An actor who has appeared in Prometheus, Dark Crystal and Bleachers has warned against signing AI avatar contracts after his face was used to peddle a misleading Venezuela propaganda campaign.
Dan Dewhirst released a statement via UK actors union Equity about his experience in order to warn others.
Dewhirst said he signed a contract in 2021 with tech company Synthesia to become one of the first actors whose likeness would be made into an AI avatar. He auditioned for the avatar part and got it but became suspicious about the wide-ranging clauses in the contract, so he contacted his agent and Equity. Concerns were echoed and Dewhirst said he and his lawyers tried to get the contract changed yet failed, but he was showed the booking confirmation which included stipulations that the avatar can’t be used for illegal or unsavoury purposes, he said.
However, two years later he was sent a link to a fake CNN report that he said showed him posing as a TV news anchor spreading fake news pushed by the government of Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro. His avatar tells viewers that the economy is doing well, among a string of other inaccurate and contested narratives, he said.
“I couldn’t believe it” said Dewhirst. “My stomach dropped. Everything I was worried about has happened but a thousand times worse. I’m literally the face of fake news.”
A spokesperson for Synthesia told a Guardian investigation that it had banned the accounts that created the videos in 2023, strengthened its content review processes and “hired more content moderators.” “Many of the actors we work with re-engage with us for new shoots … At the start of our collaboration, we explain our terms of service to them and how our technology works so they are aware of what the platform can do and the safeguards we have in place,” it added. We have contacted Synthesia for further comment.
Dewhirst is coming forwards in order to warn others against signing AI avatar contracts in the future and other actors who had similar experiences spoke with The Guardian.
Equity has been pushing for AI Safeguards in a similar vein to its American union counterparts and has made AI a cornerstone of its negotiations with producer trade body Pact.
John Barclay, Equity assistant secretary, said: “AI isn’t the future, it’s the present. It’s here right now and performance artists are increasingly working in this growth area, providing movement and voice recordings for Gen AI content. Engagers of our members are slow to respond to the threat not only to our members’ rights, but also their own Intellectual Property and this must change.”
Outfit Details: Attersee Tee, Saint Laurent Skirt, Chanel Flats, Bottega Veneta Bag, Saint Laurent Sunglasses, Sherman Fields Necklace
Fastened styles are seamlessly integrated into this season’s collections, featuring thoughtful designs where belts are a built-in element rather than an afterthought. From wool coats with sleek waist ties to dresses that come with their own coordinating sashes, these pieces redefine silhouettes with a touch of understated sophistication. The focus is on shapes that naturally accentuate the waist, blending elegance with ease in a way that feels both timeless and contemporary. This approach to styling creates a harmonious balance, where the belted feature is more than an accessory—it’s an intrinsic detail that elevates the entire look.
Crafted from breathable linen, this mini dress offers an effortlessly chic vibe with a cinched belted waist that highlights the silhouette. Its minimalist design makes it a versatile piece to add to your transitional wardrobe.
Combining functionality and style, this elegant bucket bag features a distinctive belted detail that adds a sophisticated edge. Its sleek, structured form is perfect for everyday wear, blending practicality with timeless design.
This sleek halter top features a double-belted waist design, adding a structured, modern twist to its flattering silhouette. Ideal for a statement look, it pairs perfectly with both high-waisted trousers and skirts.
Are you curious about how to create a timeless yet contemporary home? In this home reveal, we’ll take you through the remarkable transformation of a client’s modern classic living room and kitchen, showcasing the stunning results that highlight the beauty of blending traditional charm with modern sophistication. Prepare to be inspired by how these spaces come together to create a welcoming and stylish environment.
The Challenge: Modern Classic Living & Dining Room Design
The homeowner approached Decorilla, seeking help to harmonize their recently remodeled Bay Area home with a modern neoclassical aesthetic. They had already updated the flooring and some kitchen cabinets but needed guidance to tie everything together with the right furniture, lighting, and decor. With abundant natural light and a sleek black kitchen, they envisioned a warm yet glamorous open living area design. They sought a skilled designer to help:
Select light fixtures to enhance natural sunlight.
Choose modern classic furniture to replace existing pieces.
