Main topic: Copyright protection for works created by artificial intelligence (AI)
Key points:
1. A federal judge upheld a finding from the U.S. Copyright Office that AI-generated art is not eligible for copyright protection.
2. The ruling emphasized that human authorship is a fundamental requirement for copyright protection.
3. The judge stated that copyright law protects only works of human creation and is not designed to extend to non-human actors like AI.
Main topic: Hi-Rez Studios updates policies on voice actor contracts and AI technology use
Key points:
1. Hi-Rez Studios has updated its policies on voice actor contracts and the use of generative AI technology.
2. CEO Stewart Chisam addressed allegations that the studio was using AI to clone voice work and assured that the new policies prohibit such use.
3. The updated contract language restricts the studio from using AI to simulate a voice or likeness of a talent, even in the case of the actor's death or incapacitation.
Main topic: Hi-Rez Studios using AI to clone voices of actors
Key points:
1. Hi-Rez Studios plans to use AI to clone the voices of actors for games like Smite and Paladins.
2. Voice actors are being asked to sign contracts without seeing the fine print or ensuring their safety or financial benefit.
3. The use of AI in this manner is seen as controversial and raises concerns about trust and transparency.
### Summary
During SIGGRAPH, Mike Seymour participated in a panel discussion on Reshaping the Film & Television Industry with Generative AI, as well as a panel on the transformative power of AI in media and entertainment. He also made an accidental appearance on the Office Hours Live stream.
### Facts
- 📺 Mike Seymour participated in a panel discussion on Reshaping the Film & Television Industry with Generative AI during SIGGRAPH.
- 🎬 He also participated in a panel on the transformative power of AI in media and entertainment.
- 🎙️ Mike Seymour appeared on the Office Hours Live stream during SIGGRAPH.
- 🎥 The panel sessions discussed the impact of AI and machine learning on the media and entertainment industry.
Generative AI is starting to impact the animation and visual effects industry, with companies like Base Media exploring its potentials, but concerns about job security and copyright infringement remain.
The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers has proposed guidelines for the usage of artificial intelligence (AI) and data transparency in the entertainment industry, stating that AI-created material cannot be considered literary or intellectually protected, and ensuring that credit, rights, and compensation for AI-generated scripts are given to the original human writer or reworker.
Main topic: The AI arms race in voice cloning and the latest development by ElevenLabs to mimic voices in 30 different languages.
Key points:
1. ElevenLabs' new AI model can mimic voices fluently in 30 languages, expanding from the previous eight supported.
2. The AI model provides emotionally-rich audio that captures natural speech inflections.
3. Concerns about the potential misuse of deepfake audio and the need for ethical implementation in AI voice cloning.
AI is revolutionizing the world of celebrity endorsements, allowing for personalized video messages from stars like Lionel Messi, but there are concerns about the loss of authenticity and artistic integrity as Hollywood grapples with AI's role in writing scripts and replicating performances, leading to a potential strike by actors' unions.
The use of copyrighted material to train generative AI tools is leading to a clash between content creators and AI companies, with lawsuits being filed over alleged copyright infringement and violations of fair use. The outcome of these legal battles could have significant implications for innovation and society as a whole.
AI technology, specifically generative AI, is being embraced by the creative side of film and TV production to augment the work of artists and improve the creative process, rather than replacing them. Examples include the use of procedural generation and style transfer in animation techniques and the acceleration of dialogue and collaboration between artists and directors. However, concerns remain about the potential for AI to replace artists and the need for informed decision-making to ensure that AI is used responsibly.
A federal judge in the US rejected an attempt to copyright an artwork created by an AI, ruling that copyright law only protects works of human creation. However, the judge also acknowledged that as AI becomes more involved in the creation process, challenging questions about human input and authorship will arise.
