SAG-AFTRA and Ethovox partner to build AI voice replicas and empower actors

• The agreement emphasises fair compensation and protection for performers as it offers session fees and ongoing revenue sharing

Labour union SAG-AFTRA has penned a new agreement with AI voice company Ethovox to build a foundational voice model for digital replicas. 

The Ethovox model creates digital voice replicas based on extensive voice data, but it will not be user-facing or identifiable in generated speech. 

It also emphasises fair compensation and protection for performers as it offers session fees and ongoing revenue sharing.

A wild west of AI misuse 

“What will safeguard voice actors’ livelihoods in the AI age is more contractual protection, not less,” said SAG-AFTRA national executive director & chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland. 

“Not everyone will want to work with an AI company, and that’s understandable. But for those who intend to utilise the opportunities AI offers, it’s important that agreements require companies to secure informed consent, and provide fair compensation. 

“Without informed consent and fair compensation, this new era will become a ‘Wild West’ of AI misuse and exploitation," Crabtree-Ireland concludes. 

Ethovox CEO Cissy Jones emphasised the company's commitment to ethical AI development, stating: “It is the only voice AI company owned and managed by voice actors." 

The Ethovox Agreement has received approval from SAG-AFTRA’s corporate/educational & non-broadcast committee as well as the national executive committee.

Meanwhile,SAG-AFTRA has extended negotiations for the Interactive Media Agreement and will reveal new negotiation dates soon.