Licensing actor’s likeness to AI has begun. It starts with their voices, and full video licensing is right around the corner. And this won’t be just for famous people. Tech companies are already beginning to give regular people the option of having their data used in AI training. But it may well go beyond that… Imagine if we could get PAID—or otherwise rewarded—to provide our content to these same companies for AI training. I think that will be a real thing in the future.
James Earl Jones, the legendary actor known for his iconic voice as Darth Vader in the original “Star Wars” trilogy, passed away at the age of 93. According to a report by Fox News, Jones had signed over the rights to his voice as Darth Vader to Lucasfilm and the Ukrainian startup Respeecher in 2022. This decision allows his voice to be recreated using artificial intelligence (AI) technology, ensuring that Darth Vader’s character can continue to have Jones’ signature voice in future projects.
How the Technology Works
Respeecher’s technology uses archival recordings of Jones’ voice to create a digital replica. This AI-driven process involves analyzing and synthesizing the voice to match the tone, pitch, and delivery of Jones’ original performances. The technology was first used in the 2022 Disney+ series “Obi-Wan Kenobi” after Jones’ official retirement.
Benefits of the Technology
- Preservation of Legacy: This technology allows iconic performances to live on, preserving the legacy of actors like James Earl Jones.
- Consistency: It ensures that beloved characters maintain their original voice, providing a consistent experience for fans.
- New Opportunities: It opens up possibilities for using AI in other creative fields, such as film, television, and video games.
Concerns and Challenges
- Job Security: Actors are concerned about losing work, especially in voice matching roles, due to AI replacements.
- Consent and Compensation: There are ongoing debates about the need for clear consent and fair compensation for the use of an actor’s likeness and voice.
- Legal Issues: The technology has already led to legal battles, such as the lawsuit over the AI replication of the late Peter Cushing in “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.”
Possible Business Use Cases
- Voice Replication for Audiobooks: Use AI to recreate the voices of famous narrators for new audiobook releases.
- Virtual Assistants: Develop AI-driven virtual assistants with the voices of well-known personalities to enhance user experience.
- Historical Documentaries: Use AI to bring historical figures to life by recreating their voices for educational content.
As AI technology continues to evolve, it raises important questions about the balance between innovation and ethical considerations. How should we navigate the use of AI in preserving and replicating the voices and likenesses of beloved performers while ensuring fair practices and respect for their legacies?
Image Credit: DALL-E
—
I consult with clients on generative AI infused branding, web design and digital marketing to help them generate leads, boost sales, increase efficiency & spark creativity. You can learn more and book a call at https://www.projectfresh.com/consulting.
