Hollywood Reacts to AI Actress Tilly Norwood

The Rise of AI-Generated Actors: Tilly Norwood

Tilly Norwood is presented as a London-based actress, currently boasting approximately 40,000 followers on Instagram. However, it’s crucial to understand that Norwood is not a real person; she is a completely AI-generated character.

The character was created by Xicoia, which functions as the AI division of the production firm, Particle6. This innovative project is pushing the boundaries of digital performance.

Introducing Tilly Norwood to the Industry

Eline Van der Velden, the Dutch producer and founder of Particle6, initially unveiled the concept of Tilly Norwood during the Zurich Film Festival in September. Van der Velden is actively seeking representation for Norwood, and the character has already elicited significant responses within Hollywood circles.

The introduction of Norwood has sparked debate about the future of acting and the role of artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry.

Reactions from Established Actors

Emily Blunt, a renowned actress celebrated for her work in films such as “The Devil Wears Prada,” “A Quiet Place,” and “Oppenheimer,” learned about Tilly Norwood while participating in a podcast interview with Variety.

Blunt expressed considerable concern, stating to Variety, “Good Lord, we’re screwed. That is really, really scary.” She implored agencies to refrain from representing AI-generated performers, emphasizing the importance of preserving human connection in acting.

Union Response: SAG-AFTRA's Stance

SAG-AFTRA, the union representing professionals in the entertainment and media sectors, issued a formal statement opposing the use of synthetic performers like Tilly Norwood.

The union clarified that “Tilly Norwood” is not an actor, but rather a computer-generated character developed by training a program on the work of numerous professional performers. This training occurred without their consent or any form of compensation.

SAG-AFTRA argues that such creations lack genuine life experience and emotional depth, and audiences are not seeking content detached from the human element.

Furthermore, the union contends that this technology doesn't address any existing issues but instead creates a new problem: the potential displacement of human actors and the devaluation of artistic skill.

Particle6's Response to Criticism

In response to the growing backlash, Eline Van der Velden posted a statement on Tilly Norwood’s Instagram account.

Van der Velden positioned Norwood not as a substitute for human actors, but as a unique artistic creation. She argued that, like other art forms, Norwood stimulates discussion, demonstrating the inherent power of creativity.

Broader Implications and Contractual Protections

Human actors are increasingly apprehensive about the implications of AI's ability to generate convincing videos, a capability further amplified by the recent release of OpenAI’s Sora 2.

Consequently, organizations like SAG-AFTRA and the Writers Guild of America are actively advocating for contractual safeguards to prevent actors and writers from being replaced by AI.

SAG-AFTRA has stated that producers must adhere to contractual obligations when utilizing synthetic performers, including providing notice and engaging in bargaining.

This includes stipulations whenever a synthetic performer is intended for use in a production.