcome for the business. Shockingly, there is such a degree of tone deaf that you see thousands of people striking against this very thing, and then go ahead and approve the use of cheap copies of an actor’s voice with a program. Far before this was ever approved, many actors voiced their disgust and negative feelings towards having their voice be used by AI, and then the union they work for approved the use of their voices with such, and there is nothing they can do about it. Very unfortunate situation, and hopefully things work out for the best in favor of the actors.
