Voiceover Artists Face Uncertain Future as AI Takes Over

Voiceover artists are grappling with a dramatic shift in their industry as artificial intelligence (AI) technologies increasingly replace human voices. Marcus Hutton, a seasoned actor and voiceover artist, reports a staggering 70% reduction in his income over the past two years, attributing much of this decline to the rise of AI. Hutton, known for his roles in Doctor Who and acclaimed stage productions, relies heavily on voice work for his earnings, which traditionally made up around two-thirds of his income.

As AI-generated voices become more prevalent in advertisements, podcasts, and audiobooks, concerns about job security are escalating. Hutton expresses his dismay, stating, “If voiceover work is being eroded, you’ve got a very big workforce who are not going to be able to make ends meet.” His sentiment reflects a growing anxiety within the voiceover community regarding the future of their profession.

Industry Shift and Economic Impact

Laurence Bouvard, another voiceover professional, echoes these concerns. She has noticed a significant downturn in available work, describing the industry as “scary quiet.” Traditionally, voice work has provided a crucial financial lifeline for many actors, encompassing a range of roles from train announcements to corporate training videos. However, the cost-effectiveness of AI-generated voices poses a serious threat to human performers.

Producing voice work with human talent requires booking studios and compensating various professionals, which can be expensive. In contrast, AI voices are often produced at little to no cost, utilizing algorithms trained on pre-recorded human speech to create artificial voices that can mimic intonation and emotion. Last year, approximately 40,000 audiobooks were produced using AI on the Audible platform, a number that is projected to double in 2023. This surge represents a potential loss of 80,000 jobs for actors, according to the actors’ union, Equity.

A California-based startup, Inception Point AI, exemplifies this trend by producing 160,000 podcast episodes using AI voices over the past two years. The accessibility and affordability of AI solutions are reshaping the landscape of the audio industry.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations

Despite the advantages of AI in terms of cost and efficiency, many voice actors remain wary. Hutton notes that while high-profile actors like Stephen Fry may remain safe due to their distinctive voices, the average performer faces increasing risks. Fry himself expressed shock when an AI version of his voice was created using recordings from his Harry Potter audiobooks, illustrating the unsettling potential for misuse of an actor’s likeness.

Bouvard highlights another dimension of the issue, stating, “AI is putting people out of work,” while also acknowledging that the technology is not yet fully competent. She recounts instances where AI-generated voiceovers fell short, leading clients to seek her services to correct the mistakes. “People thought it would be easier to use AI, and their bosses blew up when they heard it,” she explains.

The rapid advancements in AI technology mean that the current iteration is likely the least sophisticated it will ever be. As Hutton remarks, “Each iteration of AI is better than the one before,” raising alarms about the ongoing encroachment of AI into creative fields.

Moreover, the rise of AI has implications for performers’ rights. Many actors find themselves in precarious positions, having unknowingly signed contracts that permit their voices to be used indefinitely. Hutton reveals that numerous Equity members have discovered their voices cloned from past recordings, enabling companies to license their likenesses to AI developers without consent.

Scottish actor Gayanne Potter faced this reality when she learned that an AI voice resembling hers was being used for ScotRail train announcements. The character, trained using her voice without her knowledge, prompted her to comment on the situation as “dystopian” and “distressing.” ScotRail has since pledged to find a replacement.

As the industry grapples with these challenges, some actors are advocating for stronger protections and clearer contracts that respect performers’ rights and consent.

On the other hand, industry leaders like Jeanine Wright, CEO of Inception Point AI, view the rise of AI as an opportunity rather than a threat. Her company produces thousands of podcast episodes weekly, relying entirely on AI-generated voices to minimize costs and maximize profitability. Wright asserts that traditional podcast production can be prohibitively expensive, often costing tens of thousands of dollars per episode, whereas her approach keeps costs as low as $1 per episode for audio-only content.

This shift towards automation raises questions about the future of voice work and the balance between innovation and the value of human talent. As the voiceover industry faces this transformation, actors remain vigilant, pushing for recognition and respect in an evolving landscape increasingly dominated by AI technology.