Professor Julia Ammerman Yebra debates in Barcelona on the voice rights of dubbing artists

On November 27, 2024, Barcelona was the scene of a conference that brought together dubbing professionals to address a topic of growing relevance in this field: voice rights in the face of the advance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems. The session was led by lawyer Cristina Calvet and professor Julia Ammerman Yebra, who provided an expert and multidisciplinary view on the challenges and opportunities posed by technology for this profession.

Cristina Calvet focused her presentation on the key developments of the recently approved EU AI Regulation, providing an updated legal framework on the regulation of these technologies. For her part, Julia Ammerman explained the legal tools available to protect the voice rights of artists, highlighting the legal mechanisms to prevent and act against unauthorized uses, including when these involve AI systems.

The conference also included an analysis of the clauses typically present in the assignment of rights contracts that dubbing artists must sign with studios and distributors. This aspect was particularly useful for attendees, who took the opportunity to raise specific questions during the open discussion that closed the session. Actors and actresses shared their concerns about the impact of AI on their profession and discussed possible strategies to address the challenges it poses.

The event was a success in terms of participation and interest, reinforcing the importance of continuing to generate spaces for discussion on the intersection between technology, law and culture.