WARNING: The Opinion Written In This Article Reflects The Writer’s Personal View On The Subject Regarding SAG-AFTRA and their sudden embrace of Artificial Intelligence.
July 14, 2023, was the day when SAG-AFTRA joined the Writers Guild of America on the picket line, marking the first time Hollywood’s writers and actors have simultaneously withheld their work in 63 years. SAG-AFTRA and the actors affiliated with the organization are striking for better wages, and wage increases that reflect the levels of inflation for the last two to three years and they are concerned by the increased rise of AI, as it poses a threat to creative professions. In November 2023, studios and SAG-AFTRA reached a new three-year contract with studios, which included guardrails against the use of artificial intelligence, though it allows AI to be used to create “digital replicas” if actors are paid and given their permission. Everyone assumed that after both the WGA and SAG-AFTRA reached their goals, there was finally some kind of safety from the threat of AI.
There was criticism when the deal was first announced in November, SAG-AFTRA President and Actress Fran Drescher slammed and scolded critics who criticized the new deal. “Sadly, there have been some naysayers who have exploited this momentum of ours, some people have “tried to tear down what was being done in the negotiating committee.” the criticism seemed to be directed to Justine Bateman, the filmmaker, and former “Family Ties” star who has been vocal about the artificial intelligence provisions made in the new deal.
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On December 27, 2023, SAG-AFTRA said in a Twitter Post, it was our responsibility to adapt to tech so that workers are protected, discussing why tech was an important worker and human rights issue at LITSummer 2024 and used AI-generated imagery to promote their upcoming discussion, which was met with harsh criticism and felt that the Union was embracing the one thing they fought against.
I know what you’re probably thinking. It can’t get any worse, right? Well, Reader, it just got worse because the union that ‘fought’ to protect actors from AI has become bent on destroying the industry it’s supposed to protect. It would seem things could go from bad to WORSE in sixty days, starting with a brand-new deal with Replica Studios, an artificial intelligence voice technology company, for the licensing of actors’ voices for use in video games.
The CES was in full swing, and SAG-AFTRA managed to piss off the voice actor community even more by throwing them under the bus for a fast buck. A brand-new deal with an AI Voice Technology Company was announced, and it was met with harsh backlash and criticism AGAIN. According to Anime News Network, the new agreement’s terms included informed consent for the use of AI to create digital voice replicas (recreations of the voice of a real performer, living, or dead). They also include requirements for the safe storage of digital assets. The deal would enable Replica Studios “to engage SAG-AFTRA members under a fair, ethical agreement to safely create and license a digital replica of their voice. Licensed voices can be used in video game development and other interactive media projects from pre-production to final release,” but the agreement also required that voiceover performers “have the opportunity to opt out of its continued use in new works.” while the Union’s President and National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator praise the new deal, claiming it is AI being done right, voice actors voice their concern on the new deal, that also included anger toward the union for even considering entertaining the notion of working with an Artificial Intelligence Company. The main point that voice actors have pointed out was that they supported the SAG-AFTRA foundation in its strike for what we thought the union would provide protection and security from the threat of Artificial Intelligence, but instead, the union decided to feed their own to the wolves.
Bad enough companies and individuals are already getting into bed with AI, for example, Wacom and Wizards of the Coast using AI for their AD campaigns, and both companies apologized for the use. Let’s not forget about the entertainment side that is flirting with artificial intelligence. Yes, I am referring to The Beatles, the Elvis Evolution, and now George Carlin, his daughter speaking out against it. Artificial Intelligence may have its uses but at the end of the day, mankind’s gluttonous appetite for greed dominates its common sense, anything that can be used for good, ends up being used in a quick get-rich-quick scheme or fraud, whether it be by economical or political means.
Mainstream news media such as BBC, Forbes, and Fox Business were quick to report on SAG-AFTRA’s new agreement and the Voice Actor Community’s frustration over the union’s garbage deal. It also gave way to several garbage clickbait titles such as HOLLYWOOD MAKES VOICE ACTORS OBSOLETE and UNION F*CKS OVER ITS OWN. NAVA (National Association of Voice Actors) issued a statement regarding the new deal, saying that they are standing strong in our commitment to fair consent, control, and compensation for any digital double, synthetic voice, or other AI application.
As I close this opinion piece, I would like to point out that Voice Actors deserve more respect and better treatment for the hard work they put into any project they are involved in.
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