California Here We Go!

Author

Audio Citizens' Empire
September 23, 2024

Happy new week!
How do you feel about Mondays? Does it feel like the start of new chapter or is it just another dreadful work week?😝Whatever the case, I’m glad you’re here!


Inside this issue:

  • California governor signs laws to ensure that AI is not used to replicate actors’ and performers’ voices without their consent.

  • Podcaster spotlight on podcast host Natasha Denmark.

  • Find out how you can have your podcast featured on the ACE podcast club.

California Governor signs legislation to protect actors’ voices from unauthorised use of Artificial Intelligence

Image credits:gov.ca.gov

Last week California governor, Gavin Newsom made the headlines after signing bills centered on protecting the digital likeness of actors and performers in audio and visual productions. The bills, AB 2602 and AB 1836 were passed by the California senate in August 2024 and are part of a series of bills proposed to regulate AI and build public trust and confidence. AB 2602 demands that contracts must specify the use of AI-generated digital replicas of a performer’s voice or likeness. Additionally, the law requires performers to be professionally represented when negotiating their contracts. On the other hand, AB 1836 prohibits the use of digital replicas of deceased performers without the consent of their estate.

The governor signed these bills at the SAG-AFTRA headquaters in Los Angeles, perhaps a symbolic gesture of his commitment to protecting artists from exploitation. SAG-AFTRA is an American labour union that represents about 160,000 actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, news writers, news editors, program hosts, puppeteers, recording artists, singers, stunt performers, voice over artists and other entertainement and media professionals.

We continue to wade through uncharted territory when it comes to how AI and digital media is transforming the entertainment industry, but our North Star has always been to protect workers. This legislation ensures the industry can continue thriving while strengthening protections for workers and how their likeness can or cannot be used.

Governor Gavin Newsom

Other AI related bills signed include SB 942, SB 926 and SB 981. SB 942 (California AI transparency Act) requires that AI-generated content include provenance disclosures and provision of user detector tools by developers. SB 926 creates a new crime targeting AI-generated sexually explicit deepfake content and SB 981 compels social media platforms to put in place mechanisms for users to report sexually explict deepfakes of themselves. The law further requires that such content be temporarily blocked while the platform undertakes investigation and permanently removed once investigations confirm their existence.

The state of California is home to over 30 of the world’s top AI companies and of course Hollywood, which has for a very long time stood out as the heartbeat of the global entertainement industry.

Podcaster spotlight on Natasha Denmark

Dr. Natasha is one of those people you can say are eating life with a big spoon! There are no limits to what she can do. She’s very adventurous and will not pass on an opportunity to explore new places. But somehow in the midst of work, children, travel and everything under the sun, she still finds time to hit the record button. She hosts The F.A.C.T.S podcast together with her co-host, Millie and they provide a safe space to talk about family, accountability, compassion and truth. Dr. Natasha is a mother of two, a wife and an educational psychologist. She serves as an assistant professor and clinical coordinator in a master’s of athletic training program (sports medicine).

We caught up with Natasha and this is what she had to say about ther podcasting journey:

Natasha and co-host Millie

Why did you get into podcasting?

I’ve been an avid podcast listener since 2013
it’s my go to during long drives, workouts etc. So when a friend and I were talking about daily life, situationships, and more, we realized that we had something to say and decided to start our own podcast.

What do you enjoy the most in podcasting ?

Mostly, I enjoy being able to record with friends and experts, and not only share my own perspective, but also learn from others.

Nastasha

What’s the most challenging thing (for you) in podcasting?

The most challenging thing is finding time. For the recording (especially when others are on the line), for the editing and posting. It’s truly a lot of work.

Your podcast tackles a variety of issues, from real estate to friendship and so on, and this seems to be contrary to the usual “expert” advice on narrowing your niche. What’s your take on this?

I love this question about niching. So we started off with thinking that we will focus on one thing. But there are just so many topics that we are interested in
so our “niche” is honestly life, living
and we know that life throws us so many curve balls, and lemons, along with all of the good and great things. So we are speaking to topics that are relevant in the moment, that are trending or that we experience.

You’re a serial traveler, when do you get the time to hit the record button?

So with travel, work, kiddos and more, my pod partner and I definitely “fight” to have the time to record lol! We had some busy times right before the summer and took a while to publish an episode, and then we decided that we needed a summer break. So we will start recording again starting in October. This is a passion project that we definitely want to see turn into much more!

Noticeboard

Instagram for Voice Actors
Did you know that you can use Instagram to grow your voiceover business online?
Join NAVA (National Association of Voice Actors) and social media strategist Heidi Dean on this workshop that will help you set up your Instagram for increased discoverability and maximum connections.
Register here

This Week on the ACE podcast club

Our podcast of the week is Impostrix Podcast by Whitney Knox Lee.
Impostrix podcast validates (smart, talented AF, and often over-qualified) professionals of color who naviagate imposter syndrome and racial toxicty in their careers.

Audio Citizens’ Empire Newsletter features audio talent including but not limited to voice artists, spoken word artists, podcasters, public speakers, radio hosts and so on.
Have a story to submit? or a product to advertise? Reach out to us!
NB: We are looking forward to doing a special feature on podcasting on the International day of podcasts, if you would like to have your podcast featured, feel free to write to us.

See you soon!
Best, Tracy