A Legal Dispute Over ai Voice Replication in Amazon and MGM’s “Road House” Remake
Background: Road House and the 2024 Remake
In an unprecedented turn of events, a lawsuit has been filed against Amazon Studios and MGM, alleging the unauthorized use of artificial intelligence (ai) technology in the production of their upcoming remake of the 1989 Patrick Swayze film, “Road House.” The complaint was brought forward by R. Lance Hill, the original screenwriter of the iconic action drama, who asserts that the studios have breached agreements with the actors’ union and infringed on copyright laws by employing ai to recreate the voices of actors during a recent strike.
Allegations: The Use of ai in “Road House” Remake
According to the lawsuit, Amazon Studios utilized advanced ai technology to mimic the voices of actors involved in the 2024 remake of “Road House” as a response to an actor strike, with the intention of completing the film before the expiration of its copyright. Hill contends that these actions not only violated agreements between major studios and the actors’ union but also went against Amazon’s commitment to not use ai in the project.
Complexities and Copyright Disputes: The Original Screenplay
The legal complexities of the case are further compounded by the intricacies surrounding the original screenplay. Hill, who penned the script for the 1989 version of “Road House,” signed a “work-made-for-hire” deal with United Artists, assigning the copyright to the studio. However, Hill disputes this agreement and argues that it is merely standard contractual language. He initiated efforts to reclaim the rights to his screenplay in November 2021, as the copyright was set to expire in November 2023.
Amazon’s Denial and Response: The Company’s Stand
Amazon has unequivocally denied the allegations, insisting that it explicitly instructed filmmakers not to use ai in the production of the movie. The company maintains that any usage of ai technology was only in initial versions of the film and was subsequently removed following the directives given to filmmakers. Amazon also disputes other claims made in the lawsuit, categorically stating that they are false and asserting that the copyright on the original “Road House” has not expired.
Implications and Release Controversy: Ethical Standards in Filmmaking and Intellectual Property Rights
The lawsuit seeks to halt the release of the remake, which is scheduled to debut at the SXSW festival on March 8th and premier on Prime Video on March 21st. The controversy surrounding the alleged use of ai and the ensuing legal performance raises significant questions about ethical standards in filmmaking, intellectual property rights, and the implications for future productions. This high-profile case could set a precedent for how ai technology is employed in film and television industries and the legal boundaries of copyright infringement.
