Jennifer Hale’s Stand Against AI: Why the Voice of Bayonetta Warns ‘AI Is Coming For Us All’

The rise of AI technology has sparked intense debates across various industries, and the entertainment sector is no exception. As companies increasingly look to streamline operations and cut costs, many creatives are raising concerns about the impact of AI on their livelihoods. One prominent voice in this discussion is Jennifer Hale, the legendary voice actress behind iconic characters such as Bayonetta, Samus Aran, and Commander Shepard. Hale recently spoke out about the dangers of AI in the context of the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strikes, emphasizing the potential threats it poses to voice actors and the broader creative community.

The Growing Threat of AI in Entertainment

AI technology has rapidly evolved in recent years, making its way into various sectors, including entertainment. While AI can be a powerful tool, it also has the potential to displace human workers, particularly in roles that require creativity and artistry. This is a significant concern for voice actors like Jennifer Hale, who see AI as a double-edged sword. As Hale puts it, “AI is coming for all of us. Because the truth is, 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 smash your skin and destroy who you are.”

Hale’s analogy highlights the dual nature of AI: it can be used for good, but it also has the potential to cause harm if not properly regulated. This is particularly relevant in the context of voice acting, where AI-generated voices could potentially replace human actors, depriving them of their livelihood.

The SAG-AFTRA Strikes and AI’s Role in the Negotiations

The recent SAG-AFTRA strike, which began on July 26, 2024, has brought the issue of AI in entertainment to the forefront. The strike targets major video game publishers such as EA, Disney, and Warner Bros., with one of the key points of contention being the transparency around the use of AI. Voice actors like Hale are demanding more protection and compensation when AI is used in ways that replicate their voices or likenesses.

Hale and other members of the National Association of Voice Actors have been advocating for legislation to protect their rights against generative AI. One such effort is the ‘NO FAKES Act,’ which aims to safeguard actors’ voices and visual likenesses from being exploited by AI without proper compensation. Hale’s plea is straightforward: “If you use something that originated in our body or our voices, can we please get paid? Because now you’re using technology to take away our ability to feed our kids.”

This statement underscores the urgency of the situation. For voice actors, the use of AI without fair compensation is not just a technological issue—it’s a matter of survival. As AI continues to advance, the need for clear regulations and protections for human workers becomes increasingly critical.

The Financial Disparities in the Industry

Another point Hale raises is the significant financial disparities within the entertainment industry. She recounts her experience voicing Naomi Hunter in Metal Gear Solid, for which she was paid $1,200, while the game went on to gross around $170 million. This stark contrast between the earnings of individual creators and the profits generated by the projects they work on is a major issue in the industry.

Hale’s frustration is clear: “What I wish everyone would do was keep asking the actual question, which is, ‘there’s a lot of money being made here. Where is it going?’” In her view, the current system funnels money to the top 1%, leaving the creators who make these projects possible struggling to make ends meet.

This financial disparity is further exacerbated by the threat of AI. If companies can use AI to replicate the work of human actors without fairly compensating them, the gap between the profits of large corporations and the earnings of individual creatives is likely to widen even further. This could have devastating consequences for the industry, as talented creators may be forced to leave the profession if they can no longer make a living.

The Broader Implications of AI in Creative Industries

The issues raised by Hale are not unique to voice acting; they reflect broader concerns about the impact of AI on all creative industries. As AI technology becomes more sophisticated, there is a growing fear that it could be used to automate creative processes, leading to job losses and a decline in the quality of creative work.

However, it’s not just about job displacement. The use of AI in creative industries also raises ethical questions about authenticity and originality. Can a piece of art or a performance created by AI truly capture the same depth of emotion and human experience as one created by a person? For many creatives, the answer is no. They believe that the human touch is essential to creating meaningful art and that this is something AI simply cannot replicate.

The Future of AI and the Creative Arts

As AI continues to evolve, the entertainment industry will need to find ways to adapt. This could involve implementing new regulations to protect workers and finding ways to integrate AI into the creative process without diminishing the value of human contributions. For voice actors like Jennifer Hale, the fight against the unchecked use of AI is just beginning.

Hale’s words serve as a rallying cry for all creatives to stand up for their rights and ensure that their work is valued in an increasingly automated world. “AI is coming for all of us,” she warns, but with the right safeguards in place, there is hope that it can be used to enhance, rather than replace, human creativity.