Voice-over jobs at risk from AI, union warns

Artificial intelligence is a threat to the livelihoods of voice-over artists, performers' union Equity has said.

Liam Budd, Equity’s Audio and New Media Official, told The Stage that the development of automated digital voice technology is "a real concern for our audio artist members". 

He said areas most at risk are entry and low-level work, such as eLearning, interactive voice response and call-waiting work, which can make up a large portion of income for many voice-over actors.

Budd added: "We conducted a survey and 93% of audio artists who responded thought the development of AI technology posed a threat to employment opportunities in the performing arts sector."

He also said that the quality of contracts used to our engage members for AI work was "a huge problem". 

"Provisions are often very unclear about usage and simply request that the performer signs away their rights in perpetuity without explaining where or how their professional contribution may be exploited."

Equity has launched a campaign to lobby for legislative changes that will provide better protections for those working in the sector.