Hollywood Actors and Writers Using AI Technology

 In my post of September 9th, entitled "No End in Sight -The Hollywood Strike", I stated that regarding the AI issue between the striking writers and actors against the studios and streamers, "You cannot stop technology. You can only work with it and maybe find the benefit to your advantage."

It appears that some prominent actors have done just that and are embracing AI technology so as to stay ahead of curve. 

Metaphysic AI, a new company, says it can provide public figures the ability to control their digital image and voice. The company stated that celebrities such as Anne Hathaway, Tom Hanks, and Paris Hilton are using Metaphysic Pro, to scan their likeness which contain the characteristics that make up the individual and store them in a database. The allows users to keep control of the traits required to train an AI model on their likeness and voice. 

The large and very prestigious Hollywood talent agency, Creative Artists Agency, which represents Hathaway and Hanks, would not comment on the issue but it is known that CAA and Metaphysic AI inked a deal in January to develop generative AI tools and services, including photorealistic digital avatars for their clients. 

Owning the dataset that creates a performer's replica is crucial in fighting illegal deepfakes, or AI powered copycat videos and imagery used to create a false impression. It can also help ensure that actors are compensated for using their image and voice.

"Nobody has any right to how their voice sounds or their face looks. You don't have any property in that", says Tom Graham, CEO of Metaphysic AI. "So, if someone creates an unauthorized deepfake based on a bunch of pictures, they can put that online and you can't claim that infringes your IP - which means that you can't very effectively get that taken down."

Metaphysic co-founders Kevin Ume' & Thomas Graham

Metaphysic AI, headquartered in London, is the custodian of the user's data and not the owner. It is a platform that stores the data essential to train AI models. 

What this prevents is the puppetmastering of your presence or create a version of you saying or doing something you didn't do.

By: Jim Lavorato, Entertainment Equipment Corp.