October 2nd 2023.
Zelda Williams, daughter of the late Robin Williams, has spoken out against the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Hollywood, claiming it has been used to recreate her father's voice for years without consent.
The Oscar-nominated actor and beloved comedian -- known for iconic roles in films such as Mrs. Doubtfire and Dead Poets Society -- tragically passed away in 2014.
Amid the Writers Guild of America strike, which has been ongoing since July, Zelda is now voicing her concern over the use of AI to recreate actors' voices. The strike is demanding better pay and the protection against the increasing use of AI in the industry, with many Hollywood stars refusing to promote or participate in films and TV until action is taken.
Taking to social media, Zelda described the use of AI to recreate actors' voices as a "horrendous Frankensteinian monster" and dubbed it "personally disturbing." She said: "I've witnessed for YEARS how many people want to train these models to create/recreate actors who cannot consent, like Dad. This isn't theoretical, it is very very real."
She added: "Living actors deserve a chance to create characters with their choices, to voice cartoons, to put their HUMAN effort and time into the pursuit of performance. These recreations are, at their very best, a poor facsimile of greater people, but at their worst, a horrendous Frankensteinian monster, cobbled together from the worst bits of everything this industry is, instead of what it should stand for."
The agreement between the Writers Guild of America and major studios and streamers was reached after 146 days of striking, but the actors remain on the picket line. Tom Hanks even warned fans of an unauthorised AI version of himself used to promote a new dental plan.
The industry is still in the process of coming to terms with the implications of using AI to recreate actors, and it seems that the legacy of Robin Williams will be part of upholding the standards of respect and consent that the industry should stand for.
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