The collaboration between the Piaf estate and Warner Music Group (WMG) has resulted in the development of a feature-length film named Edith, as reported by Variety. Utilizing hundreds of audio clips, artificial intelligence has been leveraged to replicate Édith Piaf’s voice, with WMG assuring that the recreated version will “further amplify the authenticity and emotional impact of her narrative.”
The narrative of the La Vie en Rose singer will undergo a “modernized” presentation incorporating animation, archival footage, stage and TV performances, private recordings, and TV interviews, providing audiences with an authentic glimpse into Piaf’s pivotal moments. The incorporation of the French singer’s distinctive performances will also play a significant role without explicit mention of the AI technology utilized in creating new music.
Currently in the proof-of-concept phase, the movie is being developed in collaboration with the production company Really Happy by Julie Veille, a European documentary producer renowned for her work on Diana Ross, Sting, and Stevie Wonder. Veille expressed the ongoing inquiry of “What messages would Édith wish to convey to the younger generation if she were present today,” underscoring the enduring relevance of Piaf’s tale of resilience, defiance of societal norms, and triumph. The objective is to retell this timeless story using cutting-edge animation and technology to engage audiences of all ages.
The heirs of Piaf, Catherine Glavas and Christie Laume, shared their profound experience of hearing Édith’s voice once again through this innovative technology, emphasizing the sense of being transported back in time with her. Through this cinematic endeavor, viewers will witness Édith’s true essence—her vivacious spirit, humor, and unwavering determination—captured in stunning detail.
This revival of deceased figures through AI is not unprecedented; in 2022, Andy Warhol was resurrected in the Netflix documentary The Andy artist Diaries using AI technology to emulate his voice. Similarly, AI has been employed to emulate the voice of the late actor Edward Herrmann for audiobooks and other media productions, preserving his legacy in a unique manner.
In a similar vein, the controversial use of AI to recreate the voice of Anthony Bourdain for the documentary Roadrunner sparked debates regarding the ethical implications of such technology. Despite the controversies, AI continues to play a role in preserving and reshaping artistic legacies, as seen in the recent utilization of AI to isolate John Lennon’s speech for the Beatles’ final collaborative song, Now and Then.
While AI technology offers novel opportunities for vocal replication and performance creation, artists like Drake have expressed reservations about its implications for artistic integrity. As the music industry navigates the intersection of AI and creativity, concerns regarding authenticity and intellectual property rights persist, as evidenced by Universal Music Group’s response to AI-generated content featuring popular artists like Drake and the Weeknd.
