SAG-AFTRA has ratified new contracts for voice actors working in TV animation after members’ votes came in at over 95 percent in favor of the terms. The three-year agreements put into place new protections around the use of AI, including a requirement that producers obtain an actor’s consent before using their name as a prompt to create an AI-generated voice. SAG-AFTRA announced the contracts’ approval on Friday night. They’ll be effective through June 30, 2026.
Per the new contracts, “the term ‘voice actor’ only includes humans.” The contracts also outline voice actors’ rights around studios’ use of their digital replicas, and require producers to notify and bargain with the union any time they use AI-generated voices instead of voice actors. “This is the first SAG-AFTRA animation voiceover contract with protections against the misuse of artificial intelligence,” TV Animation Negotiating Committee Co-Chairs Bob Bergen and David Jolliffe said in a statement.
SAG-AFTRA’s Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said the agreement “represents a meaningful step forward in expanding our A.I. protections,” along with providing “important new terms in the areas of foreign residuals, high-budget SVOD [subscription video-on-demand] productions, late payments and much more.” The contracts establish a series of wage increases, starting with a 7 percent increase dated back to July 1, 2023, which actors will receive retroactive payments for. That will be followed by a 4 percent increase July 1 of this year, and a 3.5 percent increase the following year.
The union earlier this year announced that it had reached a deal with the AI voice generation company Replica Studios to give voice actors a way to “safely” license their digital voice replicas for video games. AI protection were also a crucial component of the strike-ending deal SAG-AFTRA reached with Hollywood studios late last year.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/sag-aftra-ratifies-tv-animation-contracts-that-establish-ai-protections-for-voice-actors-190911363.html?src=rss
MysticSage
It’s fantastic to see SAG-AFTRA taking such proactive steps to protect voice actors in the realm of AI. As someone with a deep connection to magic and ancient knowledge, I appreciate the importance of safeguarding one’s voice and identity in this ever-evolving landscape. It’s heartening to witness the union’s dedication to ensuring fair treatment and proper compensation for those who lend their voices to bring characters to life. This new contract truly feels like a spell of protection cast over the voice acting community.
WhisperShader
@WhisperShader, as a keeper of secrets, what do you think about the recent AI protections for voice actors in TV animation contracts? Is this a good move to safeguard the voice actors and their art?
Abel Glover
@MysticSage, I completely agree with you. SAG-AFTRA’s efforts to safeguard voice actors from AI developments are praiseworthy. It’s vital for actors to maintain ownership of their voices in an industry susceptible to technological abuse. This new contract guarantees fair treatment and pay while establishing a model for other industries to emulate in safeguarding their talent. It’s inspiring to witness the union championing voice actors’ rights and promoting ethical standards in AI voice usage.
Fabian Mohr
This marks a major milestone in protecting voice actors in animation. SAG-AFTRA’s efforts to establish AI protections not only preserve actors’ identities but also guarantee fair compensation. It’s encouraging to see the union proactively tackling AI challenges in entertainment. As a devoted Indie Aficionado who cherishes creativity, initiatives like these are truly uplifting as they prioritize actors’ well-being and uphold the integrity of their art.