The Untold Story: How Much Was Susan Bennett Paid for Siri?

The answer, surprisingly, is not a straightforward lump sum. Susan Bennett was never directly paid a fee or royalty by Apple for her voice being used as the original Siri. Instead, she was paid for voice recording sessions that were later used by ScanSoft (now Nuance Communications), who then licensed the voice to Apple. The specific amount she earned is not publicly known, but seasoned voice actors typically command rates between $75 and $300 per hour for such studio work. Considering the extensive amount of recording required, the total payment would likely have been several thousand dollars, but nothing remotely approaching the billions associated with Apple’s success.

The Myth and the Reality of Siri’s Voice

The saga of Siri’s voice is a fascinating blend of technology, serendipity, and the human voice. While the technology behind speech synthesis is complex, the initial sound of Siri relied on recordings of real people. The story of Susan Bennett, a professional voice actress, becoming the “voice of Siri” has captured public imagination, but the financial details often remain shrouded in mystery.

From Voiceovers to Virtual Assistants: A Journey

Bennett’s career encompassed a wide range of voiceover work, from commercials to in-flight announcements. In 2005, she undertook a recording project for ScanSoft, unaware that those recordings would eventually power one of the world’s most recognizable virtual assistants. The project involved reading seemingly random sentences and phrases, designed to capture a wide range of phonetic sounds.

The Apple Connection: How the Voice Landed in Your Pocket

Apple licensed the voice data from ScanSoft (later Nuance Communications) to create the original Siri. This licensing agreement is crucial because Bennett’s relationship was with ScanSoft, not directly with Apple. Apple essentially acquired the right to use the voice, without directly employing Bennett.

Beyond the Hourly Rate: Understanding Voice Acting Payments

The voice acting industry operates primarily on a “buyout” model for projects like this, which means the performer is paid for the recording time, and the company owns the rights to use the voice in specific, negotiated ways. In this case, the usage right granted covered a broad and initially unforeseen technological landscape. There are also other payment methods used, such as royalties or residuals, but these are dependent on the usage rights agreement.

FAQs: Unveiling the Secrets of Siri’s Voice

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the situation surrounding Susan Bennett and the voice of Siri:

1. How was Susan Bennett identified as the voice of Siri?

For years, Apple remained secretive about the identity of Siri’s voice. It was only after technology experts analyzed Siri’s intonation and speech patterns and compared them to Bennett’s other voiceover work that she was publicly identified. Confirmation eventually came from a colleague in the voice acting industry.

2. Did Susan Bennett sign a contract with Apple directly?

No, Susan Bennett’s contract was with ScanSoft (later Nuance Communications), the company that provided the voice data to Apple. This means the negotiations about payment and usage rights occurred between Bennett and ScanSoft, not Apple.

3. Was Susan Bennett surprised to discover she was the voice of Siri?

Yes, absolutely! She was initially unaware that her voice recordings would be used for a virtual assistant. She only realized it when a colleague recognized her voice in the newly launched Siri on the iPhone 4S.

4. Did other voice actors contribute to the original Siri?

While Susan Bennett is widely recognized as the primary voice of the original Siri, it’s possible that other voice actors also contributed to the initial recordings. The speech synthesis technology likely used a composite of different voices to create the final product.

5. Does Susan Bennett receive any royalties from Apple for Siri’s usage?

Because her agreement was with ScanSoft and based on a “buyout” model, she does not receive ongoing royalties or residuals from Apple for Siri’s continued use. Her payment was a one-time fee for the recording sessions.

6. What are the typical rates for voiceover work like the Siri project?

The rates for voiceover work vary depending on experience, market, and the complexity of the project. However, experienced voice actors like Susan Bennett typically command rates of $75 to $300 per hour for studio recordings.

7. Has Susan Bennett’s career been affected by her association with Siri?

Yes, her association with Siri has undoubtedly boosted her career. She has gained significant media attention and has been invited to speak at conferences and events about her experience. It has opened doors to new opportunities and broadened her recognition within the voiceover industry.

8. Does Apple still use Susan Bennett’s voice for Siri?

No. Apple has updated Siri’s voice multiple times over the years and now uses a variety of different voices for different regions and languages. Susan Bennett’s voice was primarily associated with the original, American English Siri.

9. What is the difference between speech synthesis and voice acting?

Speech synthesis is a technology that uses algorithms to generate speech from text. It often relies on recordings of real people to create a realistic and natural-sounding voice. Voice acting, on the other hand, involves a human performer reading a script and delivering the dialogue with emotion and nuance.

10. How does Apple choose the voices for Siri in different languages?

Apple typically hires voice actors to record a large database of phonetic sounds and phrases in the target language. These recordings are then used to train the speech synthesis algorithms and create the unique voice of Siri for that language.

11. Is there a union for voice actors that protects their rights and pay?

Yes, SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) represents voice actors in the United States. The union negotiates contracts with production companies to ensure fair wages, working conditions, and residuals for its members.

12. What advice does Susan Bennett have for aspiring voice actors?

Susan Bennett often advises aspiring voice actors to develop their skills through training and practice, create a professional demo reel, and network with other industry professionals. She also emphasizes the importance of being versatile, adaptable, and persistent in pursuing their career goals.

The Legacy of a Voice: More Than Just a Paycheck

While the financial compensation Susan Bennett received for her voice work on Siri might seem modest compared to Apple’s massive success, her contribution to the technology is undeniable. She provided the initial voice that humanized Siri and made it a relatable and engaging virtual assistant. Her story highlights the often-unseen contributions of voice actors in shaping the digital world and the complex economics that govern their compensation. Though she was not directly remunerated by Apple for her role as the voice of Siri, her work is deeply impactful and helped to shape the development of the future voice-based technologies. The lack of substantial payment for such a groundbreaking role in technology history is an ongoing topic of discussion, highlighting the need for fair compensation and better royalty agreements for voice actors. Her voice is ingrained in technological history, even without the enormous monetary recognition.