Tue, 20 May 2025

Tue, 20 May 2025 Fortnite faces complaint from actors' union over AI Darth Vader

Sag-Aftra says the hit video game has used tech to replace human performers.

* Sag-Aftra has filed a complaint with the US National Labor Relations Board against Llama Productions, which uses Epic's AI technology to recreate Darth Vader's voice in Fortnite.
* The union alleges that the company used AI without informing them or bargaining over terms, violating labor laws.
* The complaint claims that using AI-generated voices to replace human performances is an unfair labor practice and a breach of their collective bargaining agreement.
* Sag-Aftra welcomes digital replicas of actors, but wants to be involved in negotiations to ensure fair compensation for voice actors.
* This is part of a larger issue with video game and voice actors concerned about the use of AI replacing them or reducing their work.
* The complaint comes as a response to Epic's announcement that its AI voice recreation of Darth Vader would not have been possible without the agreement of James Earl Jones' estate.
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