The 2026 TV/Theatrical agreement negotiations produced something real for voice actors: 12 contract provisions specifically covering AI use, digital replicas, and synthetic voice work. Here's what the changes actually say.
Consent Comes First — In Writing
The Interactive Media Agreement now defines "voice actor" as a human performer. That matters because it means AI-generated voices aren't substitutes under the contract — they're a separate category requiring separate written consent. If a studio wants to use a synthetic version of your voice, they have to ask, explicitly, in writing.
The same rules apply to digital replicas in TV and animation work. Separate consent, separate line item.
Digital Replica Work Has a Pay Structure Now
If a video game or production uses a performer's voice to train a synthetic model — and that model then generates new dialogue — the AI usage clause requires a one-time acquisition fee plus an ongoing royalty. It's not a handshake arrangement anymore. There's a structure.
Studios are also now required to notify performers if their voice data is licensed to a third party for AI training purposes. That right didn't exist before.
You Can Suspend Consent During a Strike
This one's important: under the new Interactive agreement, performers can suspend consent for synthetic voice generation during a strike. That means your digital replica doesn't keep working if you're on a picket line. It's a meaningful protection that closes a significant loophole.
None of this makes AI disappear. But it makes the terms of the conversation considerably clearer — and working voice actors should know what they're now entitled to.