French voice actors are raising alarms over the rapidly encroaching influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on their profession. During the second day of the Paris summit dedicated to AI, specialists within the dubbing sector, including actors and technicians, confronted the potential job-threatening consequences brought about by generative AI.
This sector plays home to approximately 15,000 employees involved with voice dubbing for the expansive Francophone audience. Echoing concerns from the summit, these professionals have called upon the French government to step up and implement protective measures against AI encroachment.
Despite the advice from English teachers urging students to embrace the original versions of films and series, studies estimate around 90% of Francophones actually prefer dubbed content. The bond many have with iconic French voice actors is undeniable. For example, I often find it hard to watch Lieutenant Columbo without Serge Sauvion's familiar tones; Starsky and Hutch would lose their charm without the voices of Jacques Balutin and Francis Lax. To this day, the hauntingly memorable Jacques Thébaud's take on Patrick McGoohan’s character from the series "The Prisoner" remains unforgettable with his signature phrase “Bonjour chez vous,” translating the original's 'Be seeing you.'
While these actors have left their mark on the industry, the advent of AI is raising existential questions about their craft. A particularly distressing case for the profession surfaced following the death of Alain Dorval, the legendary French voice behind Sylvester Stallone, who passed away earlier this year. The recent film, "Armor," saw the AI model his voice – with Dorval’s daughter, Aurore Bergé, now serving as Minister of Equality, acknowledging she gave her consent for the experiment but staunchly denying permission for the voice to be used publicly.
The results of this venture have been criticized for their lackluster quality, yet experts admit AI technology is advancing at pace and soon may closely resemble human voices. Even more concerning for many actors is the already cutthroat world of animation, where voices are being fabricated by platforms based out of Dubai, the U.S., and Israel, bypassing stringent European regulations established to protect such work.
These practices have lit protest flames among voice actors and their allies, as they face automated voices derived from their likenesses without proper permission. The intersyndicate representing these professionals expressed outrage at such blatant disregard for creative integrity and individual careers.
It’s not merely the dubbing industry under threat; fields like advertising are similarly feeling the pinch. The shift to AI-driven projects has resulted in diminished roles and lower job security for creatives across the board. For example, during trial sessions or the production of mock-ups, work hours previously guaranteed have evaporated — all to the benefit of the investors seeking to maximize profits.
Pricing also looms large amid these discussions, with the cost of dubbing averaging between 280 to 400 euros per minute — figures reflecting the high stakes at play for those directly engaged with this work. Professionals are rightly anxious about their descending prospects, especially when faced with the stark reality of potentially facing down AI models replacing their unique voices.
The grievances are loud and clear: creative professionals fear their livelihoods might vanish altogether to be replaced by soulless algorithms. A call for clear regulations and protective measures is, according to industry insiders, not just prudent but necessary to preserve creative fields against what is increasingly viewed as technological intrusion.
Looking toward the future, these actors not only seek acknowledgment of their craft but also a commitment from authorities to shield them from the relentless tide of AI intrusion. They have taken significant steps to put these issues on the radar, advocating for legislative measures to mitigate the threat looming over their profession.
With the industry facing complex challenges, the urgency for dialogue and proactive response has never been more pressing. It’s clear — the vocal artists of France are fighting for their right to be heard, standing firm against AI’s relentless encroachment.