How AI and Technology Are Revolutionizing the Voice-Over and Acting Industries.

As artificial intelligence continues to shake up industries from healthcare to retail, it’s no surprise that the entertainment world is feeling the tremors too. AI voice synthesis, motion capture, and deepfake technology are already playing a major role in reshaping how content is created.

For actors and voice-over artists, these technological advancements have sparked both excitement and concern. While AI-generated voices are popping up in commercials, YouTube channels, and pitch decks, many voice artists worry that their jobs are under threat. But as always, those who can adapt stand to gain the most from this brave new digital world.

AI voice synthesis, for instance, offers a powerful new tool for creators, particularly those who lack the budget for professional actors or voice-over talent. It allows independent filmmakers, solopreneurs, and small businesses to create voice content without the high costs.

But for established actors and voice artists, the rise of AI voices presents a challenge: how do you compete with a robot that can churn out hours of dialogue in minutes? The key lies in versatility, emotional depth, and mastering the nuances of human performance. A great voice-over artist can convey subtle emotions, create distinct character voices, and bring authenticity to a script in a way AI simply cannot.

But not everyone sees AI as a threat. Chris Miller, an Australian voice-over artist and actor who has worked with both major corporations and indie creators, has a refreshingly laid-back approach to the whole AI takeover. Even after discovering that his voice had been stolen and used by scammers to promote cryptocurrency, Chris isn’t losing any sleep over it. Instead, he sees AI as a tool for creators on a budget—a useful technology that helps democratize content creation. For Chris, it’s less about fearing the robot revolution and more about staying ahead of the curve by offering something AI can’t: true artistry. Let’s dive deeper into his perspective.

Interview with Chris Miller

1. Book Club Audio: Chris, you’ve had your voice stolen and used for AI in some shady ways. How did that come about, and how did you react?

Chris Miller: Yeah, I found out my voice was being used to push some crypto scam on YouTube. I was shocked at first, but honestly, what can you do? It’s not like there are laws in place to protect voice actors from that kind of theft—at least not yet. I just took it as a sign that I’m doing something right. If someone’s going to the trouble of cloning my voice, it means I’m getting noticed. It’s a weird kind of compliment, I guess!

2. Book Club Audio: What’s your stance on AI voice synthesis, especially for creators with limited budgets?

Chris Miller: I think AI is brilliant for solopreneurs and independent creators who just don’t have the budget to hire a whole team. It’s a game-changer for pitch decks, mock-ups, or no-budget projects. But if you’re a professional voice-over artist worried about AI stealing your jobs, you’ve got bigger problems. Either you sound like a robot yourself, or you’re not versatile enough. AI can’t deliver the kind of emotional depth or character range a human voice can. You’ve just got to be better than the machines.

3. Book Club Audio: Do you see any benefits to AI for voice actors themselves, or is it all competition?

Chris Miller: There’s definitely a silver lining. AI can help voice actors streamline their processes. I’ve seen AI tools that assist with script reading, editing, even generating character voices to practice against. It’s another tool in the toolbox. If anything, it pushes us to get better at what we do. Plus, it opens doors for more creative collaboration. AI isn’t going anywhere, so it’s better to find ways to use it rather than fight against it.

4. Book Club Audio: How has technology, aside from AI, changed the way you work as a voice artist?

Chris Miller: Oh, massively! I started out in a basic home setup, and now I’ve got a mini studio with all the tech I need to produce broadcast-quality audio from home. Remote work has become the norm, and clients expect you to be your own sound engineer. You have to know your software, your mic, your editing tools—it’s all part of the package now. The tech makes it possible to compete in the global market, but you’ve got to keep up with it.

5. Book Club Audio: For younger voice artists coming into the field, what advice would you give about balancing tech skills with performance skills?

Chris Miller: Performance comes first, always. You need to know how to deliver emotion, character, and nuance in your voice. But once you’ve got that down, learn the tech side too. Know how to edit your own audio, work with sound engineers, and understand the business side. AI won’t beat you if you’re a good actor with strong tech skills. The two go hand-in-hand now.

In a world increasingly dominated by AI and cutting-edge tech, voice-over artists and actors like Chris Miller are proving that there’s still no substitute for human artistry. While AI might be making waves in the industry, it can’t replace the emotional intelligence and versatility that skilled performers bring to the table. Instead of fearing the rise of AI, Chris sees it as a tool for creators and a motivator for actors to sharpen their skills. As technology continues to revolutionize the voice-over and acting industries, those who adapt and embrace these advancements—while staying true to the core craft of performance—will thrive in this new era.

Visit CSM Voice to listen to demos and book Chris Miller for your next project