SAG-AFTRA Files Unfair Labor Practice Charge Over AI Replica of Darth Vader's Voice in ‘Fortnite'
SAG-AFTRA has filed an unfair labor practice charge against the makers of 'Fortnite' for using an AI-generated replica of the late James Earl Jones' voice as Darth Vader without notifying or bargaining with the actors' guild.
The use of the Vader voice in 'Fortnite' is the first major recreation of Jones' voice by artificial intelligence in commercial IP since the actor's death last September and comes after Jones signed an agreement in 2022 with Lucasfilm permitting the studio to create such replicas for future use of the character.
In the complaint filed with the National Labor Relations Board, which can be read here, SAG-AFTRA says that it requires companies who wish to use digital replicas must still bargain with the union even when receiving consent from a deceased actor, as use of the replica is still taking bargaining unit work that could go to a union performer.
'We celebrate the right of our members and their estates to control the use of their digital replicas and welcome the use of new technologies to allow new generations to share in the enjoyment of those legacies and renowned roles,' SAG-AFTRA said in a statement. 'However, we must protect our right to bargain terms and conditions around uses of voice that replace the work of our members, including those who previously did the work of matching Darth Vader's iconic rhythm and tone in video games.'
'Fortnite's signatory company, Llama Productions, chose to replace the work of human performers with A.I. technology. Unfortunately, they did so without providing any notice of their intent to do this and without bargaining with us over appropriate terms,' the statement continued.
More to come…
The post SAG-AFTRA Files Unfair Labor Practice Charge Over AI Replica of Darth Vader's Voice in 'Fortnite' appeared first on TheWrap.
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