Performers guild SAG-AFTRA and AI voice model company Ethovox have come to an agreement, aiming to protect voice actors in the age of AI.
As explained by the guild in a blog post on its website, Ethovox is building a “foundational AI model” to produce digital voice replicas.
For a model like this to operate, it needs a basis of voice data to work with. However, according to SAG-AFTRA, the Ethovox model is not user-facing, and the voices included and generated with this model won’t be identifiable.
According to SAG-AFTRA, this collaboration “leads the field” in terms of performer compensation. Unlike other AI companies, Ethovox will pay creators both via session fees and ongoing royalties.
Why did SAG-AFTRA sign an agreement with Ethovox?
In this project, SAG-AFTRA claims that the AI company wants voice actors’ participation with this AI voice model to be “consensual.”
The business also wants participating performers to know their rights are protected and that they will be compensated fairly. According to SAG-AFTRA, Ethovox also wants to prioritize diversity and inclusion.
“What will safeguard voice actors’ livelihoods in the AI age is more contractual protection, not less,” SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said. “That’s why SAG-AFTRA will continue to recognize AI companies, like Ethovox, that agree with our union’s AI guidelines.
Meanwhile, Ethovox CEO Cissy Jones added: “Ethovox is the only voice AI company owned and managed by voice actors, and we are pleased to be partnering with SAG-AFTRA on building a foundational voice AI model that prioritizes the interests of voice actors.”
