Sarah Travers
In a groundbreaking fusion of technology and nostalgia, the estates of Hollywood stars have authorized the use of their voices in conjunction with artificial intelligence. Notably, actress Judy Garland, renowned for her role in “The Wizard of Oz,” will soon have her voice digitally recreated to narrate the beloved children’s novel, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” via ElevenLabs’ Reader app.
ElevenLabs, a prominent AI company, has embarked on an innovative initiative to revive digitally produced voice-overs of deceased actors. Alongside Garland, voices of icons like James Dean and Burt Reynolds will also feature on the platform. The Reader app by ElevenLabs converts diverse text formats—articles, PDFs, and e-books—into audio, aiming to enhance accessibility across different languages and vocal styles.
This project pays homage to the legacies of these Hollywood legends, with ElevenLabs securing agreements with their estates. While specifics regarding compensation remain undisclosed, this collaboration underscores AI’s potential in enhancing content accessibility while raising ethical questions within creative industries such as journalism and film.
The utilization of AI to recreate voices raises significant concerns surrounding copyright and authenticity. Recently, OpenAI encountered backlash after introducing a synthetic voice resembling Scarlett Johansson’s character from the film “Her,” despite Johansson’s objections to the use of her likeness. Legal experts note that while individuals cannot copyright their voices, recordings can be copyrighted, leading to complexities in the application of AI-driven media.
David Gunkel, a professor at Northern Illinois University specializing in AI in media, explains that AI models are trained on existing recordings, which are subject to copyright laws. He highlights that agreements with estates involve substantial financial considerations, akin to licensing agreements for popular music in commercials.
Bern Elliot, an analyst at Gartner, underscores AI’s advancing capability to replicate speech patterns and tones with minimal audio data. This technological leap, while promising in terms of innovation, raises questions about voice monetization and ownership rights.
Concurrently, media entities are increasingly adopting AI for voiceover applications. NBC, for example, has announced the use of an AI-generated version of sportscaster Al Michaels for its Peacock streaming platform’s Olympic coverage, with Michaels receiving compensation for his involvement.
The reception of AI-generated voices among mass audiences remains uncertain, as debates regarding authenticity and market acceptance continue. Gunkel suggests that audiobooks narrated by familiar voices are highly sought after, indicating potential market interest in AI-enhanced content narrations.
As AI technology continues to evolve, its impact on creative industries and ethical boundaries will continue to be scrutinized. The ability to replicate voices raises broader questions about the intersection of technology, ethics, and intellectual property. While advancements promise greater accessibility and innovation, they also challenge traditional notions of voice ownership and authenticity in media.
These ongoing developments underscore a pivotal moment in AI’s role in media production, urging stakeholders to navigate legal, ethical, and cultural considerations. As the industry progresses, finding a balance between innovation and responsibility in leveraging AI-driven capabilities will shape the future landscape of digital content creation and consumption.
ElevenLabs’ initiative represents a significant leap in harnessing AI to honor and perpetuate the voices of Hollywood icons. Yet, it also triggers critical reflections on the implications for copyright, authenticity, and ethical standards in the digital age.
