Hollywood’s Newest Star Is an AI, and Actors Are Not Happy
Meet Tilly Norwood. She has a friendly, down-to-earth name and a picture-perfect face, but she’s causing a major stir in Hollywood. Why? Because Tilly isn’t a person. She’s an AI program, and she might just be the first-ever artificial actress to sign with a talent agency.
While tech innovators are excited about this new frontier, actors and many movie lovers are sounding the alarm. This isn’t just a cool new gadget; it could fundamentally change how movies are made and who gets to make them. As you can imagine, the actors’ union, SAG-AFTRA, had a lot to say about it.
SAG-AFTRA Draws a Line in the Sand
Fresh off the historic 2023 strikes where AI was a major point of contention, SAG-AFTRA didn’t waste any time responding. They released a powerful statement that pulled no punches, making their position crystal clear.
In their view, ‘Tilly Norwood’ is not an actor. They see the program as a computer-generated character built on the work of countless real performers—work that was likely used without their permission or any form of payment. It’s like a DJ sampling hundreds of songs to create a new track without crediting or paying any of the original artists.
The union’s core arguments are:
- AI Lacks Human Experience: A computer has never felt joy, heartbreak, or the simple awkwardness of a first date. SAG-AFTRA argues that without real life experience to draw from, an AI can’t deliver a performance that truly connects with audiences.
- It Devalues Human Art: The union believes this technology isn’t solving a problem. Instead, it’s creating one by threatening the livelihoods of real actors and devaluing the craft of acting itself.
- Contracts Are in Place: SAG-AFTRA also sent a clear warning to studios. Their agreements require producers to notify the union and negotiate terms before using a “synthetic performer.” They can’t just sneak an AI onto a film set.
The Vision Behind the Machine
So, what do Tilly’s creators have to say? Eline Van der Velden, the mind behind the AI talent agency Xicoia, has a very different perspective. She envisions a future with a new generation of “synthetic” cultural icons.
Imagine stars who never get tired, never age, and can interact with fans 24/7. Her goal is to create AI performers with deep personalities and stories, arguing that the technology is just a tool—it’s the human storytelling behind it that matters. It’s an ambitious vision, but one that completely sidesteps the ethical questions raised by actors.
More Than Just a Job: What’s Really at Stake?
This debate goes deeper than just actors worrying about losing their jobs. It taps into the very soul of filmmaking. Think about your favorite actor. What makes their performance special? Is it just the words they say? Or is it the subtle crack in their voice, the twinkle in their eye, or the unique energy they bring to the screen?
That’s the human element. It’s the messy, unpredictable, and beautiful part of art that an algorithm might never be able to replicate. The 2023 strikes showed us that performers are ready to fight to protect that spark. They aren’t just protecting their careers; they’re protecting the human connection that makes movies so magical in the first place.
The arrival of Tilly Norwood isn’t just a quirky news story. It’s the next chapter in an ongoing battle for the future of entertainment.
What do you think? Are you curious to see a movie starring an AI, or do you believe acting should always remain a human craft?