Actress Sara Poyzer, known for her role in Mamma Mia!, was replaced by artificial intelligence in a BBC project, sparking concerns about AI's impact on the entertainment industry. Poyzer expressed disappointment and tagged the performing arts union Equity, which is campaigning to protect performers' rights. The BBC defended its decision, stating that AI will be used to recreate the voice of a contributor who is unable to speak, and emphasized that this use of AI will be clearly labeled in the documentary. The incident reflects broader concerns about AI's impact on professional jobs, including in the arts and creative industries.
Sara Poyzer, a veteran Mamma Mia! musical star, expressed her dismay on social media after receiving an email stating that her role in a BBC production had been replaced by an AI-generated voice. This has sparked a debate in the U.K. entertainment industry, with concerns raised about the impact of AI on actors and creatives. The use of AI in productions has been a contentious issue, with industry figures and organizations like Equity calling for resistance against its increasing presence. The BBC has faced criticism for its use of AI, but the broadcaster has stated its commitment to maintaining human creative control and editorial standards while exploring AI deployment in a controlled manner.
Actress Sara Poyzer, known for her role in Mamma Mia!, was replaced by AI on a BBC show aiming to recreate the voice of a dying person, sparking a debate about AI depriving actors of work. The BBC clarified that the decision was made to honor the wishes of the contributor's family and will be clearly labeled in the documentary. Poyzer's social media post about being replaced by AI went viral, prompting discussions about the impact of AI on the entertainment industry, with industry professionals and actors expressing concern and calling for resistance against AI taking over creative roles.