AI-Generated 'Actress' Tilly Norwood Sparks Controversy in Hollywood
53 Sources
[1]
Hollywood is not taking kindly to the AI-generated actress Tilly Norwood | TechCrunch
Tilly Norwood is a London-based actress with about 40,000 Instagram followers. Also, she's not real -- she is an AI-generated character created by Xicoia, the AI division of the production company Particle6. Eline Van der Velden, the Dutch producer who founded Particle6, introduced the idea of
[2]
Creators of AI Actress Tilly Norwood Respond to Backlash, Create New Talent Agency
The AI tools company Particle6 is spinning off a talent agency for its AI creations, including Norwood. Should AI actors have agents? The head of an AI tools company has responded to backlash over one of its creations, an AI actor dubbed Tilly Norwood. In a post on the Tilly Norwood Instagram
[3]
Tilly Norwood is a gen AI psyop
Last week at the Zurich Film Festival, Eline Van der Velden -- founder and CEO of AI production house Particle6 and its subsidiary talent studio Xicoia -- said that a number of talent agents had expressed interest in working with Tilly Norwood, an AI-generated "actress" created by the companies.
[4]
'AI actor' Tilly Norwood is dividing Hollywood - but real acting requires humanity
University of Surrey provides funding as a founding partner of The Conversation UK. Tilly Norwood is the hottest actor in Hollywood right now. Her career has been covered by Variety, the BBC and Forbes, to name just a few publications. All of this is publicity that a young actor at the start of
[5]
Hollywood performers union condemns AI-generated 'actress' Tilly Norwood
LOS ANGELES, Sept 30 (Reuters) - The recent debut of an AI-generated "actress" dubbed Tilly Norwood, and its producer's boasts of interest from studio executives, sparked a backlash on Tuesday from the SAG-AFTRA actors union, condemning the replacement of human performers with "synthetics." The
[6]
Opinion | When A.I. Came for Hollywood
In the immortal words of Emily Blunt, "Good Lord, we're screwed." She was on a podcast with Variety Monday when she was handed a headline about cinema's latest sensation, Tilly Norwood. Agents are circling the hot property, a fresh-faced young British brunette actress who is attracting global
[7]
"AI actress" Tilly Norwood slammed by SAG-AFTRA as soulless and unoriginal
Serving tech enthusiasts for over 25 years. TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust. Sounding off: An actress-turned-producer has introduced an AI-based character she claims could be the future of television. But instead of sparking excitement, the project has drawn swift backlash
[8]
Hollywood celebrities outraged over new 'AI actor' Tilly Norwood
Hollywood is not rolling out the red carpet for Tilly Norwood - an "AI actor" that has been causing a stir after its Dutch creators said the synthetic performer is in talks with talent agencies. Norwood could be mistaken for a young, aspiring actress when one glances at her Instagram page. The
[9]
SAG-AFTRA Hits Back on 'AI Actress', But Galactus' Response Is Better
By now you've seen images of the doe-eyed "synthetic performer" named "Tilly Norwood." The AI fabrication made headlines over the weekend when it was revealed (via Deadline) that some talent agents were actually interested in representing "Tilly." Hollywood met this chilling threat with disgust and
[10]
Tilly Norwood, world's first AI actor, sparks Hollywood backlash
Variety quoted her as saying that talent agents who were skeptical now want in. She added that a first-of-its-kind agency deal could be announced in the coming months. The unveiling prompted a swift response from SAG-AFTRA, which represents 160,000 performers in the United States. In a statement,
[11]
Could 'the next Scarlett Johansson or Natalie Portman' be an AI avatar?
