Entertainment
James Earl Jones’ Darth Vader Voice Comes Alive Through AI, Voice Actors See Promise and Peril
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Over the course of James Earl Jones’s greater than six-decade-long acting profession, his voice has turn out to be an integral a part of his work as an artist.
On screen, Jones, who died Monday at age 93, dropped at life the lonely author beat back into the highlight in “Field of Dreams” and the haughty king of a fictional land in “A King in America.” On stage, he won two Tony Awards for “The Great White Hope” and “Fences.” work as a voice actor — the regal dignity with which he portrayed Mufasa in The Lion King and the sinister, deep timbre of his voice as Darth Vader in Star Wars — helped cement his status as a legendary actor amongst generations of fans.
But since his death, one aspect of Jones’ profession has come to the fore: his agreement to make use of artificial intelligence to recreate his performance as Darth Vader after he stepped down from the role. Skywalker Sound and the Ukrainian company Respeecher uses artificial intelligence to recreate Jones’ villain within the 2022 Disney+ series “Obi-Wan Kenobi.” Mark Hamill’s voice was also “rejuvenated” using Respeecher for his performance as Luke Skywalker in “The Mandalorian.”
Voice actors say they’re scared Artificial intelligence can reduce or eliminate employment opportunities since the technology might be used to duplicate one performance in multiple other movements without their consent — concerns which have led video game performers affiliated with the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists to go on strike at the tip of July.
For some, Jones’ decision to let AI replicate his voice raises questions on voice acting as an art form, but it surely also potentially helps lay the groundwork for transparent AI contracts that fairly compensate an actor for his or her performance with their consent. Zeke Alton, a voice actor and member of SAG-AFTRA’s Interactive Media Contract Negotiating Committee, said it was “amazing” that Jones was involved within the technique of replicating his voice.
“If the game companies, the movie companies, would agree to pay transparency for every actor they gave James Earl Jones, we wouldn’t be striking,” Alton said. “That proves they can do it. They just don’t want to do it for people they don’t think have the power to bargain for themselves.”
Hollywood video game executives have announced a piece stoppage – the second in a decade – after greater than 18 months of negotiations over a brand new interactive media take care of the gaming giants resulted in failure artificial intelligence protection. Union members said they should not against AI. Performers are concerned, however the technology could provide studios with a solution to replace them.
Concerns about how film studios are using the movies Artificial intelligence has helped drive last 12 months’s union strikes within the film and television industry, which lasted 4 months.
Jones, who overcame a childhood stutter, has said in previous interviews that he was “glad I can talk at all, because there was a time when I couldn’t.” His goal, he said, was to make his voice clear. He told the Associated Press in 1994 that he tried to make Darth Vader “more human and more interesting.” But George Lucas, the filmmaker who created “Star Wars,” advised him to “go back to a very narrow range of expression” since the villain’s mechanical body parts would make it difficult for him to talk in a more human voice.
Neither Skywalker Sound nor Respeecher responded to requests for comment. But a Skywalker Sound sound editor told Vanity Fair that Jones signed off on using archival footage to maintain Darth Vader alive, and that he directed Darth Vader’s performance within the Disney+ series as a “benevolent godfather.”
Voice actor Brock Powell said the power to make use of an actor like Jones’s voice ceaselessly could eliminate the necessity for voice actors, a job that gives regular work for a lot of performers who can recreate a famous voice for video games, animated series and other forms of media.
“To quote ‘Jurassic Park,’ scientists were so busy wondering whether they could do it or not, they didn’t stop to ask whether we should do it,” Powell said.
This sort of use of AI may also limit “creativity” in acting, as recent actors may not have the possibility to are available in and bring a task to life.
Crispin Freeman, the actor who did the voice-matching for Orlando Bloom in Pirates of the Caribbean, said the technology could reduce the necessity for voice-matching but wouldn’t negatively impact “future artists’ ability to forge their own paths” in recent roles.
“We always have to reinvent new stories going forward, and not just rely on old things,” he said. “Instead of worrying about, ‘Oh, is someone else going to be able to be Darth Vader,’ why don’t we create a new ‘Star Wars’ character who is as compelling as Darth Vader?”
Jones’s deal might be an example of easy methods to properly negotiate with a likeness actor, said Sarah Elmaleh, chairwoman of SAG-AFTRA’s interactive negotiating committee. Elmaleh, a voice actress, said there’s a likelihood those tools might be utilized in “meaningful, smart artistic decisions.”
“I worry about a world in which we equate the superficial qualities of a person’s voice with their performance,” she said. “I can’t help but move away from the metaphor that’s built into the character itself, which is that when you equate a human with a machine, you become a tool for other forces, other powers that exist.”
