• Amazon and MGM Studios utilized AI technology to replicate the voices of actors in the film “Road House”.
  • The writer of the film signed with the original producer, United Artists, which typically designates the studio as the owner and copyright holder of the work.

The Los Angeles Times recently reported that Amazon is facing a lawsuit from R. Lance Hill, the writer of the original 1989 film “Road House” over alleged copyright infringement in the remake of the movie. Hill claims that Amazon and MGM Studios utilized AI technology to replicate the voices of actors in the new production, aiming to complete it before the copyright expiration.

Allegations of AI technology in replicating actor voices

In November 2021, Hill filed a petition with the US Copyright Office to regain the rights to his original screenplay, which serves as the foundation for the new film. Despite the rights being held by Amazon Studios at the time, Hill believed they would revert back to him after expiring in November 2023.

The lawsuit alleges that Amazon Studios proceeded with the project in order to meet the copyright deadline, even resorting to using AI to replicate the voices of actors involved in the 2024 remake when faced with an actor’s strike. This alleged use of AI violated agreements between the union and major studios, including Amazon.

Also read: Imran Khan fakes voice, sparks ethical debate: Is it ok for politicians to use AI?

Challenges arising from “work-made-for-hire” agreement

The situation is further complicated by a “work-made-for-hire” agreement that Hill signed with the original producer, United Artists, which typically designates the studio as the owner and copyright holder of the work. However, Hill argues that this is standard contractual language.

Also read: OpenAI Is Now Capable of Voice and Image Recognition

Denial of AI usage and dismissal of allegations

The lawsuit aims to halt the release of the film, scheduled to debut at SXSW on Mar 8 and then stream on Prime Video on Mar 21.

Amazon has refuted the claims, stating that the studio explicitly instructed filmmakers not to use AI in the movie. It asserted that if AI was used, it was only in early versions of the film and was subsequently removed as per guidelines. Amazon further dismissed other allegations as false and maintains that its copyright on the original “Road House” has yet to expire.