"Tilly Norwood" is the name of an AI-creation that has riled up Hollywood. Xicoia hide caption Hollywood has a new "hopeful" by the name of Tilly Norwood -- not a human actor, but rather a synthetic creation made with AI. The brunette with the Margot Robbie smile has so far made only brief public
[12]
Tilly Norwood is no more an actress than ChatGPT is a person, and I'm tired of people getting this wrong
The conversation in a recent TV segment was about Sora 2, a remarkable new social media platform OpenAI's latest Sora model at its heart. It gives regular people the power to put themselves in AI videos along with their friends, often doing fantastic and unimaginable things. Its existence prompted
[13]
The Guardian view on Tilly Norwood: she's not art, she's data | Editorial
The first 100% AI actor is a cause for alarm. But the human connection of great acting can never be replaced The threat to human creativity from technology took another step closer this week with the appearance of Tilly Norwood, the first 100% AI-generated actor. Unsurprisingly, her unveiling at
[14]
Tilly Norwood is an AI Actress Seeking Hollywood Representation
The creator of an AI-generated actress says she is about to announce which talent agency will represent Tilly Norwood -- the first creation to emerge from the AI studio Xicoia. During the Zurich Summit at the Zurich Film Festival, actor, writer, and producer Eline Van der Velden revealed that
[15]
Creator of "AI Actress" Responds to Near-Universal Backlash
Are moviegoers ever going to accept films created using AI? And just as importantly, will the creatives who work in the industry be cool with letting the tech play a heavy role in the filmmaking process? The bitter response to a new "AI actress" suggests that the answer to both questions, at least
[16]
Hollywood erupts as talent agents circle 'AI actor' Tilly Norwood: 'Not surprised the first major AI actor is a young woman they can fully control' | Fortune
As you might imagine, though, few Hollywood actors are happy about this potential watershed moment for the entertainment industry. Many actors have disparaged the move on social media, in comments on Deadline's story, as well as their own social media channels and comments to the press. Academy
[17]
So-called AI 'actor' Tilly Norwood provokes outrage from Hollywood's real actors
The best cooking competition show ever made is streaming now on Peacock The SAG-AFTRA actors' union went on strike in 2023 to earn better minimum compensation and higher residuals from streaming, among other goals. One thing it sought was protection against "the threat of AI," and that threat is
[18]
Creator says AI actress is 'piece of art' after backlash
The creator of an AI actress who exploded across the internet over the weekend has insisted she is an artwork, after a fierce backlash from the creative community. Tilly Norwood -- a composite girl-next-door described on her Instagram page as an aspiring actress -- has already attracted attention
[19]
An AI actress is generating major interest in Hollywood, and actors are not happy
What happened? AI actress Tilly Norwood is making waves in Hollywood circles. At the Zurich Film Festival, actor Eline Van der Velden, the Dutch founder of AI production studio Particle6, announced the launch of Xicoia, an artificial intelligence talent studio. Xicoia's first creation is AI
[20]
'Hollywood is desperate to hire my AI actress'
If her supporters are to be believed, actress Tilly Norwood is on the verge of Hollywood superstardom. The London-based girl-next-door starlet, they say, is preparing to sign with a major talent agency. But Tilly is not a success story from the UK theatre schools or a feel-good tale of a
[21]
Hollywood Actors Union Slams 'AI Actress' Tilly Norwood as Backlash Builds - Decrypt
Entertainers join the growing backlash, calling AI entertainment "scary" and lacking a real connection. Leading actors labor union SAG-AFTRA on Tuesday condemned the rise of Tilly Norwood, an AI-generated "actress" developed by London-based Xicoia, calling the synthetic performer a threat to human
[22]
AI-generated actor sparks outrage in Hollywood as creator seeks representation
Like thousands of actors, Tilly Norwood is looking for a Hollywood agent. Her greatest role? Pretending to be human. That's because Tilly Norwood is a 100% AI-generated product, created by Dutch producer and comedian Eline Van der Velden, founder of a company named Xicoia, which bills itself as
[23]
For Your Consideration: Meet the AI actress sparking controversy
There's an emerging talent in Hollywood and she may be about to make her big screen debut. The buzz is there, the red carpet is waiting, and talent agencies are reportedly eyeing her up. There's a twist though. A significant one at that. She's 100 per cent AI. Tilly Norwood was brought to life
[24]
Hollywood performers union slam debut of AI-generated 'actress' Tilly Norwood
The debut of an AI-generated "actress" named Tilly Norwood drew sharp condemnation on Tuesday from the SAG-AFTRA actors union, which warned against replacing human performers with "synthetics." Producers touted interest from studio executives after unveiling Norwood at a Zurich film industry