Suggest wall decor and color schemes.
Design a functional, stylish bar area.
Optimize pantry layout for practicality and elegance.
Not sure if a modern classic design is the right look for you? Then take our Free Interior Design Style Quiz to find your personal style today!
Design Inspiration: Modern Classic Furniture and Decor
Modern classic interior design by Decorilla
The client found their inspiration in neoclassical design that balances tradition with modernity. Drawn to abundant natural light filtering through large windows, they envisioned an airy, modern, classic living room. The seamless blend of soft upholstery, sculptural shapes, and subtle wood accents in the furniture spoke clearly to their desire. It wasn’t just about the aesthetics—it was about creating a space where family and friends could gather to truly enjoy.
Traditional kitchen by Decorilla
For the kitchen, the client sought a design that elevated everyday function with refined touches. They were captivated by how modern classic kitchens integrate sleek cabinetry with rich, timeless materials like marble countertops and polished hardware. The interplay of light fixtures and dark accents provided a sense of balance—both in mood and utility.
Initial Concepts: Finding the Right Designer
Preliminary proposal by Decorilla designer, Nathalie I.
While Decorilla typically offers clients two professionals to choose from—each with a distinctive approach and proven expertise—this project followed a different path. The client specifically requested, “I’d like to have a design service with Nathalie I.,” knowing that this designer’s style would align with their vision.
And indeed, Nathalie’s moodboard for the modern classic living room interior design showcased a sophisticated balance between bold, sculptural furniture and sleek, understated accents. She focused on minimalist, curved forms, contrasting light and dark elements, and a restrained color palette, all designed to evoke elegance while keeping the space cozy.
Moreover, her concept didn’t rely on patterns but rather on the thoughtful interplay of textures, from plush upholstery to smooth, metallic finishes. Every detail, from the artfully arched doorways to the chic black bar area, brought to life the modern classic aesthetic with an edge.
Results Revealed: Modern Classic Interior Design
A serene blend of light and dark tones in a modern classic living room by Decorilla
The redesign of this modern classic living room and kitchen achieves a seamless blend of sophistication and functionality. Every element contributes to a cohesive yet dynamic space, where bold furniture shapes meet understated tones.
Modern Classic Living Room
Modern furniture in a living room by Decorilla
The client’s request for a warm, elegant space filled with light has been realized through careful choices in layout, materials, and lighting. In the living area, dominated by soft, curved furniture, now reigns a calming atmosphere full of style. The sectional sofa, upholstered in a neutral fabric, provides a sculptural presence, while plush throw pillows add comfort and texture.
Living room interior before and after design by Decorilla
Previously, this room felt underutilized, with mismatched furnishings and an awkward layout. It needed a natural focal point, complemented by improved sightlines—now embodied in a sophisticated bar area. The new layout opened up the room, allowing natural light to flood in through expansive windows, enhancing the neutral tones and soft textures.
Alternative option for the modern classic living room by Decorilla
Low, rounded coffee and accent tables in sleek black and brass tones anchor the seating area, offering contrast without overwhelming the space. Picture frame wall molding emphasizes the clean lines and symmetry of the room, with subtle lighting and artwork keeping the focus on the furniture’s forms.
Keeping an Eye for Detail
Attention to detail is evident in every corner of the room. Its layout echoes the architectural elements such as arched doorways and simple wall moldings, creating a cohesiveness key to the modern classic living room design. The overall color palette, based on soft creams, blacks, and warm metallics, ties the room together and reflects the client’s preference for understated elegance.
Warm illumination enhances a living room bar by Decorilla
The bar area, a focal point of the room, introduces an element of glamour. Its sleek black backlit shelves create a stunning display space that speaks of both function and visual interest. Bottles and glassware are framed by subtle yet bold geometry, which communicates with the arched doorways that punctuate the room. The contrast between matte black finishes and golden accents also underscores the modern classic furniture choices, giving the space a refined edge.
Sculptural elements in a modern classic living room by Decorilla
Speaking of discerning decorative geometry, we find in the vicinity another element of functionality paired with high-end aesthetics. The custom unit, set against the crisp paneling backdrop, provides an exquisite display. The shelves themselves, with their minimalist geometric shapes, offer space for curated decor items, while the built-in lights beneath each shelf create a warm, ambient glow.
