CES 2024: SAG-AFTRA enters agreement for AI voice acting with Replica Studios

The agreement allows Replica to engage members of the guild and create a digital replica of their voice. (Image: AFP)

The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has struck a deal with Replica Studios, which will make it easier for voice actors to license their voices to game studios.

Replica is an artificial intelligence (AI) voice technology company that is building a library of voice actors for use in video games. The agreement allows Replica to engage members of the guild and create a digital replica of their voice.

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In a press statement, SAG-AFTRA said the agreement had been approved by the "members of the union's voiceover performer community" and the contract will set a fair basis for "equitable employment of voice actors as they explore the new revenue opportunities provided by AI".

“Artificial intelligence has dominated the headlines, and for most performers, the best protection against the unauthorized digital simulation of their voice, likeness and/or performance is a SAG-AFTRA contract. We are so happy to partner with Replica Studios because this is a great example of AI being done right,” said SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher.

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"We are proud to work with Replica in leading the way to make it easy for these companies to access SAG-AFTRA’s world-renowned talent in an ethical manner that ensures consent and fair compensation for their contributions," said SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland.