Recasting performers who cannot continue playing their roles for whatever reason is one of the problems in the film industry. But a Ukrainian company solves it using text-to-speech machine learning models using actors' released and licensed recordings.
ReSpeecher: AI Cloning Company
Disney's "Obi-Wan Kenobi" was able to replace Darth Vader with the classic voice because of ReSpeecher. According to the tech expert, the 91-year-old actor James Earl Jones' voice was artificially manufactured.
Be aware that the output of this technology is far from "Top Gun: Maverick," where Val Kilmer's voice was artificially produced. While it sounded wonderful, a few murmured lines can't completely replace the voice that young children have heard and feared for years.
Devin Coldewey, a technology reporter for Tech Crunch, thinks the videos released by ReSpeecher are generally good. However, be aware that the voice you'll hear on the program is that of Darth Vader from the original trilogy.
How Does the Voice Cloning Technology Work?
Respeecher developed a special technology that can transform one person's voice into the voice of another by using machine learning and AI algorithms.
Any person of any gender can have their voice changed to sound like the target person. There is only one prerequisite, though: an hour-long, excellent recording of the target's speech for the algorithm to properly create its model. Once the model has been created, you can endlessly copy speech into your target voice without losing the source voice's intonations, cadences, and specific vocal emphasis.
Respeecher created an audio version of the super-resolution algorithm to offer the best quality audio if the original audio recording does not produce quality audio, especially if they are old.
Eyebrow Raising AI Voice Cloning
Although AI was able to restore Kilmer's voice to the film following his tracheotomy, some steps seem excessive. One instance occurred when the estate of Andy Warhol approved the use of an AI voice for a docuseries. Another instance is when AI was used to duplicate Anthony Bourdain's voice for a different series.
Additionally, a recent report shows that Amazon is teaching Alexa to speak in several voices. The business offered the endearing possibility of a cherished grandparent still being able to read bedtime stories after their passing.
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Ukraine Voice Cloning Company
Respeecher's CEO and co-founder, Alex Serdiuk, is proud of his company's contribution to Obi-Wan Kenobi. He stated that he wants the world to know that he creates jobs for people. They create jobs and pay them well. He went on to say that they make a significant contribution to the Ukrainian economy. Because of voice cloning technology, he hopes that more people will hear about Ukraine-about the tech community and our start-ups.
According to Vanity Fair, the remaining Respeecher employees in Kyiv gathered to witness Vader's debut appearance on the show. Viewers enjoyed Vader's comeback, complimenting his scary presence. James Earl Jones' family expressed their delight with the end outcome, a homage to the actor commemorating his many years as the voice of the galactic tyrant.
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