Voice Actors React: Unhappiness with SAG-AFTRA’s AI Deal
Many voice actors are expressing their dissatisfaction with the recent deal signed by SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists). The deal allows a company called Replica Studios to create AI-powered versions of union members’ voices with their consent. However, this decision has not been well received by the voice acting community.
Prominent Voice Actor Calls for Separate Union Amid AI Controversy
Kellen Goff, a well-known SAG-AFTRA voice actor known for his work on the game series Five Nights at Freddy’s, has called for voice actors to leave SAG-AFTRA and create their own separate union. Goff labeled the union as “useless” and “out of touch“. He believes voice actors need a union that will stand up for their rights, especially in light of the threat that AI and machine learning pose to acting opportunities.
Troy Karedes, a voice actor and community lead at game studio Aesir Interactive, echoed Goff’s sentiment, expressing his dismay at the decision made by SAG-AFTRA. He emphasized the danger of AI and machine learning taking away acting opportunities and autonomy, setting a precarious precedent.
Frustration Mounts as SAG-AFTRA Deal Raises Concerns over AI Replicas
Many voice actors are frustrated with SAG-AFTRA’s deal because they feel that they were not adequately consulted or given the opportunity to vote on such an agreement. Non-union voice actor Pax Helgesen expressed the sentiment shared by many actors, stating that no actors are actively seeking to monetize their AI replicas. Voice actors want to continue acting and believe that their actual presence should be used in video games and other projects instead of AI replicas.
Steve Blum, a SAG-AFTRA voice actor known for his work in various shows and video games, voiced his disapproval of the deal. Blum stated that nobody in the voice acting community that he knows of approved this agreement, suggesting a lack of consensus among the union members.
Veronica Taylor, the voice actor behind Ash Ketchum and his mother in the Pokémon anime series, criticized SAG-AFTRA’s deal, viewing it as a “slippery slope downward“. She questioned how such an agreement could be made without notice or a vote, emphasizing the importance of using the actual actor for the characters in video games.
Industry Workers Express Disapproval of SAG-AFTRA’s Voice AI Agreement
Voice actors are not the only ones expressing their frustration and disapproval of the deal. Joshua Seth, a voice actor known for his work in the “Digimon” and “Akira” anime series, called the agreement “a big mistake“. Other actors, including Greg Baldwin, Clifford Chapin, and Daman Mills, voiced their disappointment in both the deal and the union leadership.
Greg Baldwin, known for his roles in “Samurai Jack” and “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” called the union “useless” and urged SAG-AFTRA to “fuck off“. This sentiment highlights the actors’ feeling of betrayal by the very organization that is supposed to support and protect them.
AI Threatens Acting Opportunities, Angering Voice Actors and Union
The widespread dissatisfaction among voice actors stems from their concerns that AI and machine learning may replace them, potentially eliminating future acting opportunities. The gaming and tech industries have embraced AI, presenting it as a tool to enhance productivity and efficiency. However, many actors fear that this narrative overlooks the potential harm that AI can cause to their profession.
Actor after actor has voiced their concerns, with some even stating that they will not sign their own “pink slip” or termination document. The anger and frustration toward SAG-AFTRA’s AI deal reflect the strong belief among actors that their craft should be protected and not threatened by advancements in technology.
As the debate surrounding AI and its impact on various industries continues, it is clear that this issue has struck a nerve within the voice acting community. The discontent expressed by voice actors reveals a deep-rooted fear of being replaced by AI replicas, leading many to question the future of their profession and to call for greater protection and advocacy.
Analyst comment
Negative news.
As an analyst, the market for voice actors may see some turbulence as dissatisfaction with SAG-AFTRA’s AI deal grows. There is a potential for a split within the voice acting community, with some actors calling for a separate union. The concerns over AI and machine learning replacing human actors may impact future acting opportunities. Greater protection and advocacy for voice actors may be demanded.
