AI ENTERTAINMENT
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The debut of Tilly Norwood, a photo-real AI “actress” made by London studio Particle6, has set off debate in Hollywood.
She appeared in a 20-second parody video at a Zurich film conference, introduced as a fictional character with her own social media page.
Producer Eline Van der Velden said talent agents are starting to show interest and suggested a first agency deal could follow soon.
But SAG-AFTRA, the actors’ union representing 160,000 performers, hit back, saying “creativity should remain human-centred” and rejecting the use of “synthetics” in place of real actors.
In brief:
Tilly Norwood is an AI character launched at a Zurich summit.
SAG-AFTRA condemned the project, warning against replacing actors.
Experts say AI “actors” can’t compete with real stars.
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AI tools are already used in film for effects like digital de-aging, but creating a full AI stand-in for actors is still seen as a long way off.
Van der Velden called Tilly a “piece of art,” yet the union argued she was built on the work of real performers without consent or pay.
Experts are doubtful. USC’s Yves Bergquist said studio interest in AI stars is close to zero: “Scarlett Johansson has a fan base. Scarlett Johansson is a person.”
Hollywood really out here trying to stan a Sims character.