As an experienced voice actor and USC Annenberg Alumna, I presented an engaging discussion on the evolving role of AI in the entertainment industry for the Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement (AYA). Titled “Navigating AI and Entertainment: Insights from a Voice Actor at USC Annenberg,” the presentation delved into the impact of artificial intelligence on voice acting, the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strikes, and the measures being taken to safeguard artists’ rights.

I also shared insights on the National Association of Voice Actors (NAVA) and the AI/Synthetic Rider, offering practical advice on how to protect oneself from AI abuse in contracts. Attendees gained a comprehensive understanding of these critical issues and learned about the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in entertainment.

The AYA is a four-week summer intensive academy for 26 talented high school students from the communities surrounding the USC University Park and Health Science Campuses. During the program, students were exposed to the equivalent of first-year college-level courses and developed a rich conceptual understanding and practice of the necessary role that media communications and journalism play in fashioning civic-minded thought leaders and innovators.

AYA strengthened students’ skills in writing, critical thought, public speech and debate, multimedia production, interviewing, and ethnography— all essential competencies required for excellence in and out of the classroom in the 21st century. The students were introduced to USC Annenberg’s undergraduate programs and services, as well as possible careers in media and journalism. They had opportunities to meet the school’s innovative scholars who are advancing issues of race, gender, and ethnicity in communication and journalism communities of practice.

Email us at bookjoyofodu@gmail.com to have me present to your organization.