Edith Piaf is starring in her own biographical film featuring AI.

The legendary French artist Édith Piaf will be the subject of a new biographical film from Warner Music. However, instead of finding an actress to portray Piaf's life on screen, her voice and image will be recreated using artificial intelligence (AI).

Partnership with the Piaf Heritage Fund

Warner Music announced on Tuesday its partnership with the Piaf Heritage Fund regarding "innovative and groundbreaking artificial intelligence technology" that will recreate the voice and image of Piaf. This will be the first biographical film about the artist created with the help of AI, telling the story of Piaf's life from the 1920s to the 1960s. Édith Piaf passed away in 1963.

About the creation of the film

Warner Music Entertainment and Seriously Happy will develop and create this 90-minute film, which will use AI trained on hundreds of voice snippets and images of the singer "La Vie en Rose," some of which are 80 years old. The film will tell Piaf's story using her own voice and "will reveal unknown aspects of her life, showcasing her indomitable spirit, personal achievements, and incredible performances."

Modern interpretation and additional materials

The animation will provide a "modern interpretation" of her story, and the film will also include archival footage, stage and television performances, personal clips, and television interviews.

Work on the film and the project idea

The proof of concept for the film has already been created, and Warner Music Entertainment is now collaborating with the film studio to develop a feature-length movie.

The film titled "Edith" is based on an original idea by Julia Weil and co-written with Gilles Mariniac. The pair is working alongside Warner Music Entertainment president Charlie Cohen to bring the script and technology to life in a feature film.

“While creating the film, we constantly asked ourselves: ‘If Edith were with us, what messages would she want to convey to young generations?’” Vale said in a statement. “Her story is one of incredible resilience, overcoming adversity, and defying social norms to achieve great goals – it is as relevant today as it was then. Our aim is to use the latest advancements in animation and technology to engage audiences of all ages with this timeless story.”

Reviews and reactions to the project

Catherine Glavas and Christine Lom, the executors of Edith Piaf's will, added: "Thanks to the technology, we felt as if we were back in the room with her."

Alain Weil, the CEO of Warner Music France, acknowledged the "delicate line" in using AI to recreate Piaf. "It's such a complex balance when you combine new technologies with the legacy of artists, and it was important for us to work closely with Piaf's estate and to approach this project with the utmost respect."

The development of technology and the agreement with SAG-AFTRA

This is happening at a time when SAG-AFTRA has just fought for protections against AI in its latest agreement with Hollywood studios, preparing the industry for a new future where virtually anyone can be recreated and used on screen with AI technologies.

Marion Cotillard played the role of Piaf in the 2007 biographical film "La Vie en Rose." For her performance, she received an Oscar.