SAG-AFTRA Responds to Member Backlash by Releasing Comprehensive AI Voice Agreement

SAG-AFTRA and Replica Studios have released more details about their agreement, including the full text of the contract, which outlines compensation requirements and consent and protections needed for using AI voices. This comes after the initial announcement sparked outcry from prominent voice actors in the industry.

The initial press release from SAG-AFTRA stated that the agreement was approved by the voiceover performer community, but an FAQ released today clarifies that the bargaining was done by the union's Interactive Media Negotiating Committee over a process that has been years in the making. This contract did not require a referendum from members, as it only sets terms for a single company and can be approved by the executive committee as per the constitution. The FAQ also clarifies that this deal is separate from the Interactive Media Agreement being negotiated with major players in the games industry, but the terms align with AI protections being bargained for. The strike authorization related to those negotiations is still current and could be triggered sometime this year.

In explaining the agreement, SAG-AFTRA acknowledges that the decision won't be popular with all its members, noting that "member viewpoints on AI vary greatly, from those who would like to ban it to those who are excited about the opportunities it presents." The union's approach to AI is to get in early on the emerging technology, establishing ethical practices before its use becomes widespread in the industry.

The agreement has two parts--a development contract that governs the recording and creation of an AI voice (called a "digital replica" in the contract), and a contract that covers licensing and use of said digital replicas to develop a game.

Voice actors will receive a standard union fee for the initial recording session to create a digital replica. They may also negotiate additional compensation for the continued use of the replica by Replica Studio after a certain period. If a replica is created from previously recorded material, the minimum payment will be equal to a standard recording session. Deceased performers can also be compensated if an agreement is reached with their estate.

Additionally, actors have the option to license their digital replica for use in games, with payment based on every 300 lines of dialogue or 3000 words, which also includes other sounds like monster noises. Studios may also pay for access to the digital replica for pre-production purposes, such as using the AI voice for placeholder dialogue. If any of the replica's dialogue is used in a publicly-released version of the game, the actor is entitled to further compensation.

The contract includes protections for actors licensing their replicas. For example, the actors have the right to approve which game their voice will be used for and can determine if it can be used for explicit, sexual, religious, political, or controversial content. Time limits are strictly enforced for the use of digital replicas, with extensions requiring consent from the actor and often additional payment.

There are limitations to the agreement, such as only covering use in video games, meaning that Replica's voices cannot be used for animated films or TV. Additionally, the contract specifies use for "linear scripted content only," with the union stating that procedurally generated content would need to be negotiated separately.

SAG-AFTRA has described its agreement with Replica as "experimental," featuring a one-year term to test AI in games. The union is also in negotiations with other companies for similar deals.

For the full text of the contract, click here. SAG-AFTRA has also provided a more reader-friendly summary of the agreement's terms. Additionally, Replica has shared detailed information on its website, tailored for voice actors and studios considering the use of its digital replicas for development.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I have mixed feelings about the SAG-AFTRA and Replica Studios AI voice agreement. On the one hand, I understand the union's desire to get ahead of the curve and establish ethical practices for the use of AI in the entertainment industry. It's important to ensure that voice actors are fairly compensated for their work, and that their rights are protected.

On the other hand, I worry that this agreement could have unintended consequences for voice actors. For example, it's possible that the use of AI voices could lead to fewer opportunities for human voice actors, especially for smaller projects or indie games. Additionally, I'm concerned about the potential for AI voices to be used in ways that are harmful or offensive, and I hope that SAG-AFTRA will continue to work to ensure that these risks are minimized.

Overall, I think it's important for SAG-AFTRA to continue to engage with its members and the broader entertainment community to ensure that the use of AI in the industry is fair and ethical. I hope that the union will continue to listen to the concerns of its members and work to address their needs.