Voiceover artist Sara Poyzer has shared a 'sobering' email from BBC informing her that she has been fired and replaced with artificial intelligence at a 'Mamma Mia!' show.
- Mar 29, 2024
AceShowbiz - Sara Poyzer, a veteran of the "Mamma Mia!" stage musical, has been replaced by artificial intelligence (AI) for a BBC show, raising concerns about the impact of AI on the acting industry.
In a social media post, Poyzer shared an email from a production company stating that they had received BBC approval to use an AI-generated voice instead. The post has garnered widespread attention, generating millions of views and sparking a debate about the potential displacement of actors.
Poyzer's agency, Voice Squad, condemned the decision, arguing that AI poses a threat to the industry by depriving skilled voiceover artists of work. Comedian Stevie Martin echoed these concerns, stating that voiceovers were a significant source of her income.
Actors' union Equity has expressed outrage over the incident and has launched a campaign to change the law to prevent AI from "stealing the show." Discussions on AI provisions are set to be a major focus during Equity's upcoming collective agreement renewals with Pact, a UK producer trade body.
Equity has stressed that BBC has traditionally maintained high quality standards in its broadcasting, and that using AI for voiceovers devalues the work of actors who have spent years honing their craft. The BBC has not yet commented on the matter.
Despite recent pronouncements by BBC director general Tim Davie emphasizing the importance of human creative control, the corporation has faced criticism for its use of AI. Last week, it announced it would cease using AI for "Doctor Who" promotions after complaints from viewers.
The incident has ignited a wider debate about the ethical and economic implications of AI in the entertainment industry. Actors and creatives are calling for a line to be drawn against the encroachment of AI, urging the industry to resist its potential to marginalize human talent.