Alton, the voice actor, said he wondered what it might mean to make use of Jones’ voice as Darth Vader if the voice was used for an additional 100 years and people didn’t remember “all the different things that made him an iconic character.”
“It’s just a disembodied voice at this point. It’s part of the castration of art that generative AI has the potential to do, and it’s a pretty heady topic, but it’s really important for us as a world to consider what we want our entertainment and our art to be in the future,” he said. “Do we want it to be human, or do we want it to be bland?”
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Entertainment
Kanye West allegedly banned Bianca Censori from social media for several months before ditching her for a two-week trip to Asia, sparking breakup rumors
According to reports from January 2024, Grammy winner Kanye West allegedly took steps to ban his wife Bianca Censori from social media.
However, alleged insiders consider it was just one other control tactic the Chicago native used against her – just as he’s accused of dressing provocatively.
Reports that Kanye had banned her from social media first surfaced in January. A brand new report claims that the 29-year-old architectural designer’s family and friends have allegedly tried to talk to her concerning the situation, but their concerns seem to have fallen on deaf ears as they consider Kanye’s “controlled ways” over Bianca are too powerful. .
Ten months ago, the Daily Mail reported that an alleged tipster he said“Bianca at all times had and was lively on social media – until she married Kanye. He doesn’t want her to have it because he thinks it should hurt her if she has to read the terrible things people say.”
“He convinced her that since she was now a public figure, she should remain secretive,” the source said, adding that Bianca’s sudden withdrawal from social media gave the impression of one other control mechanism.
While Censori stays silent online, Kanye continues to post photos of her on his platforms, causing further concern in her inner circle. They see it as a way to “control her narrative” by showing her in fashionable styles that appear to re-introduce her image as a sex kitten to the world.
This will not be the primary time Kanye has been linked to controlling behavior, especially regarding the clothing of his partners.
His ex-wife, Kim Kardashian, publicly shared Kanye’s influence on her wardrobe during their marriage.
After Kanye’s public turn to religion, he insisted that Kardashian dress more modestly, but since his relationship with Censori, the tables have turned again. Censori’s recent looks have raised eyebrows for their daring, scantily clad style, leaving many wondering whether these fashion decisions are literally her own.
Despite the speculation, alleged sources close to the couple claim to the Daily Mail that Censori is just following Kanye’s rules.
One insider stated that he “wears what he wants, goes where he wants and does what he wants.” They then noticed the bizarre transition from her profession as a designer to simply being Kanye’s wife – an unpaid role in his life, the source said.
Concerns about Kanye’s controlling tendencies were also expressed by people from Censori’s closest circle.
Some have expressed concerns that her compliance could also be due to brainwashing, with one insider suggesting that she “no longer has a mind of her own.” This control allegedly extends beyond her social media use and wardrobe, including restrictions on public appearances and even dictating her food regimen and exercise routine.
An alleged close friend revealed that Kanye reportedly has a list of rules for Bianca, including guidelines on when to speak and what to eat, the Daily Mail wrote last yr.
What’s more, reports suggest that even Bianca’s risqué clothes will not be solely her alternative. Insiders consider her revealing outfits might be a part of Kanye’s vision for her public image and promote his brand as a fashion lover.
However, sources say that when it comes to dressing in front of Kanye’s children, she is anticipated to keep more secretive – it’s unclear whether that is due to the desires of Kanye or his ex-wife Kim Kardashian. The “SKIMS” owner reportedly expressed her disapproval of the way in which Censori dresses in front of her sons, noting that she prefers more modest outfits.
Interestingly, over the past few months, Kanye has been traveling around Asia to promote his latest album “Vultures 2”, and his wife’s fashion decisions have attracted attention in countries akin to South Korea, which has strict dress codes.
According to reports, the riskily dressed Censori took steps to hide out in regions with conservative standards, possibly to avoid legal consequences or imprisonment.
However, recent sightings of Kanye without Bianca in Tokyo have fueled rumors of trouble in paradise. She has not been seen in public with her husband since September 20.
Those close to her say Bianca is “disgusted” by certain facets of Kanye’s appearance – especially his latest titanium and platinum grill. The expert says his breath stinks and she or he doesn’t prefer it.
A supposed source close to her told In Touch Weekly: “She told her friends how discouraging she was. A detailed-up of her mouth – let alone her tongue – anywhere near his metal piercings makes her want to gag.
She doesn’t travel with him and leaks from her so-called friends are fueling rumors that their relationship is in trouble.
While individuals are brainwashing Censori, The Wall Street Journal did it reported that behind the scenes he does essential work related to Kanye’s business.
