SAG-AFTRA Signs AI Voice Deal with Narrativ

SAG-AFTRA, the Hollywood actors' union, has reached a significant agreement with AI startup Narrativ, enabling actors to sell advertisers the rights to replicate their voices using artificial intelligence. Under this deal, actors can set their own pricing for voice replicas, ensuring it meets at least the minimum wage standards established by SAG-AFTRA. The agreement emphasizes the importance of consent, requiring brands to obtain explicit permission from actors for each use of their AI-generated voice, thus granting performers control over their likeness. This initiative aims to provide a safe platform for voice actors to monetize their digital identities while safeguarding against unauthorized use, addressing concerns raised during the recent Hollywood strikes over AI's role in the industry. Narrativ serves as a marketplace connecting actors with advertisers while ensuring ethical practices in AI voice replication. This contract marks a step towards establishing industry standards for the responsible use of AI in advertising and voice representation.