ElevenLabs has entered into agreements with the estates of famous deceased celebrities to utilize their voices for audiobook narration. Voices of notable figures like Judy Garland, James Dean, and Burt Reynolds will be a part of the new Reader app, an AI platform converting various text formats into voice-overs. The app supports different languages and offers customization options for pitch, speed, and tone, promising a more tailored listening experience.
Partnerships and Licensing
In a blog post, ElevenLabs highlighted its commitment to respecting the legacies of these stars while expressing enthusiasm about their inclusion on the platform. Though financial conditions of these agreements are confidential, these collaborations mark a significant advancement in AI applications for content accessibility.
These deals include royalty provisions, ensuring the celebrities’ families benefit from the posthumous use of their voices. This development brings licensing and ethical considerations into the spotlight.
Industry Reactions and Concerns
The deployment of AI to recreate voices has ignited debates in various creative sectors, including journalism and cinema. Critics are concerned about authenticity and the potential abuse of AI-replicated voices. ElevenLabs has previously faced backlash when their tool was misused to generate a fake robocall impersonating President Joe Biden.
Similarly, OpenAI encountered criticism for employing a voice resembling Scarlett Johansson’s character from the movie “Her” without permission. These incidents illustrate fears about deepfakes and misinformation affecting public figures.
Future Implications
AI’s capacity to mimic voices from minimal audio samples presents both challenges and opportunities for the entertainment industry. Media companies are increasingly turning to AI for voiceovers, as seen with NBC employing an AI-generated version of sportscaster Al Michaels for Olympic summaries.
While public acceptance of AI-generated voices remains uncertain, the potential to broaden the audiobook market and other content areas is clear. ElevenLabs aims to expand its catalogue, potentially including voices of living celebrities who consent to their use in diverse applications. AI’s advancements in voice replication continually stretch the limits of technology, initiating ongoing discussions about the necessary legal and ethical guidelines to regulate its usage.
Last Updated on November 7, 2024 3:41 pm CET