[25]
Tilly Norwood, fully AI 'actor,' blasted by actors union SAG-AFTRA for 'devaluing human artistry'
A major Hollywood actors' union condemned reports that talent agents looking to sign AI "actor" Tilly Norwood for representation. The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, or SAG-AFTRA, said in a statement on Tuesday that Tilly Norwood "is not an actor, it's a
[26]
The AI industry's latest curse on humanity is a fake 'actress' it wants to turn into 'the next Scarlett Johansson'
I'm constantly watching Scarlett Johansson movies and thinking it'd be better if she had no soul. Hey, want to see something horrible? Here's AI actress Tilly Norwood -- which is already more anthropomorphisation than I feel strictly comfortable with -- in a comedy sketch called AI
[27]
AI actress Tilly Norwood creator claims we should 'judge her by merit,' but my mind is already made up
Meet Tilly Norwood, the product of "the world's first artificial intelligence (AI) talent studio," Xicoia. She's got accounts all over social media, is actively looking for agent representation and studios are reportedly [via Deadline] "circling" to get her in their movies. Unsurprisingly, this
[28]
The AI 'actor' Tilly Norwood is a symptom of blandified film culture. We need a return to reality | Peter Bradshaw
The industry should refuse to work with these uncanny figures, which plagiarise the performances of generations of actors What is scary about "Tilly Norwood", the new AI-generated screen star created by the digital studio Xicoia, and launched in a pre-emptively ironic comedy video mocking the
[29]
Opinion: Furore over AI 'actor' Tilly Norwood reveals deeper AI anxiety
In his latest column, Jonathan McCrea gives his take on the AI 'actor' who has become the talk of tinseltown. I presume by now you've heard the name Tilly Norwood. In what sounds like a successful PR stunt for a previously unheard of AI company rather than any seismic shift in the entertainment
[30]
Hollywood's Most Terrifying Nightmare Has Arrived
Are you sure you want to unsubscribe from email alerts for Nitish Pahwa? Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. We may not have real movie stars anymore, but we'll soon have computer-generated "actors" as our
[31]
AI-generated actress Tilly Norwood sparks Hollywood backlash
Some of Hollywood's biggest stars and the union that represents them are speaking out against the creation of an AI-generated actress following reports that she will soon by signed by a talent agency. The AI-generated actress, named Tilly Norwood, is the creation of Eline Van der Velden, the
[32]
AI-generated actor sparks outrage in Hollywood, as creator seeks representation
Like thousands of actors, Tilly Norwood is looking for a Hollywood agent. Her greatest role? Pretending to be human. That's because Tilly Norwood is a 100% AI-generated product, created by Dutch producer and comedian Eline Van der Velden, founder of a company named Xicoia, which bills itself as
[33]
Creator says AI actress is 'piece of art' after backlash
Los Angeles (United States) (AFP) - The creator of an AI actress who exploded across the internet over the weekend has insisted she is an artwork, after a fierce backlash from the creative community. Tilly Norwood -- a composite girl-next-door described on her Instagram page as an aspiring actress
[34]
Emily Blunt and Sag-Aftra join film industry condemnation of 'AI actor' Tilly Norwood
US actors' union joins stars in opposition to Norwood, which it says was created 'using stolen performances' The controversy around the "AI actor" Tilly Norwood continues to grow, after the actors' union Sag-Aftra condemned the development and said Norwood's creators were "using stolen
[35]
AI actor Tilly Noorwood looks startlingly real. Hollywood is not amused
A recent study on artificial intelligence highlighted which jobs are at risk of being replaced by AI in the near future. She's young, she's starry-eyed, and she wants a career in acting. The only problem? She's not real. Tilly Noorwood, a new AI "actress" created by artificial intelligence
[36]
Five Things You Need to Know About the AI Actress Tilly Norwood
She also said that AI avatars can become the next Scarlett Johansson Tilly Norwood has become the latest flashpoint in the growing rift between Silicon Valley and Hollywood over artificial intelligence (AI). Norwood is an AI-powered avatar made by Particle6, and it is described as an actor. The
[37]
She's an Actor About to Be Signed By a Talent Agency. She's Also AI.
Norwood's creators think the AI actress could be compared to "Scarlett Johansson" soon. There is a lot of talk about AI replacing jobs, but much of it is being done behind the scenes through layoffs and the implementation of new technology. But for some creatives, such as actors, musicians, and
[38]
The first AI actor is here, and Hollywood isn't too happy about it: "Read the room"
You read that right: The first AI actor has arrived... and she's already attracting interest from Hollywood talent agencies. Real human actors, of course, aren't too happy about it. Tilly Norwood, an entirely AI-generated actor, was initially unveiled to the world at the Zurich Film Festival.
