A new frontier is emerging in the world of entertainment as two Hollywood heavyweights, Matthew McConaughey and Michael Caine, have officially licensed their voices to ElevenLabs, an AI startup that's rapidly gaining traction in the industry. This strategic partnership marks a significant shift in how actors and creators are approaching AI collaboration.
While some in the industry remain wary of A.I.'s presence, with creator Vince Gilligan voicing his distrust of the technology, McConaughey and Caine are taking a more forward-thinking approach. For them, working with ElevenLabs represents an opportunity to celebrate the power of human innovation while ensuring that their voices are used in a creative and respectful manner.
ElevenLabs' new "Iconic Voice Marketplace" platform allows companies to request permission to use authorized A.I.-generated versions of celebrity voices in projects, aligning with industry standards such as SAG-AFTRA's contract. This structure provides a framework for consent and control, which is essential for addressing concerns around the reuse of performances without permission.
McConaughey has taken his partnership with ElevenLabs to the next level by investing in the company and launching a Spanish-language version of his "Lyrics of Livin'" newsletter, narrated by a synthetic version of his own voice. This move not only showcases the potential for A.I. in creative storytelling but also highlights McConaughey's commitment to exploring new technologies.
The deals represent a major win for ElevenLabs, which has already gained significant industry recognition and adoption among over 60 percent of Fortune 500 companies. The company's clients include notable institutions such as Perplexity, The Washington Post, and even New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
However, the journey is not without controversy. Last year's WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes highlighted concerns about A.I.'s impact on creative work and the potential for performance reuse without consent. Actor Morgan Freeman has even pursued cases to protect his voice from unauthorized use, emphasizing the need for respect and fair compensation.
As Hollywood continues its reckoning with AI, McConaughey and Caine's partnerships serve as a beacon of hope. By embracing the technology while maintaining control over their work, they demonstrate that A.I. collaboration can be a creative and mutually beneficial endeavor. The future is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the intersection of human creativity and AI is an exciting frontier that promises to revolutionize the entertainment industry.
While some in the industry remain wary of A.I.'s presence, with creator Vince Gilligan voicing his distrust of the technology, McConaughey and Caine are taking a more forward-thinking approach. For them, working with ElevenLabs represents an opportunity to celebrate the power of human innovation while ensuring that their voices are used in a creative and respectful manner.
ElevenLabs' new "Iconic Voice Marketplace" platform allows companies to request permission to use authorized A.I.-generated versions of celebrity voices in projects, aligning with industry standards such as SAG-AFTRA's contract. This structure provides a framework for consent and control, which is essential for addressing concerns around the reuse of performances without permission.
McConaughey has taken his partnership with ElevenLabs to the next level by investing in the company and launching a Spanish-language version of his "Lyrics of Livin'" newsletter, narrated by a synthetic version of his own voice. This move not only showcases the potential for A.I. in creative storytelling but also highlights McConaughey's commitment to exploring new technologies.
The deals represent a major win for ElevenLabs, which has already gained significant industry recognition and adoption among over 60 percent of Fortune 500 companies. The company's clients include notable institutions such as Perplexity, The Washington Post, and even New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
However, the journey is not without controversy. Last year's WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes highlighted concerns about A.I.'s impact on creative work and the potential for performance reuse without consent. Actor Morgan Freeman has even pursued cases to protect his voice from unauthorized use, emphasizing the need for respect and fair compensation.
As Hollywood continues its reckoning with AI, McConaughey and Caine's partnerships serve as a beacon of hope. By embracing the technology while maintaining control over their work, they demonstrate that A.I. collaboration can be a creative and mutually beneficial endeavor. The future is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the intersection of human creativity and AI is an exciting frontier that promises to revolutionize the entertainment industry.