UPDATE: The debut of AI-generated actor Tilly Norwood is igniting a firestorm of controversy in Hollywood. Just announced by Eline Van der Velden, the creator claims Norwood is the next big thing, but the backlash has been swift and intense.
Tilly Norwood, a product of Van der Velden’s company Xicoia, is making headlines as a fully AI-generated character, with multiple agents reportedly vying to represent her. However, guilds, filmmakers, and actors are expressing their outrage, insisting that artificial intelligence has no place in acting. The Screen Actors Guild released a statement, declaring, “creativity is, and should remain, human-centered.”
In a striking statement, the guild emphasized that “Tilly Norwood is not an actor, it’s a character generated by a computer program that was trained on the work of countless professional performers — without permission or compensation.” This has raised significant concerns about the ethical implications of using AI in the creative arts.
Prominent actor Sean Astin, known for his roles in “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Goonies,” voiced his disapproval, stating, “You’re made up of stuff that doesn’t belong to you.” He stressed that credit must be given to human creators, highlighting the emotional depth that human actors bring to their performances.
The controversy surrounding Tilly Norwood escalated after Van der Velden promoted the AI character at the Zurich Film Festival last month. She claimed that talent agencies are eager to sign Norwood, prompting fears among many in the industry. Actress Natasha Lyonne took to Instagram, stating that any agency representing Tilly should face a boycott from all guilds. She described the situation as “deeply misguided & totally disturbed,” urging for a more ethical approach that merges AI with traditional filmmaking.
While AI technology is frequently utilized as a tool in film production, its role remains contentious. The recent SAG-AFTRA strike, which concluded in late 2023, addressed the need for safeguards regarding the use of AI in performances. A new contract for video game actors was established, requiring employers to obtain written consent for digital replicas.
The implementation of AI in the industry has faced scrutiny before, notably with the Oscar-winning film “The Brutalist,” which sparked debate after revealing that AI was used for dialogue in foreign languages.
Responding to the backlash, Van der Velden defended her creation on Instagram, stating that Tilly Norwood “is not a replacement for a human being, but a creative work.” She argues that AI characters should be regarded as a unique genre of art, insisting that creating Tilly required significant imagination and craftsmanship.
As of now, Tilly Norwood’s Instagram account boasts over 33,000 followers, showcasing posts of the AI character engaged in various human-like activities. One post reads, “Had such a blast filming some screen tests recently,” suggesting an eagerness for a breakthrough in the industry.
Astin, reflecting on the debate, pointed out that AI cannot replicate the authenticity of human experiences, stating, “You can fall in love. Your parents can die… artificial intelligence can approximate it — it is not real.”
This urgent issue continues to unfold, with many in Hollywood hoping that Tilly Norwood’s rise will be curtailed. The implications of AI in acting are far-reaching, impacting not just the industry but the essence of creativity itself. Stay tuned as this story develops and the conversation around AI in the arts intensifies.
