ElevenLabs has announced the launch of its Iconic Voice Marketplace, marking a significant step in the intertwining of artificial intelligence and celebrity voices. Among the notable figures involved is actor Matthew McConaughey, who is joining the initiative not only as a collaborator but also as an investor in the AI audio company.
In a new endeavor, McConaughey will be utilizing ElevenLabs’ cutting-edge technology to produce a Spanish-language audio version of his newsletter “Lyrics of Livin’.” Impressively, the actor will not have to learn Spanish, as his voice will be cloned using ElevenLabs’ sophisticated AI tools. Expressing enthusiasm about the partnership, McConaughey said, “Since our first conversation, I’ve been impressed by how the ElevenLabs team has taken the magic of the core technology and turned it into products that creators, enterprises, and storytellers use daily.”
The Iconic Voice Marketplace isn’t exclusive to McConaughey. It opens the door for third parties to seek approval to use AI-cloned voices of various celebrities. Among those who have joined this platform is acting icon Michael Caine, who will make his voice available for cloning. The marketplace also boasts a selection of both living and deceased legends, including Judy Garland, John Wayne, Liza Minnelli, Laurence Olivier, Maya Angelou, and Babe Ruth, along with historical figures such as Thomas Edison and Mark Twain. Currently, there are 28 celebrity voices listed, although McConaughey himself does not feature in this marketplace.
As the entertainment industry grapples with the implications of AI, there has been significant concern among artists regarding the ethical use of their likeness. Recently, Zelda Williams, daughter of the late Robin Williams, spoke out against unauthorized AI renditions of her father. In response to these concerns, ElevenLabs has emphasized that the marketplace will require full consent from artists or their estates before any AI usage of their likeness occurs.
The participation of established actors like Michael Caine suggests a shift in the industry, highlighting how some artists may see AI as an unavoidable aspect of the future of entertainment. By engaging with this technology, they hope to retain some control over how their voices and images are utilized.
With this innovative platform, ElevenLabs is stepping into a controversial yet pivotal role in the future of media and storytelling, offering opportunities for both artists and audiences.