While selling one among his problematic properties, a Malibu house that had been the previous billionaire’s treasure trove for years, she reportedly “signed a whole series of sales agreements and contracts on his behalf.”
But since she still doesn’t have social media, a luxury supposedly forbidden by her husband, many individuals are unsure where she is and what she’s pondering, or whether she’s trapped under his influence.
Entertainment
‘Friends’ star Jennifer Aniston exposes the truth about Barack Obama’s ‘obsessive’ obsession with her and their rumored secret affair
Just when it seemed that Barack Obama would go down in history with none major personal scandals, a rumor emerged that called into query his loyalty to his wife of 32 years, Michelle Obama.
Recently, tabloids suggested that the former president was mesmerized by “Friends” star Jennifer Aniston, whose distinctive ’90s hairstyle has turn out to be a cultural phenomenon.
One headline even read, “The Truth About Jen and Barack,” claiming that Michelle felt “betrayed as Aniston steals her husband’s attention.”
Gossip articles claimed that Obama and Aniston were “mutually obsessed,” resulting in speculation that the Harvard alum can have wandered and lost interest in marrying the mother of his two daughters, Sasha and Malia.
When the Daily Mail reported about this rumor caused quite a stir amongst their supporters.
Some comments expressed disbelief, with one person writing: “It has often been suggested that separation or divorce would occur after the end of the Obama presidency. That didn’t happen.”
Another commenter laughed it off, calling it “the most unbelievable rumor I’ve ever read.” Too funny.
Another person sarcastically chimed in: “Saint Barack is having an affair? What’s next? Is he constructing a private fortune?
A more critical commentator compared Obama to Bill Clinton, who was impeached after being accused of sexual harassment by Paula Jones. Clinton initially denied having an affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky, however it later emerged that he had lied under oath about the relationship.
The comment read: “Clinton couldn’t focus on work because he was a horn dog. Obama’s motives are so sinister that the media makes up all varieties of things to humanize him.”
Despite the talk, Aniston herself stepped in to place the rumors to rest during a recent appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live.”
🚨: Jennifer Aniston responds to romance rumors with Barack Obama!
“I wasn’t mad about it, but it’s absolutely not true.” pic.twitter.com/CvKD15n9fk
— Storiman (@storiman_wcs) October 5, 2024
Laughing about the whole situation, she said, “I wasn’t mad about it,” but ultimately concluded that “it’s absolutely not true.”
Aniston explained: “Of all the calls you get out of your publicist, you are like, ‘Oh no, what’s it going to be?’ Or emails saying some trashy tabloid will make up a story – and that is it. I wasn’t indignant about it.” She went on to say, “I met him once. I do know Michelle higher than he does.
Although Obama largely avoided personal scandals, his political profession was not entirely free from controversy.
Donald Trump, who later became president after the Obama administration, was the source of considered one of the best political attacks on him – the birther theory. This false claim suggested that Obama was not born in the United States but in Kenya, which, as conspiracy theorists dubiously claimed, would disqualify him from the presidency. (Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas was born in Canada to an American mother and a Cuban father, and held Canadian citizenship until he renounced it in 2013. His eligibility was hardly questioned during the 2016 presidential campaign.)
Trump began publicly promoting the conspiracy in 2011, despite the fact that Obama’s birth certificate clearly showed he was born in Hawaii in 1961. Despite the evidence, the theory caught on with some people, and many critics argued it was racially motivated.
In 2016, Trump finally admitted that Obama was born in the US, but falsely claimed that Hillary Clinton’s 2008 campaign began the birth rumor – for which there is no such thing as a credible evidence.
Although Trump ultimately backed down from his claim, the racial damage had been done, and in some circles the theory continued.
This baseless narrative, like the Aniston scandal rumor, has been widely debunked and seen as a political attack with no factual basis.
Entertainment
NCIS alum Pauley Perrette leaves career for years after accusing colleague Mark Harmon of attacking her and others
Actress Pauley Perrette says she is going to not appear in front of the camera, but she is just not leaving Hollywood.
The “NCIS” alum, who played forensic scientist Abby Sciuto for years, recently revealed in an exclusive interview that she has focused on a brand new passion.
Her decision to step away from acting is rooted within the trauma Perrette experienced while filming the series, particularly from her co-star Mark Harmon, who plays Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs.
This quirky celebrity has added her voice to the growing chorus of women who’ve spoken out about harm – physical or sexual – by the hands of powerful men within the entertainment industry. Her outspoken departure from NCIS in 2018 was no different, citing workplace issues of which Harmon was a key factor.
