By Mike Mankiewicz
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Have you ever dreamed of waking up to your favorite celebrity or beloved movie character cheering you on?
Well, hold onto your snooze buttons because the future might just bring that dream to life!
21st Century Wake Up Calls
Thanks to a groundbreaking deal between the Hollywood actors’ union SAG-AFTRA and the online talent marketplace Narrativ, AI voice replication technology is about to shake up more than just the entertainment industry—it could revolutionize how we start our mornings.
Imagine this: it’s 6 a.m., and instead of your usual blaring alarm or the monotone “good morning, this is your wake-up call,” you’re greeted by none other than Hermione Granger from Harry Potter. But she’s not just telling you to get up; she’s giving you a magical pep talk:
“Good morning! Remember, it’s not Leviosa, it’s LevioSAA! Today’s challenges are just like mastering a tricky spell—focus, practice, and you’ll ace them! Now, off you go to conquer the day like the brilliant wizard you are!”
Or perhaps you’re more of a fan of real-life heroes. Picture this: Erin Brockovich’s voice breaks through the early morning haze, urging you to get out of bed with a purpose:
“Rise and shine, champion! The world needs more people like you—ready to protect the innocent and stand up for what’s right. Go out there and make a difference because the power to change the world starts with the courage to act. Now, get moving!”
And who could resist a motivational boost from the one and only Rocky Balboa? As the sun rises, you hear that iconic, gravelly voice:
“Yo, it’s time to wake up! Life ain’t all sunshine and rainbows, but today’s your chance to go out there and take that championship! You’re stronger than you think, so hit the ground running and give it everything. Remember, it ain’t about how hard you hit; it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. Now, get out there and show ‘em what you’re made of!”
Thanks to the SAG-AFTRA and Narrativ deal, this personalized morning motivation might not be as far-fetched as it sounds.
With AI-generated voice replicas, actors can now license their digital voices for all kinds of projects, including, potentially, their own alarm clocks.
And the best part? The actors maintain control over their digital doppelgängers, ensuring that every pep talk and “you’ve got this!” moment is delivered with their full consent and a fair paycheck.
So, the next time you’re struggling to drag yourself out of bed, think—someday soon, you might have a star-studded wake-up call to jumpstart your day.
Whether you need the magical wisdom of Hermione, the fiery determination of Erin Brockovich, or the fighting spirit of Rocky Balboa, the future of AI voice technology is looking bright, and it’s coming to a bedroom near you.
