The Town with Matthew Belloni
Making Millions on Dead Celebrities in the AI Age
Dec 18, 2024
Mark Roesler, founder of CMG Worldwide, sheds light on the booming industry of deceased celebrity rights and how AI is reshaping it. He reveals the immense value of these rights, illustrated by recent examples like James Earl Jones' voice in 'Mufasa: The Lion King' and a commercial featuring Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. The discussion dives into the legal complexities and ethical implications of resurrecting famous figures, emphasizing the necessity of permissions and the profound impact of technology on intellectual property.
33:45
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Quick takeaways
- AI technology is revolutionizing rights management for deceased celebrities, enabling their likeness and voice to be commercially exploited in innovative ways.
- The complexity of navigating publicity rights varies by state, impacting how estates protect and profit from deceased stars in an AI-driven era.
Deep dives
The Rise of AI in Celebrity Rights Management
AI technology is transforming the landscape of celebrity rights management, particularly concerning how the likeness and voice of deceased stars are used. Mark Rossler, a prominent figure in this field, explains that with advancements in AI, managing these rights has become increasingly complex and nuanced. The discussion highlights a specific example of James Earl Jones, who agreed to allow his voice to be replicated for projects like 'Obi-Wan Kenobi.' As AI capabilities evolve, they raise significant questions about how celebrity estates can protect their rights, especially in an era where digital recreations are commonplace.
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