The AI Actor Factor

Episode #364

Air Date: 5/1/2025

Title: AI Actor Factor

Hey there, actors, storytellers, and creative souls! Welcome back to Casting

Actors Cast, the podcast that’s here to inspire, inform, and ignite your artistic

journey. I’m Jeffrey Dreisbach—casting director, author, and your biggest

cheerleader in navigating the evolving world of performance.

Today’s episode is a big one. We’re tackling a topic that’s been buzzing all over

casting rooms, green rooms, and group chats: AI and its impact on actors.

Are we being replaced? Are our voices being cloned? Will a digital version of us be

the future of performance? Let’s take a breath, get some facts straight, and most

importantly—let’s talk strategy.

WHERE WE STAND

AI has made its way into film, TV, commercials, even animation. But what does

that really mean for actors right now?

Here’s where AI is currently used:

• In crowd scenes—background actors duplicated digitally

• In stunt work—AI-enhanced doubles for high-risk action

• Voiceovers—AI-generated voices for minor or non-union work

The key takeaway? Right now, AI is supporting production, not replacing actors—

yet. The technology is evolving, yes. But it’s still limited in emotional depth,

spontaneity, and storytelling instinct.

Unions like SAG-AFTRA are actively negotiating protections. The most recent

contracts include language about AI use and consent. Progress is happening—but

so is disruption. That’s why staying informed is essential.

THE REAL FEARS

Let’s get real for a second. Actors are worried—and understandably so.

Questions I hear all the time:

• “What if they scan my face or voice and use it forever?”

• “Can I lose commercial gigs to an AI model that looks just like me?”

• “Will my residuals disappear if AI is involved?”

These are valid concerns. That’s why consent, contracts, and compensation

structures are being reexamined. It's up to us to read the fine print and

understand our rights—especially with voice, image, and likeness usage. Think of

your digital likeness as a valuable asset. Protect it.

Jeff’s Jots

WHY AI CAN’T REPLACE YOU

Now here’s the uplifting truth: AI can’t be you. It can imitate—but not create the

way a human does.

• Emotional intelligence? That spark of truth in a moment? AI doesn't feel.

• Improvisation and instinct? That’s all human magic.

• Audience connection? People crave authenticity—not perfection.

And let’s not forget: live performance is untouchable. Theater, improv, live

storytelling—AI can’t touch that raw energy. Directors, casting directors, and

audiences still want collaborators, not code.

Your imperfections, instincts, and impulses—that’s the stuff that captivates.

FUTURE-PROOFING YOUR CAREER

So how do you stay ahead? Here are some smart steps:

• Stay educated. Read about AI, follow industry news, ask questions.

• Lean into your humanity. Work on your voice, physicality, and emotional

range.

• Build your brand. Who you are—your story, your vibe—is your power.

• Collaborate with tech. Use AI as a tool—maybe to rehearse lines, generate

accents, or build a character.

• Union up. Support contracts and policies that protect artists. Advocate for

your peers.

You don’t need to fight the future—you need to understand it and evolve with it.

INDUSTRY INSPIRATION

There are inspiring stories out there:

• High-profile actors putting their foot down about digital scans without

consent.

• Indie filmmakers using real talent, not algorithms, to tell powerful human

stories.

• Creators using AI to help enhance their work, not replace their performers.

We’re at a turning point where we can set the tone for the next generation of

storytelling. That’s exciting!

WRAP-UP

Let’s recap:

• AI is growing, yes—but it’s still just a tool.

• Your humanity is irreplaceable.

• The future will always need real artists.

So what can you do right now?

• Stay curious.

• Keep creating.

• Share this episode with an actor friend who’s worried about AI.

And hey—if you haven’t already, subscribe to Casting Actors Cast so you never

miss an episode. We’ve got some amazing guests and live recordings coming up,

so stay tuned!