A Washington D.C. judge has ruled that AI-generated art should not be awarded copyright protections since no humans played a central role in its creation, establishing a precedent that art should require human authorship; YouTube has partnered with Universal Music Group to launch an AI music incubator to protect artists from unauthorized use of their content; Meta has introduced an automated translator that works for multiple languages, but concerns have been raised regarding the impact it may have on individuals who wish to learn multiple languages; major studios are hiring "AI specialists" amidst a writers' strike, potentially leading to a future of automated entertainment that may not meet audience expectations.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is seen as a tool that can inspire and collaborate with human creatives in the movie and TV industry, but concerns remain about copyright and ethical issues, according to Greg Harrison, chief creative officer at MOCEAN. Although AI has potential for visual brainstorming and automation of non-creative tasks, it should be used cautiously and in a way that values human creativity and culture.
The US Copyright Office has initiated a public comment period to explore the intersection of AI technology and copyright laws, including issues related to copyrighted materials used to train AI models, copyright protection for AI-generated content, liability for infringement, and the impact of AI mimicking human voices or styles. Comments can be submitted until November 15.
Stephen King, a renowned author, defends generative AI by comparing it to the Luddites' resistance to industrial progress, despite the fact that the Luddites were actually protesting against the exploitation of workers through machinery, not progress itself. However, many creatives are concerned about AI's impact on their livelihoods, as it eradicates revenue streams and reduces opportunities for emerging artists, making it crucial to critically examine how the technology is being utilized.
Scammers are using AI technology to replicate voices and trick people into thinking their loved ones have been kidnapped in order to extort money from them.
Apple's new AI narrators for audiobooks raise ethical questions about the listener's awareness and consent, as well as the potential impact on voice actors; Apple's marketing language also presents the technology as empowering indie authors while eroding the livelihood of voice artists, similar to the tactics used by other disruptive tech companies.
AI is a topic of concern and fascination within the music industry, as musicians and composers grapple with the potential benefits and threats it poses to their work, with tools already available that enable the creation of professional-sounding original compositions, but with debates surrounding the authenticity and copyright of AI-generated music.
AI systems are becoming increasingly adept at turning text into realistic and believable speech, raising questions about the ethical implications and responsibilities associated with creating and using these AI voices.
Sean Penn criticizes studios' use of artificial intelligence to exploit actors' likenesses and voices, challenging executives to allow the creation of virtual replicas of their own children and see if they find it acceptable.
The use of AI in the film industry has sparked a labor dispute between actors' union SAG-AFTRA and studios, with concerns being raised about the potential for AI to digitally replicate actors' images without fair compensation, according to British actor Stephen Fry.
Voice cloning technology, driven by AI, poses a risk to consumers as it becomes easier and cheaper to create convincing fake voice recordings that can be used for scams and fraud.
"The Creator" is a visually stunning and thought-provoking science fiction film that explores the human connection to advanced AI technology and the potential consequences of its power, serving as a timely metaphor for the current political climate.
Voice actors in the video game industry are prepared to strike over a new contract that addresses issues of pay raises and the use of AI to alter or generate performances, as they fear advances in generative AI could threaten their livelihood and professional rights.
Hollywood writers have reached a groundbreaking agreement that establishes guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in film and television, ensuring that writers have control over the technology and protecting their roles from being replaced by AI. This contract could serve as a model for other industries dealing with AI.
Tom Hanks warns his followers about an AI video featuring a computer-generated image of himself, emphasizing the rising importance of protecting actors' likenesses as intellectual property in the age of AI.
MIT and Microsoft researchers are using AI to create audiobooks from online texts in a project with Project Gutenberg to make 5,000 AI-narrated audiobooks, leveraging a neural text-to-speech algorithm trained on millions of examples of human speech to generate different voices with different accents and languages.
Tom Hanks warns about the spread of fake information and deepfake technology, highlighting the legal and artistic challenges posed by AI-generated content featuring an actor's likeness and voice.
AI Threatens the Livelihood of Voice Actors: Will Their Voices Be Replaced?