Light floods this modern classic living room by Decorilla
Flanking the other side of the bar, the Frame TV boasts its ability to disappear into the decor, adding functionality without overwhelming the living room’s aesthetic. When turned off, it mimics an art piece, complementing the neutral tones and modern classic furniture. This discreet integration allows the space to maintain its elegance, balancing technology with the serene, curated atmosphere.
Modern Classic Kitchen Design
Open floor plan kitchen by Decorilla
In the kitchen, the sleek black island serves as a statement piece, topped with elegant marble countertops. Brass pendant lights hang above, providing warm, focused light that complements the design without detracting from the room’s simplicity.
Perfect balance of style and function in this kitchen design by Decorilla
In the background, the backsplash extends up all the way to the ceiling, emphasizing the luxurious character of the space. Together with the countertop, it balances the dark tones of the island, creating a harmonious look with a sense of continuity between the adjoined spaces.
Brass fixtures and marble counters highlight the kitchen by Decorilla
The streamlined cabinetry envelopes the walls in a way that adds storage without feeling heavy. Simple brass hardware provides a refined detail, avoiding unnecessary ornamentation. Meanwhile, the open layout ensures the kitchen feels airy, while the juxtaposition with the darker tones offers a contrast that prevents the room from feeling too sterile. The client’s desire for a sleek, sophisticated kitchen is perfectly met with these choices.
Design Details: Sourcing the Perfect Pieces
Shopping list by Decorilla
Working on this modern classic living room and kitchen redesign, the designer emphasized precision, ensuring every detail aligned with the client’s vision. Her goal was to create a sophisticated, functional space without exceeding the budget. Nathalie also utilized Decorilla’s trade discounts to bring in high-end pieces at accessible prices, a strategy that helped balance the client’s desire for classic luxury with practicality,
The process was seamless, thanks to clear communication and a step-by-step plan that made installation and purchasing easy to navigate. By the end, the client felt confident about executing the design, knowing that the balance of style, cost, and functionality was just right. Their satisfaction was evident, not only with the final outcome but also with the smooth experience they enjoyed along the way.
Get the Look: Modern Classic Living Room Interior Design
Achieving a modern classic living room is all about balancing timeless elegance with contemporary flair. Focus on clean lines, rich textures, and subtle details that elevate the space without overwhelming it. Here’s a curated selection of key pieces that effortlessly combine these elements for a sophisticated yet inviting look:
Area Rug
Pedestal Bowls
Curvy Sofa
Sputnik Chandelier
Framed Art
Curvy Chair
Coffee Table
Looking for a modern classic living room design of your own?
A home that encourages both relaxation and refined living is closer than you think. Book your Free Online Interior Design Consultation to get started today!
A sign is posted in front of a home for sale on August 07, 2024 in San Rafael, California.
Justin Sullivan | Getty Images
Mortgage interest rates rose last week for the third straight week, hitting the highest level since August. That caused demand from both current homeowners and potential homebuyers to take a big step back. Total mortgage application volume fell 17% last week compared with the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s seasonally adjusted index.
The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with conforming loan balances ($766,550 or less) increased to 6.52% from 6.36%, with points rising to 0.65 from 0.62 (including the origination fee) for loans with a 20% down payment.
Refinance demand, which is most sensitive to weekly rate moves, fell the hardest, down 26% week to week. It was still 111% higher, however, than the same week one year ago; rates at this time a year ago were 118 basis points higher, so anyone who bought a home last year could likely benefit from a refinance now. The refinance share of applications fell below 50% for the first time in over a month.
Applications for a mortgage to purchase a home fell 7% for the week but were 7% higher than the same week one year ago. More supply on the market now is opening up opportunities for some buyers.
“Demand is holding up to an extent for prospective first-time buyers. FHA purchase applications were little changed despite the increase in rates, as some first-time homebuyers remain in the market because of improving housing inventory conditions,” said Joel Kan, an MBA economist, in a release.
