Artificial Intelligence (AI) audio firm ElevenLabs recently announced a groundbreaking partnership with the estates of Hollywood icons such as Judy Garland, James Dean, Burt Reynolds, and Sir Laurence Olivier. This collaboration aims to bring the voices of these legendary stars back to life through the company’s Reader app, which was officially launched on July 2.
Through ElevenLabs’ innovative technology, users of the Reader app can now listen to a wide range of digital texts, including articles, PDFs, epubs, newsletters, and e-books, narrated by emotionally rich and context-aware voiceovers. One of the app’s exclusive features is the inclusion of the voices of iconic stars, available under the Iconic Voices category.
The partnership between ElevenLabs and the estates of these Hollywood legends is a testament to the deep respect and admiration for the actors’ legacies. Dustin Blank, Head of Partnerships at ElevenLabs, expressed his honor in having voices like Judy Garland and Sir Laurence Olivier as part of their platform, emphasizing the importance of preserving and celebrating their unparalleled contributions to the world of entertainment.
Liza Minelli, daughter of Judy Garland and representative of the Garland Estate, shared her excitement about the opportunity to introduce her mother’s voice to a new generation of fans. She expressed confidence in ElevenLabs’ cutting-edge technology and its ability to keep her mother’s legacy alive for millions of listeners.
Notably, the agreements with the estates specify that the voices of Garland, Dean, Reynolds, and Olivier will be exclusively reserved for the Reader app and will not be incorporated into the company’s broader audio database for creating shareable content. This decision underscores the commitment to honoring the integrity and exclusivity of these iconic voices.
Tina Xavie, Chief Marketing Officer of CMG Worldwide, the management firm representing these estates, also expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with ElevenLabs. She commended the company’s respectful approach to working with iconic talents and highlighted the new opportunities that this collaboration presents for their clients.
Overall, the partnership between ElevenLabs and the estates of Hollywood legends like Judy Garland, James Dean, Burt Reynolds, and Sir Laurence Olivier marks a significant milestone in the intersection of technology and entertainment. By reviving these iconic voices through AI, the Reader app offers users a unique and immersive way to experience classic literature and digital content, ensuring that the legacy of these legendary stars continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
