Movies

Orson Welles’s AI Voice Returns to Life in New StoryRabbit App

BBG News

Over three and a half decades since his passing, this legendary filmmaker can share a tale with you once more, all thanks to the relentless progress of AI technology. This iconic and impactful movie maker has been incorporated into a collection of “voices” within the StoryRabbit app, an innovative location-based audio platform. By tapping on a specific spot on the map, users can listen to a brief 30-60 second documentary about the building or place they’ve chosen.

Once more, the revival of a celebrity who passed away long ago stirs up mixed feelings among many, and these sentiments aren’t always positive, even though this project has the official approval and support from Welles’ estate. Some find it unsettling or disrespectful, but others argue that Orson Welles himself might have disliked the notion of his “distinctive voice” (as described by the app) being employed in such a manner. However, there are those who wouldn’t mind hearing Welles narrate their journey through a city, so it seems to work for some.

For users who explore the StoryRabbit app, they’ll be welcomed by a digital rendition of Orson Welles’ voice, crafted from countless hours of his recordings during his lifetime. A learning model then shapes entire paragraphs in his distinctive accent and tone. By tapping on any of the highlighted locations, users can hear the filmmaker say, “Welcome, I am Orson Welles, always curious, eager to unveil secrets that have been concealed for far too long.

How Orson Welles Can Now Tell You Where You Are

StoryRabbit’s engineers processed numerous hours of Welles’ audio using a unique text-to-speech technology. The company ensured ethical practices were upheld, stating that all narratives are carefully curated by humans, ensuring authenticity and responsible production. While there are several other hosts on the app, the addition of Welles is likely to attract those eager to listen to the legendary voice speak directly to them.

Welles’ voice was not only a potent asset but also a financial resource, as he recorded commercials to fund some of his films. Yet, listening to his voice on the StoryRabbit app may not appeal to everyone, and some have criticized it as an insensitive cash grab, given its use of AI to recreate voices of deceased individuals. However, David Reeder, representing the Welles Estate through Reeder Brand Management, has stated:

Orson consistently pushed boundaries with his innovative ideas, seamlessly working across various platforms throughout his extensive and legendary career. Integrating his unique perspective into this emerging platform seems like an extension of his ongoing creative journey.

As a movie buff contemplating the future, I find myself pondering over the possibility of artificial intelligence (AI) being used to recreate deceased individuals. While it’s clear that such creations will likely stir controversy for quite some time, there are those who have already embraced the potential of AI to revolutionize creative processes. It’s up to each of us to decide whether we view this as a promising advancement or another step into uncertain and potentially perilous times.

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2025-05-22 16:51

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