Rates haven’t done much to start this week, especially given the federal holiday Monday. The recent rise in mortgage rates may have slowed the resurgence in refinancing, but homebuyers may be less concerned about interest rates today and more concerned about the shape of the economy in the coming months. Some say they are holding off on making such a major purchase until after the November election.
Acquiring new customers is essential for any business, but it comes at a cost. This blog will provide a comprehensive overview on what is customer acquisition cost (CAC).
You’ll understand why calculating and optimizing CAC is crucial for measuring marketing ROI, forecasting costs, demonstrating scalability, and driving profitable growth.
Get familiar with the components of CAC, the formula for calculating it for your business, and benchmark data on average costs across industries.
Most importantly, you’ll learn proven strategies to lower your CAC through more effective sales and marketing tactics.
By the end, you’ll grasp the importance of this metric and have a clear framework for getting your arms around this make-or-break number.
Let’s keep the ball rolling if this excites you to learn a new concept!
What is customer acquisition cost?
Customer acquisition cost (CAC) refers to the total costs of convincing a potential customer to purchase your product or service.
This includes expenses like marketing, advertising, sales commissions, and any other resources used to attract new buyers.
Calculating CAC is crucial because it allows businesses to gauge the ROI of their sales and marketing efforts.
A lower CAC means you spend less to acquire new customers
While a higher CAC may indicate inefficient spending or misaligned strategies
According to SaaS Capital, the median CAC for subscription businesses was $102.
Tracking and optimising CAC over time helps ensure you’re cost-effectively driving sustainable growth. With payment solutions like Instamojo streamlining sales processes, you can better control customer acquisition costs.
Why is CAC important?
You may be wondering why CAC analytics is such a big deal for your business. Well, let us tell you – understanding your customer acquisition cost is essential for a few major reasons:
Marketing campaigns
Figuring out your customer acquisition cost is vital because it shows you how well your marketing and sales efforts are paying off in attracting new buyers. If that number is low, your acquisition strategies are efficient and generate a solid return on investment.
Setting budgets
Tracking CAC is also helpful for forecasting future costs and setting intelligent budgets. Once you know your average CAC, you can predict pretty accurately how much you’ll need to spend to convert your new target audience for a given period. This guides your marketing and sales budget planning.
Shows scaling
Having a low and steadily decreasing customer acquisition cost is a signal that your business model is primed to scale rapidly. It means your sales process is operating efficiently and bringing in new customers cost-effectively, which is essential for sustainable high growth.
Highlights underlying operational issues
Conversely, if your CAC is high or creeping upwards, it could indicate some underlying operational issues you need to address. These could include ineffective marketing campaigns, a slow sales cycle that is dragging on, or other inefficiencies driving up acquisition costs. Monitoring CAC closely helps catch those red flags early.
Investors love it
Investors also pay close attention to CAC as a critical performance metric that impacts valuation and funding. A trending down CAC demonstrates strong product-market fit and severe growth potential, which VCs love to see. It shows you’ve got a solid grasp on scaling up affordably.
It’s also worth considering how customer acquisition can vary depending on your channels and platforms. Instamojo’s powerful analytics give your CAC complete visibility across marketing channels.
Top Growth Marketing
Customer acquisition cost formula
The formula to calculate it is pretty straightforward:
CAC = Total costs of sales & marketing / Number of new customers
First, you must sum up all the costs of acquiring new customers over a set period—maybe a quarter or a year. This includes advertising spend, content marketing, email campaigns, sales representative salaries and commissions, marketing tools like your CRM, and other related expenses.
Then, you divide the total cost by the number of new paying customers you brought in during the same period.
The final amount is the money you are spending on convincing a single customer to purchase your product or service.
Cost of customer acquisition examples
Let’s say your total sales and marketing costs were ₹100,000 last quarter, and you acquired 500 new customers.
Simple math gives us:
So it costs you ₹200 to acquire each new customer that quarter. Not too shabby! The lower you can keep your CAC, the higher your return on those sales and marketing investments.
Calculating your CAC regularly to track whether it’s trending up or down over time is a good practice. This gives you a clear window into whether your customer acquisition strategies are becoming more or less efficient.
What is included in it?
Atrium
Customer acquisition costs encompass a wide range of expenses for attracting and converting new customers. What are they? Let’s find out!
