Meta Pursues Celebrity Voices for AI, Offers Multi-Million Dollar Deals

Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is engaging Hollywood celebrities to lend their voices for its artificial intelligence initiatives. Sources close to the discussions reveal that Meta is offering multimillion-dollar deals to stars like Judi Dench, Awkwafina, and Keegan-Michael Key. Meta aims to finalize these agreements before its Connect 2024 event in September, where it plans to unveil a suite of AI tools.

While the specific applications for these celebrity voices are not entirely clear, Meta has suggested they could be used for a digital assistant similar to Apple’s Siri or as a digital companion. For instance, users might interact with a chatbot featuring Awkwafina’s voice. However, negotiations have hit several roadblocks as Meta and the celebrities’ representatives struggle over the terms. Meta seeks rights for a single project and a fixed term, whereas the actors’ representatives are advocating for more restrictive agreements.

The creative community harbors significant concerns about the rise of AI, fearing job losses. Last year’s labor strikes saw screenwriters and actors demanding protections against AI. Nevertheless, SAG-AFTRA, the main union for actors, has reportedly reached an agreement with Meta on these terms, according to insiders.

Meta has previously experimented with celebrity-inspired text-based chatbots, collaborating with personalities like Dwyane Wade and Paris Hilton. Although that program has ended, Meta continues to innovate, recently launching an AI studio that allows content creators to develop chatbots in their likeness.

By incorporating celebrity voices into its AI projects, Meta emphasizes its commitment to enhancing user interaction through advanced AI technology. As the company navigates these complex negotiations, the integration of well-known voices could set a new standard for the AI industry.