In a recent article for paid subscribers, Erik Barmack discusses the intersection of AI technology and Hollywood, using Suzanne Somers’ posthumous resurrection as a case study. After Somers passed away in 2023, a conversational AI company and a robotics company teamed up to create a synthetic version of the actress, complete with her voice, personality, and facial expressions. This AI clone of Somers, known as Suzanne AI, is not just a private memorial but a potential commercial opportunity for future projects, including new episodes of Three’s Company.
This development raises complex ethical and legal questions about the commercialization of deceased celebrities through AI technology. The creation of AI clones opens up new revenue streams for estates, agents, and managers, while also potentially changing the landscape of reboots, original projects, and the role of working actors in the industry. There are implications for studios, audiences, and even Big Tech companies as they navigate this new technological frontier.
Barmack explores the legal changes that have enabled the development of AI versions of dead celebrities, the control that celebrities now have over their posthumous legacy, and the potential impact on the entertainment industry as a whole. He also touches on the reactions of fans to the concept of revivified stars and the ways in which AI talent could be integrated into future projects.
This article is part of Barmack’s ongoing coverage of AI in the entertainment industry, providing valuable insights for those interested in the intersection of technology and Hollywood. Paid subscribers can access the full article and continue reading Barmack’s analysis on this topic.
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