The topic of artificial intelligence seems to be getting more heated as time goes on, with creatives in particular speaking out against the technology as large corporations look to streamline their operations and, ultimately, line their pockets.
One actor who recently joined the discussion was none other than the legendary Jennifer Hale, who has previously voiced iconic characters such as Bayonetta, Samus Aran, Naomi Hunter and Commander Shepard, to name a few.
In conversation with Diversity (Thanks, pcgamer), Hale commented on what was happening SAG-AFTRA strike against video game publishers such as EA, Disney, Warner Bros and others. AI became one of the key topics of the negotiations that led to the July 26 strike; specifically publisher transparency around the use of artificial intelligence, and Hale had this to say:
“AI is coming for all of us. Because the truth is that AI is just a tool like a hammer. If I take my hammer, I could build you a house. I can also take that same hammer and I can crush your skin and destroy who you are.”
She goes on to explain that the National Association of Voice Actors has gone before Congress on the issue, introducing bills such as the ‘NO FAKES ACT’, which would effectively protect actors’ voices and visual likenesses from generative artificial intelligence. She says, “If you’re using something that was created in our bodies or our voices, can we please get paid? Because now you are using technology to take away our ability to feed our children.”
Hale also points out the difference between a voice actor’s salary and how much money a video game makes. An example of this was one of her first appearances when she voiced Naomi Hunter for Metal Gear Solid, in which she stated that she was paid a total of $1,200 while the game grossed around $170 million.
“What I wish everyone would do is continue to ask the right question, which is, ‘there’s a lot of money to be made here.’ Where is he going?’ And in the current setup, the way our system works, and that whole idea of shareholder supremacy, that runs up to 1%. If you have that much money, you can’t even feed the people who made it possible.”
Hale was also embroiled in some controversy surrounding Bayonetta 3 shortly before the game’s launch in October 2022. It was revealed that Hale would be replacing veteran voice actress Hellena Taylor in the lead role, after which Taylor asked fans to boycott the game due to an apparent dispute over salary. Hale responded to the controversy by stating “I support every actor’s right to be paid well and have consistently done so for years”. However, she could not comment on specifics and said: “I am under an NDA and am not at liberty to speak about this situation. I reputation speaks for itself.”