During the brand new one interview with Hello! In the magazine, Perrette revealed she would “never” act again years later after admitting she suffered violence on set – which she claims still gives her nightmares.
“I am not ungrateful for the benefits it has given me, but I am a different person now,” she said, adding that she desires to be present for the person she has change into. “I want to be myself all the time and it takes me a lot of courage to say that to myself, but that’s really how I feel.”
Her departure was initially left unexplained, but Perrette later made it clear on social media that a toxic work environment that made her feel unsafe pushed her out of the job.
“NO, I WILL NOT COME BACK! EVER!” she once wrote on Twitter. “I’m afraid of Harmon and his attacks on me. I actually have nightmares about it.
NO, I WILL NOT COME BACK! WHENEVER! (Please stop asking?) I’m afraid Harmon and him will attack me. I actually have nightmares about this. I actually have a brand new program that’s SAFE AND HAPPY! You’ll like it!#HappyPlace I really like you all!
— Pauley Perrette (@PauleyP) June 7, 2019
In 2019, she revealed that Harmon’s dog had bitten a crew member, requiring 15 stitches three years earlier. When Perrette expressed her concerns, tensions increased and she alleged that she had suffered physical abuse, According to to Celebrity. Nine.
She wrote in now-delshe wrote on Twitter, which included a photograph of her co-worker: “THIS happened to a member of my crew and I fought like hell to make sure it didn’t happen again! And then I was physically attacked for saying NO!? And I lost my job.”
In other tweets, Perrette wrote: “This is terrifying. I left. Multiple physical attacks. I REALLY get it now. Stay protected. Nothing is value your safety. Tell Someone,” explaining that there was a “machine” that controlled the narrative of the assaults and tried to silence it,
“Maybe I’m wrong that I didn’t ‘spread the truth’ by telling the story, the TRUTH,” the deleted tweets continued: According to to page six. “I feel like I have to protect my crew, my jobs and so many people. But at what cost?”
Perrette has since reflected on her career, comparing acting to a dangerous drug in Hello! Interview.
“Being an actor… was an incredible escape; It was like a drug because I didn’t need to be myself, I may very well be another person,” she said.
This is not the primary time she’s used this comparison. Perrette once said, “No drug I have ever taken has worked as well as being an actor. When it comes to addictions, you look for an escape. But with acting, you can get away with 1,000 different things without almost killing yourself. Acting is a total drug!”
She said she has since found peace by moving away from the highlight and specializing in documentaries, stating, “My character didn’t have all the problems that I had.”
CBS says Pauley Perrette’s “NCIS” issue has been “resolved.” https://t.co/t36aE4jjQe pic.twitter.com/wgsIcgQP7K
— Page Six (@PageSix) August 1, 2019
In addition to her personal problems, the 55-year-old also had problems on set resulting from her character not being like her butting heads with Harmon.
After she went public with her allegations, CBS Studios responded that it took her concerns seriously, addressed the situation and implemented changes to make sure a safer work environment.
“Over a year ago, Pauley came to us with a workplace problem,” the statement reads To read. “We took this matter seriously and worked with her to find a resolution. We are committed to a safe work environment in all of our programs.”
Then she would do it thank them publicly in 2019 for acting on her behalf: “I need to thank my studio and network CBS. They have at all times been excellent to me and at all times supported me.
A yr later, she stated that not working on the show gave her “freedom” in retirement.
I actually retired after NCIS, but BROKE was vital, beautiful. I danced my last dance and I’m proud of it! Everyone who knows me knew that I used to be retiring shortly thereafter. I’m proud of my work. Love you! I’M FREE!!! (Be the little easy man that I’m!) #Plants #RescuePets #Books
— Pauley Perrette (@PauleyP) July 7, 2020
“I actually retired after NCIS, but BROKE was important and beautiful,” she said. “I danced my last dance and I’m proud of it! Anyone who knows me knew that I was retiring shortly thereafter. I am proud of my work. Love you! I’M FREE!!! (Be the little simple man that I am!).”
The once brunette, known for her fringe, now dedicates herself to behind-the-scenes work, specializing in documentaries similar to “Studio One Forever.”
While Perrette has retired from acting, Harmon continues to work in Hollywood.
After leaving “NCIS” in 2021, he continued to work and is currently set to reprise his role in “Freaky Friday 2” alongside Jamie Lee Curtis. He played her love interest in the unique 2003 film, Yahoo Entertainment reported.
Harmon, 73, can even executive produce “NCIS Origins,” a brand new spinoff series by which he’ll narrate, although he won’t appear on screen.
The actor-turned-producer has never addressed the allegations.
Despite their very different paths, each actors proceed to shape their careers in a way that reflects their experiences and desires.
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