EXCLUSIVE: The innovator behind Tilly Norwood, the AI-generated actress stirring excitement in Hollywood, has confirmed that the British Film Institute (BFI) did not fund her development.
Eline Van Der Velden, a prominent UK-based tech entrepreneur, issued a clarification through Deadline regarding her enterprise, Particle6, and how it utilized a grant from the BFI’s UK Global Screen Fund.
This clarification arises amid worries within the acting community about the emergence of Norwood and the potential she represents for replacing less-known actors with digital avatars.
Alexa Morden, an actress and host of The 98% Podcast, raised concerns after noticing the grant awarded to Particle6, expressing discomfort over the possibility of public funds being used to foster technology that could displace creative professionals.
Van Der Velden emphasized that the £120,000 ($161,000) grant received from the BFI in November 2023 was “completely separate” from the creation of Norwood, a sentiment reiterated by a spokeswoman from the BFI.
She further explained that Norwood’s development was financed and executed through Xicioa, another company she founded in February. The intellectual property rights of Norwood are owned by Xicioa, with Particle6 providing support through a service agreement.
This sheds light on a more complex scenario than initially perceived when Norwood was first introduced in a soft launch, during which Particle6 was vocally credited with creating the AI actress. Van Der Velden had previously announced on LinkedIn, “Tilly is Particle6’s fully AI-generated actress.”
Van Der Velden conveyed to Deadline, “In 2023, Particle6 was honored and deeply thankful to receive backing through the BFI UK Global Screen Fund’s International Business Development sector. This funding was strictly allocated to our global expansion efforts, including participation in international markets and conferences, acquisition of new IP, and appointment of a head of international outreach — all actions that were approved and openly communicated with the BFI. Initially appointed as a consultant, this outreach expert was later promoted to chief commercial officer of Particle6 in the summer of 2025.”
“It’s crucial to understand that this grant had no connection to Xicioa, which was created later, in February 2025, and officially announced in September. Xicioa — and its premiere AI talent, Tilly Norwood, who publicly debuted in July 2025 — were entirely funded by my personal investment.”
“Today, Xicioa functions as an autonomous AI talent studio while maintaining a service contract with Particle6. Particle6 continues to prosper as a multifaceted production company, working across AI, traditional television, and commercial media,” she added.
A spokesperson from the BFI stated, “The UK Global Screen Fund award to Particle6 is completely independent from the activities and financial resources of Xicioa’s development of Tilly Norwood. When the grant was applied for, the BFI was unaware of any plans to develop Xicioa Ltd or Tilly Norwood.”
Van Der Velden concluded, “The BFI is crucial in bolstering and securing the future of the UK’s screen sector, and many creative entities, including ours, have gained from its support. We are in agreement with the BFI that innovation must be paired with responsibility.”
“Their June 2025 report, AI in the Screen Sector: Perspectives and Paths Forward, provides a detailed, progressive framework for the ethical and sustainable incorporation of AI. Both Particle6 and Xicioa are committed to upholding this vision and continue to contribute positively to the UK’s reputation for creativity, innovation, and integrity,” she affirmed.
Particle6, which identifies itself as an AI production company, was established in 2015. In addition to the BFI, it has also received support from Channel 4 and Creative UK.
Daniel Hayes is a business journalist with a focus on market trends, startups, and corporate strategies.
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