Navigating the integration of AI into voice production requires collaboration, mutual understanding, and patience from everyone in the voice industry.
Voice actors, production companies, and AI developers each bring essential perspective and expertise to this evolving marketplace. Rather than rushing to compete, we have an opportunity to build frameworks that benefit everyone through open dialogue and shared innovation. There’s still time to thoughtfully develop best practices that protect us all while embracing new possibilities in creativity and production.
The path forward requires active collaboration.
Voice actors provide irreplaceable artistry, production companies offer industry expertise, and AI developers bring technical innovation that clients seek for their businesses. Success depends on mutual understanding and shared ethical standards as our industry incorporates new technologies at a rapid pace. Our focus remains on creating and implementing tools that amplify artistic expression while respecting performer rights.
Production companies serve as bridges between tradition and innovation. Jim Kennelly, owner of Lotas Productions, observes:
“In the next three years, our business will likely need to develop a two-track system: one for traditional voice talent and another for synthetic voice creation and management. This dual approach is crucial because different clients will have varying needs and budgets, with some preferring human talent for their authenticity and others choosing synthetic voices for scalability and cost efficiency.”
AI developers must prioritize ethics alongside innovation. Alex Serdiuk, CEO and co-founder of Respeecher, emphasizes this perspective:
“Voice actors are—and will always be—an essential part of quality AI voice synthesis. Through their incredible talent, we can deliver the depth, tone, and emotion we need… We developed Respeecher as an auxiliary tool that helps voice actors scale, monetize, and secure their voices. One of our guiding principles is ‘Empower, not replace.’”
Voice actors are entering a transformative period where traditional performance skills blend with emerging technologies.
Forward-thinking performers are expanding into AI voice direction, quality control, and technical consultation—roles that leverage their expertise while creating new revenue streams.
“Regardless of the traction that AI has made in certain areas of the VO world, there will always be a place in our industry for passionate, creative, adaptable, business-savvy voice actors,”
says David Rosenthal of GVAA.
“That is what production houses and casting directors continue to tell us, in no uncertain terms, every day. This is a ‘people’ business, and they want to work with real people.”
Leading performers are hybrid professionals, combining performance mastery with technical understanding to create unique market value. Contract management requires precision and foresight. Agreements must address AI training rights, compensation models for synthetic voice usage, and clear boundaries for voice applications. It’s a lot to consider, and success requires robust consent frameworks, clear usage criteria, and comprehensive documentation of all AI processes.
This isn’t a story of replacement—it’s one of expansion.
As we all continue to adapt to new technologies and emerging regulations, opportunities arise for those who embrace artistic excellence and technological advancement. We can build a stronger, more inclusive voice industry by maintaining high ethical standards and exploring creative possibilities, together.