ElevenLabs Partners with Hollywood Stars to Revolutionize AI Voices

ElevenLabs, a leading AI unicorn company, announced this week that it has struck deals with renowned actors Michael Caine and Matthew McConaughey to create AI-generated versions of their voices. The company, backed by prominent investors including a16z and ICONIQ, will utilize McConaughey's AI voice to translate his newsletter into Spanish audio. Additionally, ElevenLabs is launching a marketplace that will allow brands to use authorized AI-generated voices of celebrities, including Caine, Liza Minelli, and Dr. Maya Angelou. According to ElevenLabs, the AI-generated voices will be used for various purposes, such as creating personalized audio content for brands and individuals. The company's CEO, who was not named in the announcement, stated that the goal is to provide a more human-like experience through AI-generated voices. "We're excited to bring the voices of these iconic celebrities to life in a way that feels authentic and engaging," the CEO said. The partnership with ElevenLabs marks a significant development in the use of AI-generated voices in the entertainment industry. Hollywood and AI have had an on-again, off-again relationship, with concerns over the use of AI-generated content leading to the Hollywood strikes a few years ago. However, some artists have begun to warm up to the idea of AI, with Meta announcing last year that its Meta AI would offer voice assistants that sound like actresses Kristen Bell and Judi Dench. The use of AI-generated voices raises important questions about ownership, authenticity, and the impact on the entertainment industry. "As AI-generated voices become more prevalent, we need to have a conversation about who owns the rights to these voices and how they are used," said a media expert. "It's also essential to consider the potential consequences of AI-generated voices on the livelihoods of voice actors and other industry professionals." ElevenLabs is one of the most prominent AI companies in the market, and its partnership with high-profile celebrities is likely to set a precedent for the use of AI-generated voices in the entertainment industry. The company's marketplace, which is set to launch soon, will provide brands with access to a range of authorized AI-generated voices, including those of Caine, Minelli, and Angelou. As the use of AI-generated voices continues to evolve, it will be essential to monitor the impact on the entertainment industry and the broader society.