AI actress Tilly Norwood’s creator plans to develop a universe of characters featuring innovative narrative technology.
The emergence of Tilly Norwood, an artificial intelligence-generated character, has sparked significant debate regarding the implications of using AI in the entertainment industry. Eline Van der Velden, the actress and technologist behind Tilly and founder of the AI production studio Particle 6, is poised to develop numerous additional synthetic performers. This decision comes on the heels of widespread criticism from industry professionals and organizations, including the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), which has raised concerns about the potential impact of AI on traditional acting careers.
Van der Velden announced plans to create 40 distinct and diverse characters to expand Tilly’s universe within a specialized AI genre. She remarked that the development process for each character is intricate and often lengthy, noting that Tilly herself was the result of a six-month effort. Although Van der Velden is still in the early stages of this ambitious project, the announcement is expected to face backlash, particularly from industry unions advocating for the rights and livelihoods of human performers.
Concerns around the rise of AI characters have intensified, particularly since the conclusion of SAG-AFTRA’s 118-day work stoppage in 2023, which addressed various issues, including the relationship between AI and human actors. In a recent statement, SAG-AFTRA emphasized the importance of creativity remaining a fundamentally human endeavor and reiterated its opposition to the use of synthetic performers as replacements for those in the industry. The union pointed out that Tilly is a computer-generated character that lacks the emotional depth and life experiences inherent to human actors, adding that her creation involved utilizing the work of countless performers without their consent or compensation.
In response to these criticisms, Van der Velden defended her work, arguing that the creation of synthetic characters like Tilly does not infringe upon the rights of human actors. She asserted that her studio ensures fair compensation and explicit consent from individuals whose likenesses may be used. Furthermore, Van der Velden posited that AI technology not only complements traditional filmmaking but also reduces budgets and carbon footprints associated with production. She suggested that projects leveraging AI can be environmentally sustainable and safer for crews.
The innovation represented by Tilly Norwood and future AI characters raises fundamental questions about the intersections of technology, art, and labor in the entertainment sector. As the discourse surrounding AI in Hollywood evolves, the responses from both industry stakeholders and audiences will play a crucial role in shaping its trajectory. In this dynamic environment, the balance between embracing technological advancements and protecting traditional artistry remains a pivotal challenge for all involved in entertainment.
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