By Tessa Nolan
Sarah Poiser, who stars in the stage production of Mamma Mia! claims that she has been told her voiceover in an upcoming BBC production will be replaced by artificial intelligence.
Posts on the actor’s social media seem to show a screenshot of an email from the production company working for the BBC, which is a response to some voiceover work she was slated to perform.
“Apologies for the delay,” it reads. “We have received approval from the BBC to use a voice generated by artificial intelligence, so we will no longer require Sarah.” Poiser captioned it: “Jarring.”
The post has garnered over 2 views on Twitter, sparking almost exclusively critical responses, including some sharp comments from figures such as actor Chris Eddison.
“It’s time for British actors and creatives to draw a line in the sand,” commented Game of Thrones actor Miltos Yerolemou. “Like our American brothers and sisters, it’s time to push back against this.”
Comedian and podcast host Stevie Martin said: “Most of my income comes from voiceovers. Without it, I would have to choose another career because of money. It makes me want to explode.”
The use of AI in television shows is increasingly under scrutiny, with the vice-chair of Directors UK recently telling lawmakers that he expects soap operas to be entirely AI-generated “within three to five years.”
Poiser declined to comment, but her voiceover agency Voice Squad said: “We were very disappointed to receive the response from the production company, especially considering that this is a BBC project.”
“The BBC has always stood for quality in its factual and dramatic broadcasting. As a voiceover agency, we believe that AI poses a threat to the entire industry – removing work from artists who have trained for three years in drama school and spent many years honing their craft. Voiceover artists are highly skilled actors who deserve to have their work valued.”
After the backlash, the BBC released a statement claiming that there were very specific circumstances that led to Poiser’s replacement. A spokesperson said: “We are filming a very sensitive documentary that tells the story of an individual who is nearing the end of their life and can no longer speak. We are working closely with their family to determine the best way to represent the author’s voice at the end of the film when their words are read out.”
“In these very special circumstances and taking into account the family’s wishes, we have agreed to use AI for a brief section to recreate a voice that can no longer be heard. This will be clearly indicated in the film.”