#braskai #deepcakeio #sagaftraorg #houroneai
The article discusses the growing trend of creating digital clones or doppelgängers using AI. Voice-over artist Devin Finley participated in this process through the company Hour One, which filmed him and used the footage to create a virtual representation of him. Despite initial reservations about the implications of this technology, Finley was intrigued by the possibilities it presented, including the chance for his digital double to continue making money even when he’s not actively working. Hour One, which works with major clients like Nvidia, Microsoft, and DreamWorks, would pay Finley based on the demand for his digital twin.
However, this new technology raises concerns, particularly in Hollywood where labor unions have expressed fear over AI-generated replacements. SAG-AFTRA, a primary union representing actors and performers, is advocating for clear regulations on how much performers should be paid and when they need to be consulted for AI-generated simulations of their voice or likeness.
The article further explores various uses of AI doppelgängers in advertising, dubbing, and instructional videos. In one instance, a company used AI to superimpose the face of a famous soccer player onto a body double for a commercial. Another company demonstrated a new feature that allows for more accurate dubbing in foreign languages.
Despite these advancements, the limitations of AI in capturing nuanced acting performances are recognized, and some believe the idea of fully AI actors is “pie-in-the-sky”. The article also raises ethical concerns, such as misuse of this technology to misrepresent individuals or manipulate media.
One of the future possibilities raised is a marketplace for licensing digital twins, creating a new kind of talent economy. While some view this as a potential danger, as it may lead to companies bypassing humans altogether, others view it as an exciting opportunity. However, the article concludes by emphasizing the implications of ceding control over personal identity in this new technology era.
The companies mentioned in the article are:
1. **Hour One**: A Tel Aviv-based video agency specializing in creating lifelike virtual humans. This is the company that Devin Finley worked with to create his digital double.
1. **Nvidia, Microsoft, and DreamWorks**: They are listed as clients of Hour One.
1. **Runway**: A startup planning to release a tool that turns text and image prompts into videos.
1. **Google**: Has invested in Runway’s endeavor.
1. **Brask Doubles**: An AI content agency that has used AI to create digital doubles of soccer stars for advertisements.
1. **Deepcake**: Sister company to Brask, known for placing a “Bruce Willis” avatar in an ad for MegaFon, a Russian mobile phone company.
1. **Monsters Aliens Robots Zombies** (MARZ): A company specializing in visual effects, which has a new lip-dubbing feature.
1. **Berlitz**: Language learning company that hired “virtual instructors” to create a large number of videos.
1. **Synthesia**: An AI video company working with numerous corporate clients.
1. **DeFiance Media**: A company that covers “decentralized culture, finance, and technology,” which uses an AI rendition of another actorâ??s voice and hosts The Future Report.
1. **Mengniu**: A Chinese dairy company mentioned as a brand using the services of Brask Doubles.
1. **MegaFon**: A Russian mobile phone company, which had an ad featuring an AI-generated “Bruce Willis”.
https://slate.com/technology/2023/06/screen-actors-guild-artificial-intelligence-strike-digital-doubles.html
https://slate.com/technology/2023/06/screen-actors-guild-artificial-intelligence-strike-digital-doubles.html