https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhE5KqhkLXU
Oh yes, that’s definitely me!!
I cloned my voice on a site called 11-labs https://elevenlabs.io/voice-library
Why I did it:
a) to see what it would be like.
b) so I can use it myself, for example for narrating books for the grandchildren. rather than having to record stuff
c) I get paid a little bit each month (though I don’t know where it’s being used – and the only way to find out is if people email me, which they sometimes do – thank you for that if you have!). I thought it was possible I’d make loads but in the end it’s only about £50/month, but still, better than nothing, and you have to give these things a try – and I still might strike it lucky if my voice gets picked up for the next harry potter or whatever….
d) I’m not too worried about security because someone evil could clone my voice anyway if they wanted, from my youtube videos etc
e) I’m not too worried about reputation because only people who know me (like you!) will recognise it, and they can always ask if it’s for something odd – e.g. it was being used for a rather right wing youtube channel that I didn’t agree with but only one friend ever found it. What was HE doing viewing those videos anyway I wonder! (Also I can have them taken down if I don’t like them, but they get 3 months notice)
f) I could always claim it was unauthorised, or that it sound a bit like me but isn’t actually me
g) most voice-overs are pretty bad, too-machine-like, and I think mine sounds pretty good – mainly because eleven labs have done a really good job – so maybe it’s making the world a bit better
So now you know!
