Hollywood Stars to Narrate Audio Content Posthumously
With the blessing of the actors’ estates, readers can hear the voices of late Hollywood stars Judy Garland, James Dean, and Burt Reynolds through a new partnership with AI company ElevenLabs.
In a move that blends Hollywood nostalgia with cutting-edge technology, a new frontier is being charted by AI company ElevenLabs. They're set to revive the voices of iconic Hollywood stars like Judy Garland, James Dean, and Burt Reynolds for their latest Reader app, slated to transform written text into dynamic audio experiences.
What sets this initiative apart is its collaboration with the estates of these late celebrities, who have allowed the voices of their iconic relatives to be recreated digitally. Dustin Blank, head of partnerships at ElevenLabs, emphasized the company's commitment to honoring these stars' legacies through this innovative use of AI. While financial terms weren't disclosed, the move underscores AI's growing role in content accessibility, preservation, and appropriate licensing.
However, the venture also raises critical questions about the boundaries of AI in creative industries. With technology evolving rapidly, concerns over copyright and authenticity have come to the fore. For instance, specific recordings can be copyrighted, which may prompt legal discussions similar to the case of licensing popular music for commercial use.
This development follows controversies like OpenAI's synthetic voice tool resembling actress Scarlett Johansson's, which sparked debate over the ethical implications of using celebrity likenesses without their consent. AI’s advanced capabilities in capturing nuanced vocal nuances with minimal data blurs lines around voice ownership and proper compensation.
Beyond ElevenLabs, major media outlets like NBC are also leveraging AI for nostalgic appeal, resurrecting iconic voices like sportscaster Al Michaels for its Paris 2024 Olympics coverage on Peacock. Such innovations, while lucrative, invite debate on how audiences perceive authenticity in AI-generated content.
Looking ahead, we may be seeing a potential boom in AI-driven audio content akin to the popularity of celebrity-narrated audiobooks. The prospect of stars lending their voices to diverse content without direct involvement could redefine entertainment consumption patterns.