Survival of the Voices: AI Threatens Actors’ Jobs
In a world where artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly prevalent, one startup is seeking to give actors a fighting chance. Morpheme, a company founded by voice actor Cissy Jones, aims to use AI to revolutionize vocal performances in films and video games. With the ability to create a digital twin of an actor’s voice, Morpheme’s software offers a range of possibilities, from altering and expanding future productions to providing voice renderings in multiple languages. However, while this technology has investors excited, it has many creative professionals worried about the potential loss of their jobs.
Job Security at Risk
Morpheme’s AI software records an actor’s voice and creates a model that can be used for various purposes, reducing the strain on actors and allowing producers to access a wider range of vocal performances. This innovation has caught the attention of top gaming companies, who see the benefits of using AI in their productions. However, it has also raised concerns among workers, particularly quality-assurance testers in the video game industry, who fear that AI could eliminate entire job categories. These worries have sparked strikes and negotiations among labor unions and entertainment giants.
Clashing Interests
The development of AI voice technology has brought about a clash of interests in the entertainment industry. Hollywood actors and video game voice actors fear that companies will use AI to reproduce their voices without permission or proper compensation, threatening the value of their work. The unregulated use of AI presents an “existential threat” to those who make a living from their voice, image, or performance. But Morpheme is hopeful that it can find some middle ground among the competing interests by engaging in ongoing conversations with voice actors, entertainment companies, and unions.
Fairness and Control
Morpheme is aiming to create a pay model that is fair to actors, giving them approval and compensation for the use of their AI-engineered voice through licensing fees. The company also plans to develop technology that monitors and tracks how the AI-generated or modified audio is being used. In collaboration with the National Association of Voice Actors (NAVA), Morpheme is promoting a campaign that emphasizes consent, compensation, and control when it comes to the use of AI. For voice actors, this technology could offer new opportunities for additional payments and licensing deals.
The Dangers of Unauthorized Use
While Morpheme seeks to provide voice actors with a fair deal, unauthorized use of AI technology is already proliferating. Fans on TikTok, for example, have been remixing voice actors’ past scenes, creating robotic versions that the actors had never said before. This lack of consideration for the human behind the art is a concern for actors who want their work to be respected and recognized.
Join the Discussion
What do you think about the impact of AI on the entertainment industry? Are you in favor of AI voice technology or do you have concerns about its potential consequences? Comment below and let us know your thoughts!
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