Accurately tracking and totalling all these costs is critical to calculating your true customer acquisition cost.
Average customer acquisition cost by industry
According to a 2022 report by IMAP India, the average customer acquisition cost for Indian startups across sectors was around ₹1,200-1,500 ($15-20 USD).
Some industry benchmarks for India include:
Travel: ₹580
Retail: ₹830
Consumer goods: ₹1,825
Manufacturing: ₹6,880
Transportation: ₹8,125
Marketing agency: ₹11,685
Financial: ₹14,500
Technology (Hardware): ₹15,080
Real estate: ₹17,645
Banking/Insurance: ₹25,110
Telecom: ₹26,100
Technology (Software): ₹32,765
Wrapping up: Optimise your customer acquisition costs for growth
Mastering your customer acquisition cost is pivotal for scaling a profitable, sustainable business. With a firm grasp on the components driving up your CAC, you can precisely measure marketing ROI, forecast costs, identify inefficiencies, and demonstrate an efficient acquisition model to investors.
Instamojo’s online store, the payment solutions and powerful analytics provide complete visibility into your CAC across channels, allowing you to streamline processes and double down on tactics that keep this critical metric in an ideal range.
Ultimately, leveraging Instamojo to enhance your CAC relentlessly will propel cost-effective, scalable growth for years to come.
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As you’ve very likely heard by now, tragedy has struck the world of entertainment:
Liam Payne, a beloved artist best known for his work with musical group One Direction, died on October 16 after falling multiple stories at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
He is survived by his son Bear Grey, 7.
Payne was 31 years old.
Liam Payne looks on from the grid during the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone Circuit on July 9, 2023 in Northampton, England. ((Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
An investigation is currently underway to determine the circumstances surrounding Payne’s death, with local authorities saying that an autopsy will be conducted.
While police go through with this investigation, so many members of Hollywood remain in a state of shock and sorrow.
We’ve recorded a number of their responses to Payne’s death below, as we send our condolences to his friends, family members and loved ones…
Liam Payne attends the Grand Reveal Weekend for Atlantis The Royal, Dubai’s new ultra-luxury hotel on January 21, 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Samir Hussein/Getty Images for Atlantis The Royal)
Charlie Puth: I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me. He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone…… I’m so upset right now, may he rest in peace.”
Paris Hilton: “So upsetting to hear the news of @LiamPayne passing???? . Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. ????. RIP my friend.”
Juicy J: “R.I.P. Liam Payne wow I can’t believe it prayers up for the family.”
Olly Murs: “This news is devastating, am lost for words. We always had a good laugh when we saw each other, sometimes the catch ups were only short and sweet but when we did it was mostly about how annoyingly good his hair always looked, or our love for Becks, the old XF days and the tour we shared together.”
Zedd: “RIP Liam. Can’t believe this is real… absolutely heartbreaking.”
Ty Dolla $ign: “Just talked to you 2 days ago my guy. Ima miss u fr fr sucio.”
Mabel: “FOR SO MANY YEARS I ALWAYS KNEW I COULD CALL YOU FOR SUPPORT AND BIG BROTHERLY ADVICE BUT NOW YOU’RE GONE… MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH LIAMS FAMILY AND FRIENDS DURING THIS TIME YOU’LL BE SO MISSED.”
Ashley Iaconetti: “This is heartbreaking. He had one of my favorite boy band voices. I’ll always remember when my friend was turning me into a One Direction fan in grad school and she showed me their performance of ‘Gotta Be You’ on the X Factor.”
Liam Payne attends the eBay and GBK Brand Bar Pre-Oscar Luxury Lounge at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel on March 26, 2022 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for GBK Brand Bar)
Corbyn Besson: “Damn this Liam Payne news got me speechless … looked up to 1D so much during the wdw days. You really never know when it’s your time to go. remind your friends/family that you love them today and every day.”
Piers Morgan: “Good grief. What a shocking tragedy.”
Jack Johnson: “Was such a nice guy the few times me and G ran into him. that’s so sad.”
As of this writing, no former members of One Direction have spoken out on the loss of Payne — but we’re sure that will change in time. RIP.