[39]
Tilly The 'AI Actor' Is Fake, But Her Potential To Harm Women Is Real
There's a new Hollywood newcomer who already has a long list of haters: Tilly Norwood, the AI-generated "actor." Dutch comedian Eline Van der Velden, the head of AI production studio Particle6, which developed Tilly, said she wants the AI character to be the next Scarlett Johansson. But not if
[40]
When AI came for Hollywood
Emily Blunt expressed alarm after learning that rising "actress" Tilly Norwood is actually AI. Speaking on a podcast, she called the development terrifying. Created to rival real stars like Scarlett Johansson, Tilly's rise has triggered concern in Hollywood, where many fear losing roles to lifelike
[41]
Who Is Tilly Norwood? Backlash to the AI-Generated Actor, Explained
The AI-generated actor is sparking debate in Hollywood, with Emily Blunt calling Tilly "really, really scary." Tilly Norwood has become one of the most divisive actresses in Hollywood -- and she's not even a human being. The AI-generated actor was created by Eline Van der Velden, a Dutch actor
[42]
Tilly Norwood: how scared should we be of the viral AI 'actor'?
A bunch of code is being pushed as the next Scarlett Johansson, a creation that is already causing pushback from real human actors It takes a lot to be the most controversial figure in Hollywood, especially when Mel Gibson still exists. And yet somehow, in a career yet to even begin, Tilly Norwood
[43]
Hollywood's first AI actress poised to sign agency deal
Tilly Norward is unlike anyone else. On the surface, she looks like a hardworking actress chasing the Hollywood dream - but she's not real. Within months, she could become the first fully AI-generated movie star to sign a contract. In short, Hollywood may be entering an entirely new era, one that
[44]
Hollywood Is Fuming Over The Industry's First 'AI Actor'
"Any talent agency that engages in this should be boycotted by all guilds," wrote Natasha Lyonne on Instagram. The "Russian Doll" star is directing a feature titled "Uncanny Valley" that pledges to use "ethical" artificial intelligence in combination with traditional filmmaking techniques. "Deeply
[45]
Who is Tilly Norwood, AI actress coming to Hollywood? Here's who is creater, studio promoting actor, all about entertainment industry backlash
Who is Tilly Norwood, AI actress coming to Hollywood? The digital performer developed by Xicoia has attracted agency interest, sparked backlash from Hollywood actors, and raised questions about AI in entertainment. Who is Tilly Norwood, AI actress coming to Hollywood? The digital performer created
[46]
AI-Generated Actress Tilly Norwood Slammed by Canadian Performers Union as "Nothing But Lines of Code"
Tribeca Festival Lisboa 2025 Sets 'Bugonia,' 'Nuremberg' Screenings ACTRA, the Canadian union representing actors, has slammed the controversial artificial intelligence-generated Tilly Norwood creation as "synthetic competition." "'Tilly's' existence is nothing but lines of code, wrongfully based
[47]
Creator of AI actress responds following backlash over agency interest
You might not be familiar with the name Tilly Norwood. "Is that even a real person?" you ask. No, it isn't. Tilly is the creation of AI production company Particle 6, helmed by actress, comedian, and CEO Eline Van der Velden. Over the weekend, it was reported that multiple Hollywood talent
[48]
Tilly Norwood is an AI actress, and we're all now living in a Black Mirror hellscape
Unless creatives start to fight back, we're all getting replaced. Remember when Black Mirror felt like sci-fi? When you'd watch an episode about people rating each other on apps, or politicians having sex with pigs, and you'd think, "Thank goodness none of that was real"? Well, have I got news
[49]
Tilly Norwood Is "an AI Tool, Not a Performer" Says U.K. Acting Union Equity: "We Are Concerned About Where That Work Has Come From"
'Carol' Producer Elizabeth Karlsen, 'BLKNWS' Director Kahlil Joseph to Serve on BFI London Film Festival Competition Jury U.K. acting union Equity has joined the chorus of critics slamming the creation of a computer-generated actress named Tilly Norwood, which has the film and TV industry in
[50]
'AI actor' Tilly Norwood stirs outrage in Hollywood
NEW YORK -- Like thousands of actors, Tilly Norwood is looking for a Hollywood agent. But unlike most young performers aspiring to make it in the film industry, Tilly Norwood is an entirely artificial intelligence-made character. Norwood, dubbed Hollywood's first "AI actor," is the product of a
