The glitz and glamour of Hollywood are facing a new, digital challenger: Tilly Norwood, an AI-generated performer that has sparked outrage among A-list actors and industry unions. Created by Dutch artist Eline Van der Velden, Norwood has reportedly been in discussions with talent agencies, aiming for the big screen.
Norwood’s social media presence showcases a seemingly human-like persona, complete with photos and AI-generated comedy sketches. Creators describe Norwood as having “girl next door vibes” and express excitement for future projects. However, this digital persona has drawn sharp criticism from Hollywood’s discerning eye.
The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has strongly condemned Norwood’s creation. The union argues that AI performers like Norwood are not actors but computer programs trained on the work of human professionals. They emphasize that such creations lack life experience and genuine emotion, and that audiences are unlikely to connect with content devoid of human experience.
Prominent figures in Hollywood have voiced their deep concerns. Actress Emily Blunt described Norwood as “terrifying,” urging agencies to cease such ventures to preserve human connection in the industry. Natasha Lyonne, known for her distinctive roles, called for a boycott of any talent agency that represents AI performers. Whoopi Goldberg, while expressing skepticism about AI replacing human actors entirely, highlighted the inherent differences in human expression.
Van der Velden, Norwood’s creator, has stated that Tilly is not intended as a replacement for human actors but as a “creative work – a piece of art.” She aims for Norwood to be judged within its own genre, separate from human artistic endeavors. Despite these statements, the rapid advancement and integration of AI in creative industries continue to fuel debate and apprehension among artists.
The controversy surrounding Tilly Norwood underscores the ongoing tension between technological innovation and the preservation of human artistry in Hollywood, echoing the concerns that led to recent industry strikes.