SAG-AFTRA Files Labor Complaint Against Llama Productions for Using AI Voice Actors in Fortnite
The Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, known as SAG-AFTRA, made headlines on Monday as they filed a labor complaint against Llama Productions, a subsidiary of Epic Games. The complaint alleges that Llama Productions replaced voice actors with artificial intelligence without the union’s consent.
Backlash Over AI-Generated Darth Vader Character
The labor complaint comes in the wake of public backlash following the introduction of an AI-generated Darth Vader character in the popular video game Fortnite. This AI character sparked controversy by using racial slurs and offensive language during the game’s crossover event, “Galactic Battles.”
SAG-AFTRA claims that Llama Productions utilized AI technology to create the AI Darth Vader character without notifying or negotiating with the union, thereby violating labor agreements.
Union’s Role in AI Implementation
The union asserts that its involvement is crucial in any decision to replace human work with AI technology. According to a spokesperson from SAG-AFTRA, the union was not approached by Epic Games before the charges were filed, and the game developer has yet to respond to the allegations.
The union is seeking the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to issue a formal complaint against Llama Productions for failing to bargain in good faith.
Impact on Voice Actors and Estates
The ongoing strike by SAG-AFTRA voice actors since July 2024 has highlighted the contentious issue of AI use in game development. The complaint raises concerns about the rights of actors and their estates in controlling the use of their voices in AI-generated content.
Iconic actors like James Earl Jones, who voiced Darth Vader, had licensed their voices to entities like Lucasfilm before their passing. Other actors whose estates have licensed their voices include Judy Garland, Jimmy Stewart, James Dean, and Jerry Garcia.
SAG-AFTRA emphasizes the need to protect bargaining terms for actors who have worked on iconic characters like Darth Vader in video games, ensuring that their contributions are recognized and respected.
As the complaint unfolds, the outcome could have far-reaching implications for the future of AI use in entertainment and the rights of actors and their estates.
Edited by Sebastian Sinclair