Voice actors are facing a new threat to their livelihoods as generative artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more advanced. While AI can clone celebrity voices and narrate audiobooks, industry experts believe that it cannot fully replace the unique skills and artistry of human voice actors. However, the rise of AI poses concerns for voice actors, including the potential theft and misuse of their voices. Companies are exploring the use of AI for cheaper voice work, but experts argue that synthetic voices lack the engagement and uniqueness that human voices provide. Despite the challenges, some companies are embracing AI, including Spotify, which is using AI-powered voice technology for podcast translations. This technological advancement not only endangers voice actors' jobs but also raises ethical questions about the unauthorized use of their voices to create new content. In response, voice actors are negotiating for stronger protections and fair compensation in their contracts. Although the ongoing strikes serve as a challenge, African voice actors see opportunities to negotiate for fair contracts as the demand for their voices increases. They emphasize the importance of clear agreements on how their voices will be used and for how long, ensuring proper compensation and respect for their work.
Overall, voice actors are grappling with the potential impact of AI on their profession. While AI may provide convenience and cost-effectiveness, it cannot replicate the unique nuances, emotions, and cultural elements delivered by human voice actors. The concern lies in the potential theft and misuse of their voices, as well as competition from AI-generated vocals for lower-level voice work. However, there remains hope that the skills and artistic touch of voice actors will continue to be valued, particularly in high-production-value shows and projects that require cultural authenticity. As negotiations continue and voice actors seek stronger protections, they aim to secure informed consent and fair compensation for their work in an industry that is becoming increasingly reliant on AI technology.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to disrupt the creative industry, with concerns raised about AI-generated models, music, and other creative works competing with human artists, leading to calls for regulation and new solutions to protect creators.
Generative AI tools are being used to clone the voices of voice actors without their permission, resulting in potential job loss and ethical concerns in the industry.
The artist known as Ghostwriter, who gained attention for using AI voice filters to imitate popular artists' voices without their consent, discusses the ethical implications and potential future of AI in music.
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has urged the US government to include AI voice cloning in its piracy watchdog list, citing infringement of copyright and the right to publicity as potential issues, specifically calling out Voicify.AI as a company that allows users to copy YouTube videos and modify them using AI voice models of popular music artists.
France’s Society of Authors, Composers and Publishers of Music (Sacem) has announced that it will require prior authorization for the use of its members' work in the development of artificial intelligence tools to ensure fair remuneration and respect for copyright. Sacem aims to make AI more virtuous and transparent without opposing its development. This comes amid growing debate in Europe over the implications of AI for professionals in the creative industries and the use of original works to train AI tools.
The RIAA has requested that AI voice cloning be added to the government's piracy watch list, as they believe it infringes on copyrights and artists' rights; they specifically called out Voicify.AI as a site that should be scrutinized.
The second episode of "The Fall of the House of Usher" raises concerns about the use of AI in scriptwriting, with characters discussing the potential for algorithms to eventually mimic human consciousness, highlighting the ongoing debate over the role of AI in Hollywood.
Polish video game developer CD Projekt SA has used AI to replicate the voice of the late Polish actor Miłogost Reczek for their video game "Phantom Liberty," sparking debate about the use of AI and autonomy for actors.
Cyberpunk 2077 uses AI-edited voice technology to emulate deceased actor Miłogost Reczek's performance, avoiding the re-recording of his role by using voice cloning technology provided by startup Respeecher.
CD Projekt, the developer of Cyberpunk 2077, used AI to recreate the voice of a deceased actor in the game's recent expansion, Phantom Liberty, after gaining permission from the family, sparking concerns about the future of voice actors in the industry.
CD Projekt used AI technology to recreate the voice of a deceased Polish voice actor for the expansion of Cyberpunk 2077, with the permission of the actor's family.
The AI industry's environmental impact may be worse than previously thought, as a new study suggests that its energy needs could soon match those of a small country, prompting questions about the justification for generative AI technologies like ChatGPT and their contribution to climate change. Meanwhile, the music industry is pushing for legal protections against the unauthorized use of AI deepfakes replicating artists' visual or audio likenesses.
AI technology poses a threat to voice actors and artists as it can replicate their voices and movements without consent or compensation, emphasizing the need for legal protections and collective bargaining.
