Voices. Actors license their clones.
Actors aren't fighting AI any more. Michael Caine and Matthew McConaughey are licensing their voices, with consent limits and royalties attached.
THE GIST ON VOICES: "Hollywood's New Side Hustle: AI Voice Licensing"
What are actors doing with AI?
A growing number of actors are signing controlled agreements with AI companies to license their voice, with consent limits and royalties attached. Two of the biggest names, Michael Caine and Matthew McConaughey, are already on board with ElevenLabs to make authorised digital versions of their voices.
How does it work?
The actor records a base performance with a digital model. Studios can then use it for ADR, dubs, pickups and minor dialogue without bringing the actor back into the studio. Every time it's used, the actor gets paid.
It turns a voice into a licensable asset. Record once, get royalties forever, and keep control of where and how your voice appears.
Why does Huw like it?
It marks a shift from last year's fear that AI would replace all actors. Why not license it legally, with control, rather than letting someone recreate it and fighting them in court?
Studios get efficiency, faster dubs, cheaper ADR and fewer reshoots. Actors get protection, ownership and recurring revenue. The industry gets a model for digital labour that isn't exploitative.
Would you license your own voice to AI?
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Quick answers
Which actors are licensing their voices?
Michael Caine and Matthew McConaughey, both partnering with ElevenLabs.
How are the digital voices used?
For ADR, dubs, pickups and minor dialogue, without the actor returning to the studio, and the actor is paid each time.
What do studios and actors each get?
Studios get faster dubs, cheaper ADR and fewer reshoots. Actors get protection, ownership and recurring revenue.
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