Major Hollywood talent agencies could soon sign an artificial intelligence-generated actress named Tilly Norwood. The integration of AI into Hollywood has been a notable development in recent times and was a central topic during the actor and writers’ strikes in 2023.
According to a report by Deadline at the Zurich Summit, Eline Van der Velden, an actor, comedian, and technologist who founded AI talent studio Xicoia, mentioned that she is engaging with several talent agents interested in representing the AI-generated Norwood. This news has generated considerable backlash from critics concerned about the implications of such a development.
During a panel discussing AI advancements in the entertainment sector, Van der Velden noted that AI adoption is gaining traction among studios and businesses, with a significant announcement expected soon. She stated:
“In boardrooms around February, everyone dismissed it as a non-starter. But by May, the tone shifted to ‘We need to collaborate with you.’ Initially, when we introduced Tilly, everyone was puzzled, but soon, we’ll announce which agency will represent her.”
As the announcement spread, it prompted a variety of responses, including critical comments on social media platform X:
@zoerosebraynt described the update as “bleak” and questioned the creativity behind the name given to the AI actress.
Others, including @celestialdevils, have advocated for boycotting her.
@briggsisgreat, on the other hand, commented with a reference to Terminator to express his concerns.
Who Is Tilly Norwood?
Particle6 has established a website for Tilly Norwood, indicating that she is an actor based in London, complete with social media profiles on Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Facebook. They have also produced a 100% AI-generated video featuring Norwood, which is available above:
In a LinkedIn update, Van der Velden revealed that Norwood was developed using 10 different tools, including ChatGPT, and was trained to “act with subtlety, emotional depth, and consistency.” She argued that AI could drastically reduce production times and costs amid declining budgets. She emphasized that audiences are focused on the narrative, “not whether the protagonist is alive.”
However, she also noted, “At Particle6, we are convinced that AI will not supplant human creativity but rather enhance it. The future of entertainment is not merely human or synthetic; it’s a combination of both.”
Our Perspective on Tilly Norwood
It’s undeniable that AI will continue to play a role in our society. However, the idea of Tilly Norwood seems like an overreach. While using AI as a tool is understandable, the prospect of an AI-generated actress taking leading roles in major films is troubling.
Employing AI to make actors appear younger, as Sylvester Stallone considered for a potential Rambo prequel, or for similar modifications is one thing. But creating entire performances with an AI-generated actor is a contentious issue, and contradicts the principles fought for in the recent strikes.
Ava Thornton is an entertainment journalist with a keen eye for the latest in Hollywood, indie films, and streaming trends.
Her work blends insider knowledge with a deep appreciation for storytelling.
