Key Takeaways:
– The BBC has publicly addressed replacing actress Sara Poyzer with an AI voiceover in an upcoming production.
– The decision was made after considering the wishes of a dying person’s family, the voice of whom is being recreated in said production.
– Poyzer had taken to social media to expose this recent occurrence in a post that gained significant traction.
On BBC’s Justification for AI Voiceover
The hullabaloo surrounding British Broadcasting Corporation’s (BBC) controversial use of AI in a forthcoming production has garnered a public statement from the network. The main focus of this dispute is actress Sara Poyzer, well known for her charisma as Donna in the Mamma Mia! stage musical. Poyzer brought forward a claim stating that her contribution as a voiceover artist was replaced by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) voiceover; a claim which the BBC has now addressed.
In Defense of the Family’s Wishes
In the detailed explanation provided on Thursday, the BBC asserted that the decision to utilize an AI voiceover aligned with the desires of the family of a dying individual. The voice of this person, who is unable to speak any longer, is being meticulously recreated for the said documentary.
The BBC made it clear, “We’re using AI to recreate a voice that can no longer be heard for a small section, in agreement with the family’s wishes.” The corporation assured the public that this choice, specific to this circumstance, will be explicitly marked in the documentary.
Reaction to Poyzer’s Disclosure
Poyzer’s revelation, particularly through a social media post, ginned up a wave of responses. Her post exhibited an email intimating her replacement by an AI voiceover. Following its publication, the post quickly garnered nearly two million views.
BBC’s statement was a response to this viral post, which was captioned soberly by Poyzer. However, representatives for Poyzer haven’t yet addressed the BBC’s rationale behind their decision.
The Creative Community Rallying Behind Poyzer
Swiftly before the BBC clarification, significant support for Poyzer poured in from the community of artists. Game of Thrones actor Miltos Yerolemou urged British creatives to take a stand against this decision, in line with their American counterparts. Numerous other artists echoed similar sentiments, spotlighting concerns for the future of their industry and creatives alike if AI starts replacing human contribution.
Poyzer’s Remarkable Career at a Glance
Sara Poyzer has an engaging presence in the world of performing arts, most notably as Donna in the Mamma Mia! stage musical. She has additionally worked in the British TV series Eastenders and lent her voice to the character Mary in the Doctor Who podcast: The Legacy of Time. Poyzer’s versatile acting career ranges from playing roles in the series Playing the Field to participating in films like My Last Five Girlfriends and The Knife That Killed Me.
Proactive Discussions on AI in Creative Industries
This controversy involving the BBC, Poyzer, and the deployment of AI highlights the increasing advent of technology in various sectors. As AI becomes more integrated into industries, it evokes necessary discussions on its ethical implications and the pivotal balance between human and machine contribution. This story serves as an important reminder of these ongoing challenges as industries evolve in the technological era.
