At the recent Zurich Summit in Switzerland, it was announced that virtual actress Tilly Norwood could soon sign professional contracts with Hollywood agents. This move is being considered a milestone for AI artists in the Hollywood industry. Tilly was featured in her first comedy sketch, “AI Commissioner,” which humorously presented a story about the future of television and digital media.
A New Chapter for AI and Hollywood
Actress-technologist Elaine van der Velde, founder of the AI talent studio company Xicoia, explained that they aim to innovate in the arts through AI artists. If this deal is successful, Tilly will be among the first AI actresses to receive professional representation, similar to that of human actors.
Protest from Hollywood Artists
However, as soon as Tilly began receiving offers from agents, Hollywood artists began to protest. In The Heights actress Melissa Barrera wrote on Instagram, “I hope all the actors of that agency will leave the one who does this. It’s disgusting, and I understand the situation.”
Meanwhile, Matilda actress Mara Wilson questioned why none of the AI faces were cast when hundreds of real young girls were created using the faces of real young women. Amid these reactions, Elaine van der Velde clarified that Tilly was not made to replace humans, but rather for artistic experimentation.
Elaine’s clarification
Elaine said, “Tilly Norwood is not a human replacement; she is a form of art. Just as animation, puppetry, or CGI opened the door to new experiments, AI is a new way of storytelling. I am an actress myself, and I believe no technology can take away the joy of real acting.”
AI has been used before
In Hollywood, AI has been utilised to enhance the appearance of actors, restore the voices of deceased actors, and refine film trailers. However, this is the first time an AI actress is set to take on a lead role.
Experts say that the arrival of AI actors will open up new possibilities in the film industry. Digital and virtual characters will introduce new forms of storytelling. At the same time, debates continue among artists and audiences about whether AI is the future of art or whether it poses a challenge to real artists.
