Meta Offers Hollywood Stars Lucrative Deals for AI Voice Projects
- tech360.tv
- Aug 5, 2024
- 2 min read
Meta compensates Hollywood stars financially for their participation in AI efforts. Differing terms for voice usage have hindered negotiations between Meta and talent representatives. The Hollywood community remains concerned about future job displacement as a result of artificial intelligence technology.
This information was provided by persons familiar with the conversations, who requested to remain anonymous due to project confidentiality. Meta representatives declined to comment on the situation.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is looking to close partnerships as soon as possible so that it can develop a suite of AI tools for its Connect 2024 event in September. Although the exact function of the voices is unknown, discussions have included the prospect of a chatbot working as a digital assistant akin to Apple's Siri, or even a companion with the voice of a celebrity such as Awkwafina.
Negotiations between Meta and talent agents have been regularly interrupted and renewed as both parties try to reach an agreement on the parameters that govern the use of actors' voices. Meta intends to secure voice rights for several apps for a set period of time inside a single project, whilst performers' representatives urge for more stringent restrictions.
The use of AI technology has raised concerns in the Hollywood creative community, notably over potential job displacement due to automation. Last year, screenwriters and performers requested protections from AI use during labour disputes. Despite these concerns, it appears that SAG-AFTRA, the primary union representing actors, has reached an agreement with Meta on voice usage guidelines.
Meta previously experimented with creating text-based chatbots inspired by celebrities like Dwyane Wade and Paris Hilton, but this project has since been cancelled. In addition, the company has established an AI studio, which enables content creators to construct chatbots that resemble themselves.
Meta is offering Hollywood stars substantial sums for their voices in AI projects.
Negotiations between Meta and talent representatives have faced challenges over voice usage terms.
Concerns within the Hollywood community persist regarding potential job displacement due to AI technology.
Source: BLOOMBERG
