Tilly Norwood, the first AI actress created by Eline Van der Velden’s AI talent studio Xicoia, a spin-off from her AI production studio Particle6, has rapidly become a focal point of discussion within the entertainment industry. The news of talent agents expressing interest in signing the digital character sparked a significant backlash, particularly from the acting community, while also highlighting a growing industry trend towards artificial intelligence in production.

Eline Van der Velden released a statement addressing the anger surrounding Tilly Norwood's creation, asserting that the AI character is not a replacement for human beings but rather a creative work and a piece of art. Van der Velden, an actor herself, views AI as a new tool or 'paintbrush,' comparable to animation, puppetry, or CGI, which offers fresh possibilities for storytelling without diminishing live acting. She emphasized that nothing, least of all an AI character, can take away the craft or joy of human performance.

The announcement that agents were circling Tilly Norwood, with an agency representation deal expected in the coming months, ignited strong resentment. Numerous well-known actors publicly voiced their concerns, with some suggesting that anger should be directed at any agent who signs Norwood. Melissa Barrera, Kiersey Clemons, and Mara Wilson were among those who critically questioned the implications of AI actors for human talent. Lukas Gage added a humorous touch to the criticism, while Toni Collette expressed her dismay with screaming emojis.

Despite the backlash, Van der Velden remains steadfast in her vision. Speaking at the Zurich Summit, she revealed that studios, initially hesitant, are now actively pursuing AI projects. She noted a shift in perception from early hesitations in February to a proactive interest by May. Van der Velden’s ambition for Tilly Norwood is significant, aiming for her to become the 'next Scarlett Johansson or Natalie Portman,' a goal she shared with Broadcast International. This ambition is also driven by economic factors, as she believes AI can free creativity from budget constraints, thereby changing industry viewpoints.

Tilly Norwood has already made her debut, starring in a comedy sketch titled 'AI Commissioner,' which playfully explores the future of TV development. Norwood herself expressed excitement on her Facebook page about her first role, despite being AI-generated. Van der Velden further articulated her belief in a LinkedIn post, stating, 'Audiences? They care about the story — not whether the star has a pulse. Tilly is already attracting interest from talent agencies and fans. The age of synthetic actors isn’t 'coming' — it’s here.' Particle6, Van der Velden’s production studio, has a diverse portfolio, producing content for various networks and genres, showcasing their extensive experience in content creation that now includes pioneering AI talent.