In a recent development, Tilly Norwood, an AI “actress” capable of performing various roles, has sparked controversy within the entertainment industry. Created by European company Particle6, Tilly Norwood has attracted attention from entertainment companies seeking to collaborate with this AI creation, much to the dismay of real Hollywood actors and the American actors’ union.
The emergence of Tilly Norwood prompted a backlash from actors, with Melissa Barrera from “Scream” expressing her disapproval on social media. Other actors, including Toni Collette and Nicholas Alexander Chavez, echoed similar sentiments, questioning the validity and impact of AI-generated performers in the industry.
Addressing the concerns raised, Whoopi Goldberg highlighted the potential challenges posed by AI creations derived from various sources, emphasizing the importance of preserving the human element in acting. Similarly, actor Ralph Ineson expressed his discontent in response to the news, emphasizing the need to protect the integrity of human actors in the industry.
SAG-AFTRA, the union representing actors in the U.S., emphasized that Norwood is not a genuine actor but a computer-generated character trained on the work of professional performers without their consent or compensation. The union underscored the necessity of informed consent and fair compensation for actors, highlighting the importance of safeguarding the human experience in entertainment content.
Despite the pushback, Eline Van der Velden, CEO of Particle6, clarified that the intention behind creating Tilly Norwood was not to replace human actors but to introduce a new storytelling tool in the form of AI. Van der Velden emphasized that AI should be viewed as a complementary tool rather than a substitute for human creativity in the industry.
The creation of Tilly Norwood marks a significant step in the integration of AI technology in media production. As AI continues to evolve, its presence in the entertainment landscape is becoming more prevalent, with applications ranging from de-aging stars to enhancing visual effects in films and TV shows.
While the debate surrounding AI in entertainment persists, industry leaders like James Cameron and organizations such as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences have shown interest in leveraging AI tools for creative projects. Despite the evolving landscape, the discussion on the role of AI in shaping the future of storytelling remains a topic of interest and contention within the entertainment industry.