[51]
SAG-AFTRA Slams AI Actress: "Tilly Norwood Is Not an Actor -- It Has No Life Experience to Draw From, No Emotion"
Netflix Sets Swedish Crime Drama 'The Case' From 'Lupin' and 'Hijack' Creator George Kay SAG-AFTRA has slammed a newly-launched AI talent studio in a statement released Tuesday, saying: "Creativity is, and should remain, human-centered." Over the weekend, the creator of the computer-generated
[52]
SAG-AFTRA Hits Out at Tilly Norwood, the AI-Generated 'Actress' That Has Enraged Hollywood - IGN
SAG-AFTRA has issued a strongly worded statement in response to the emergence of Tilly Norwood, the AI-generated "actress" that has enraged Hollywood. Tilly Norwood is a viral AI-generated creation pushed as the next Scarlett Johansson or Natalie Portman. It was created by Eline Van der Velden,
[53]
Creator of AI Actress Tilly Norwood Responds to Backlash: "She Is Not a Replacement for a Human Being"
Jennifer Lawrence Says "Maybe We're All More Connected Than It Seems" as She Becomes San Sebastian's Youngest Donostia Award Recipient The creator of AI actress Tilly Norwood has responded to critics following fierce backlash, telling social media users: "She is not a replacement for a human
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The introduction of Tilly Norwood, an AI-generated 'actress', has ignited a heated debate in Hollywood about the future of acting and the role of artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry.
The Birth of Tilly Norwood
Tilly Norwood, an AI-generated 'actress' created by Particle6's AI division Xicoia, has become the center of a heated controversy in Hollywood. Introduced at the Zurich Film Festival by Dutch producer Eline Van der Velden, Tilly is described as a London-based actress with about 40,000 Instagram followers
1
. Van der Velden aims for Tilly to become 'the next Scarlett Johansson or Natalie Portman,' highlighting the ambitious goals behind this AI creation5
.
Source: Euronews
Hollywood's Reaction
The introduction of Tilly Norwood has sparked strong reactions from industry professionals. Actress Emily Blunt expressed her concerns, stating, 'Good Lord, we're screwed. That is really, really scary,' emphasizing the potential threat to human connection in acting
1
. Other actors, like Melissa Barrera, have also voiced their opposition, urging actors to drop agents who represent AI-generated characters2
.
Source: BNN
SAG-AFTRA's Stance
SAG-AFTRA, the union representing entertainment and media professionals, has taken a firm stance against synthetic performers like Tilly Norwood. In a statement, they clarified, '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'
1
. The union emphasized its opposition to replacing human performers with synthetics, highlighting concerns about stolen performances and the devaluation of human artistry5
.The Creators' Response
In response to the backlash, Van der Velden defended Tilly Norwood, describing her as 'not a replacement for a human being, but a creative work - a piece of art'
1
. Particle6 has announced the creation of Xicoia, a talent agency for AI creations, further blurring the lines between human and AI performers in the entertainment industry2
.The Nature of AI 'Acting'
Critics argue that calling Tilly Norwood an actress is intellectually dishonest. The avatar is essentially a digital puppet controlled by Xicoia, lacking the ability to think, act, or make decisions independently
3
. This raises questions about the nature of acting and the importance of human experience and emotion in performance.
Source: THR
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Implications for the Industry
The Tilly Norwood controversy highlights the ongoing struggle in the entertainment industry regarding AI's role. It touches on issues of labor agreements, copyright, and the fundamental nature of acting. As one acting instructor noted, 'What makes an actor is that ineffable thing: humanity'
4
.The Future of AI in Entertainment
While some industry experts, like Yves Bergquist from USC's Entertainment Technology Center, dismiss the idea of synthetic characters replacing human actors, the Tilly Norwood case has undoubtedly sparked important conversations about the future of AI in entertainment
5
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