Jennifer Hale, one of the most recognizable voices in animation and video games, known for her roles in “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” “Baldur’s Gate,” and “X-Men ’97,” has voiced her concerns about the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike against major video game publishers. The strike, which began on July 25 after more than a year of negotiations, reflects similar issues raised in the recent actor and writer strikes, particularly around the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) in the industry.
Hale, who has portrayed various characters from fumbling aliens to superheroes, emphasized the existential threat AI poses to voice actors. “AI is coming for all of us,” she says, comparing AI to a tool that can be used for creation or destruction. “If I take my hammer, I could build you a house. I can also take that same hammer and smash your skin and destroy who you are.”
The actor highlighted the strike’s significance, noting that SAG-AFTRA’s latest counteroffer has been included in an interim agreement signed by nearly 70 developers. She also stressed the importance of legislative action, mentioning the National Association of Voice Actors’ efforts in Congress to push for bills like the “NO FAKES Act,” which would protect voice actors’ and others’ likenesses from being exploited by generative AI.
Hale urged fans to take action by calling their representatives to support such bills. “If you use something that originated in our body or our voices, can we please get paid?” she says, pointing out the potential loss of livelihood for many in the industry due to AI. “Because now you’re using technology to take away our ability to feed our kids.”
Reflecting on her own experience, Hale recalled working on one of her first video game franchises, “Metal Gear,” where she voiced the character Naomi Hunter. Despite the game grossing around $176 million, Hale was paid only $1,200 for her work on two sessions. This disparity between the earnings of creators and the profits generated by their work is a core issue in the current strike.
“What I wish everyone would do was keep asking the actual question,” Hale asserts, “which is, ‘there’s a lot of money being made here. Where is it going?’” She criticizes the current system, where wealth primarily flows to the top 1%, leaving the creators, who make these successes possible, struggling to make ends meet.
As the strike continues, Hale’s words resonate with many in the industry, highlighting the need for fair compensation and protections in the face of advancing technology.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Jennifer Hale’s Concern | The threat of AI to voice actors and their livelihoods |
| SAG-AFTRA Strike | Against major video game publishers, started July 25 |
| AI in Industry | Seen as both a tool and a threat to creators |
| Legislative Efforts | Support for the “NO FAKES Act” to protect voice actors |
| Personal Experience | Paid $1,200 for work on “Metal Gear,” while the game grossed $176 million |
| Call to Action | Urging fans to support legislation that ensures fair compensation |