Despite creating a hotfix 30 minutes after launch that stopped the AI Darth Vader recently added to Fortnite from swearing, SAG-AFTRA have filed what they refer to as an ‘unfair labor practice charge’ against Fortnite’s signatory company, Llama Productions, on the grounds that the use AI voice of James Earl Jones wasn’t filed with SAG-AFTRA, and as such the use of AI takes the voice role of Vader away from any previously employed Vader voicers.
We celebrate the right of our members and their estates to control the use of their digital replicas and welcome the use of new technologies to allow new generations to share in the enjoyment of those legacies and renowned roles. However, we must protect our right to bargain terms and conditions around uses of voice that replace the work of our members, including those who previously did the work of matching Darth Vader’s iconic rhythm and tone in video games.
Fortnite’s signatory company, Llama Productions, chose to replace the work of human performers with A.I. technology. Unfortunately, they did so without providing any notice of their intent to do this and without bargaining with us over appropriate terms. As such, we have filed an unfair labor practice charge with the NLRB against Llama Productions. A copy of the filing can be read HERE.
