Many voice actors are unhappy with SAG-AFTRA’s latest contract, which was signed this week. cloning studioTo create an AI-based version of union members’ voices with each person’s consent.
The Actors and Performers Guild shared in a post Tuesday that the deal sets rules around voice capture for Replica use, including requiring actors’ consent, compensation and some control over future use.
However, some talents such as prominent SAG-AFTRA voice actors Kellen Goffbest known for his work on the game series Five Nights at Freddy’s, responded to the news with a claim that voice actors should leave SAG-AFTRA and form their own separate union, which he called “useless” and “out of touch.”
“Voice actors need their own union to stand up for what’s right.” Troy Caredes, a voice actor and community leader at the game studio Aesir Interactive. “I am surprised by this decision. “Actors want to work, and the threat of machine learning and AI taking away their acting opportunities and autonomy sets a very dangerous precedent.”
Many other voice actors were frustrated that SAG-AFTRA did not propose a vote on such a deal, while others assumed that few voice actors were actually consulted before the deal closed.
“There’s no actor actively trying to cash in on the AI clone,” said a non-union voice actor and Bungie lead sound designer. Pax Helgesen. “We don’t want that in the first place. We want to act. “If you had voted, you would have already known.”
“No one in our community has approved this, but as far as I know,” the SAG-AFTRA voice actor said. steve bloomHe has voiced characters in shows like “Cowboy Bebop,” Wolverine in Marvel’s “Wolverine and the X-Men,” and video games like Mortal Kombat and God of War.
veronica taylorwho voices Ash Ketchum and his mother in the first eight seasons of SAG-AFTRA’s Pokémon animated series called Replica, is dealing with a “slippery slope.”
“How did this agreement get passed without notice or vote?” Taylor asked. “Why can’t we use real actors in video games? Every profession offers actors unique opportunities to perform. Encouraging/allowing AI replacement is going downhill.”
Likewise, ‘Digimon’ and ‘Akira’ animation voice actor Joshua Seth also signed this deal.blunder.”
Numerous other actors have expressed frustration and opposition to the deal. union leadershipWith the voice actor of “Samurai Jack” Greg Baldwin They called the union “useless” and implored SAG-AFTRA to “fuck off.”
“And here I thought unions should be supporting and protecting people, not feeding them to the wolves.” “Attack on Titan” and “Dragon Ball Super” voice actor said. Clifford Chapin.
Impact Genshin’s voice actor wrote, “That’s a slap in the face.” just mills. “It is truly appalling that SAG-AFTRA continues to insist on unity among its members, call on voice actors for support, and fail to provide even the most basic protections. Not an A-list celebrity? “I don’t think it’s a priority.”
I’m not signing my damn pink slip!
You betrayed us.
A few greetings,
voice actor@sagaftra
— Greg Baldwin (@GregBaldwinIroh) January 10, 2024
Artificial intelligence remains a controversial topic in the entertainment and gaming industry. However, technology and gaming companies have continued to embrace and praise AI. xbox and nvidiaFor example, we’ve tried to frame generative AI as a tool that can help frustrated actors, writers, and game developers do their jobs faster and more efficiently. But many in the industry don’t believe that story and instead make claims. proven fear AI may eventually take away or eliminate future jobs.
“I’m not signing my fucking pink slip,” the “Samurai Jack” and “Avatar: The Last Airbender” voice actor wrote. Greg Baldwin In a post to the union.
“you betrayed us” Baldwin said.
A SAG-AFTRA representative requested comment. decryption It includes a description of the deal and claims that an undisclosed number of SAG-AFTRA members were “heavily involved” in negotiating the deal.
Editor: Andrew Hayward
Editor’s note: This article was updated after publication to include a response from SAG-AFTRA.