Tag Archives: michael

Matthew McConaughey and Michael Caine Secure Voice Agreement with AI Firm

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Academy Award-winning actors Matthew McConaughey and Michael Caine have entered into an agreement with AI audio firm Eleven Labs.

The New York-based company is now authorized to produce AI-generated voice replicas as part of its initiative to tackle “significant ethical challenges” in the intersection of artificial intelligence and Hollywood.


McConaughey, who has also invested in the company and collaborated with them since 2022, will allow Eleven Labs to produce a Spanish audio version of his newsletter “Lyrics of Livin'” using his voice.

In a statement, the Dallas Buyers Club star expressed his admiration for Eleven Labs and hoped this collaboration would enable him to “reach and connect with an even broader audience.”

Eleven Labs is launching the Iconic Voices Marketplace, allowing brands to collaborate and utilize officially licensed celebrity voices for AI-generated applications. Caine’s new agreement includes his iconic voice in this lineup.

“For years, I have lent my voice to stories that inspire people—tales of bravery, ingenuity, and the human experience,” Caine stated. “Now, I am helping others to discover their voice. With Eleven Labs, I can save and share everyone’s voice, not just mine.”

He further mentioned that the company “leverages innovation to celebrate humanity, not to replace it,” asserting that it “does not replace voices, it amplifies them.”


Caine has also revealed plans to return from retirement to co-star with Vin Diesel in The Last Witch Hunter 2.

Other voices featured in the marketplace include legendary Hollywood figures like John Wayne, Rock Hudson, and Judy Garland, alongside contemporary stars such as Liza Minnelli and Art Garfunkel. The list also encompasses notable figures like Amelia Earhart, Babe Ruth, J. Robert Oppenheimer, Maya Angelou, and Alan Turing.

Recently, Eleven Labs was valued at approximately $6.6 billion.

This news follows a series of celebrity and AI partnership agreements, including various celebrities who have consented to allow Meta to utilize their voices. Last year, the company released a list that featured Judi Dench, John Cena, and Kristen Bell.

Other stars, including Ashton Kutcher and Leonardo DiCaprio, have also made investments in AI enterprises.

Source: www.theguardian.com

An AI Discusses Its Metal Origins with Michael Parkinson on a Podcast

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If you ask anyone who regularly conducts interviews, they will tell you that being the one interviewed is a strange experience. It becomes even more bizarre when the interviewer has been deceased for a year and a half. Virtually Parkinson is a new podcast where celebrities are interviewed by an AI model trained to mimic the late Michael Parkinson. The announcement of this podcast last year caused quite a stir, with some calling it blasphemous and others questioning its purpose in the realm of AI innovation.

The podcast requires a team of engineers, researchers, and producers to ensure that the AI model accurately replicates Parkinson’s style of interviewing. However, despite the technological advancements, there are concerns about the ethical implications of using AI in this manner. The producers of Virtually Parkinson are conscious of these concerns and ensure that all interviews are conducted responsibly.

The podcast aims to explore the relationship between AI and humans, sparking discussions on the future of technology in entertainment. While some may find the concept exploitative, others see it as a way to preserve a national treasure’s legacy. The series continues to evolve, with each interview improving the AI model based on feedback.

During an interview with the AI Parky, the experience was both intriguing and uncanny. The AI model’s rigid format and lack of emotional response made the interaction feel artificial. Despite this, the interview showcased the potential of AI technology in the entertainment industry.

As technology continues to advance rapidly, the future of AI in entertainment looks promising. The creators of Virtually Parkinson are constantly refining the AI model to enhance the user experience. Whether you agree with the concept or not, it’s clear that the future is already here with AI-driven interviews like Virtually Parkinson.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Michael Mosley’s innovative methods in science have improved lives and promoted health

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My first encounter with Michael Mosley was at the BBC Summer Party. A recent documentary I had presented had just aired on horizon, making me eligible to attend the event. Feeling overwhelmed amongst the many celebrities present, I found solace at the bar, quietly observing the crowd, until Michael approached me.

“Hello, I’m Michael Mosley,” he introduced himself. I was well aware of who he was, and we ended up spending the evening conversing. Although I first worked with Michael at an event, that initial meeting at the party left a lasting impression on me. Despite not knowing me, he warmly welcomed me as a newcomer.

Michael’s extensive career as a producer, presenter, and writer at the BBC spanned over 40 years, establishing a unique style of ‘self-experimenting presenter’ in science presentations. He famously delved into self-experimentation, including infesting himself with tapeworms and popularizing the 5:2 intermittent fasting diet to manage his type 2 diabetes.

While Michael faced criticism for his methods, he aimed to communicate science rather than conduct formal experiments. His talent for simplifying complex concepts and making science accessible led to widespread education among audiences.

Personally, Michael served as a valuable mentor, offering practical advice and sharing techniques for effective communication in broadcasting. His influence extended to shaping my approach to interviews and on-camera presentations, guiding my work in academia and beyond.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of clear science communication has been highlighted, emphasizing the impact of effectively disseminating information on health issues. Michael’s contributions in this realm have greatly improved public health outcomes and potentially saved lives.

As a close colleague, respected mentor, and cherished friend, Michael Mosley will be deeply missed.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com