An AI company, ElevenLabs, has announced the launch of its Reader app, which will feature digitally produced celebrity voice-overs of deceased actors such as Judy Garland, James Dean, and Burt Reynolds. The app is designed to convert various text formats into voice-overs, making content accessible in different languages and voices.
The company has obtained agreements with the estates of the actors to use their voices, marking a significant advancement in the use of artificial intelligence in Hollywood. While the technology has shown remarkable progress in creating realistic images, text, and sound, questions have been raised about its ethical implications in creative industries.
Earlier this year, ElevenLabs faced criticism for reportedly creating a fake robocall using its AI tool. The recent partnership with the estates of deceased actors has sparked discussions about copyright laws and the authenticity of synthetic voices.
According to experts, while individuals cannot copyright their own voices, recordings can be copyrighted. The AI used by ElevenLabs is trained on existing recordings that are under copyright, ensuring legal compliance with licensing agreements.
AI models have advanced to the point where they can capture speech patterns and tones with minimal audio data, enabling media companies to utilize AI for voiceovers. For instance, sources have announced the use of an AI version of sportscaster Al Michaels for the upcoming Olympics, indicating a growing trend in the industry.
Despite the potential for AI-generated voice-overs to expand the market for audiobooks and other content, concerns remain about audience reception and authenticity. While celebrity-narrated audiobooks are popular, the use of AI to replicate voices raises questions about the boundaries of monetizing voice recordings.
As technology continues to evolve, the impact of AI on creative industries and the ethical considerations surrounding its use will remain subjects of ongoing debate.
