Lawrence Ng sells image rights for AI film, gets paid without having to act - The Star

Hong Kong actor Lawrence Ng has officially licensed the rights to his younger likeness for use in an upcoming film production, allowing him to appear as a 20-year-old on screen without performing any physical acting. The 62-year-old actor, known for his work in series such as Healing Hands, expressed satisfaction with the results of the digital recreation.

What happened

The project involved using artificial intelligence to synthesize the actor's appearance based on his physical features from his youth. Ng confirmed that the process required no actual filming on his part, yet he received a significant payout for the use of his digital persona. During a promotional event for his current drama, Deadly Sins, Ng addressed the implications of this technology for the entertainment industry. Rather than viewing AI as a professional threat, he characterized it as a new opportunity that allows for continued work even if he is physically unable to perform on set. To mitigate security and ethical concerns, Ng noted that the arrangement is governed by a comprehensive contract, ensuring he has no reservations regarding the potential misuse of his likeness by the production company.