In brief
A synthetic performer named Tilly Norwood, developed by Dutch creators, has ignited a backlash in Hollywood. Stars like Emily Blunt and Natasha Lyonne have condemned the AI's existence, arguing it undermines human artistry. The Screen Actors Guild warns that technology like Norwood could threaten actors' livelihoods, reigniting debates from previous industry strikes over AI's role in entertainment.
An AI actor named Tilly Norwood has been causing a stir after its Dutch creators said the synthetic performer is in talks with talent agencies. Norwood could be mistaken for a young, aspiring actress when one glances at its social media. The brunette poses for photos and showcases a fully AI-generated comedy sketch, where it is described as having girl next door vibes. I may be AI, but I'm feeling very real emotions right now, Tilly's creators wrote on her page. I am so excited for what's coming next!Hollywood is not rolling out the red carpet. Its powerful actors union has condemned the creation, along with A-list stars like Emily Blunt, Natasha Lyonne, and Whoopi Goldberg. Norwood is not an actor, it's a character generated by a computer program that was trained on the work of countless professional performers, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, or SAG-AFTRA, said in a statement. It has no life experience to draw from, no emotion and, from what we've seen, audiences aren't interested in watching computer-generated content untethered from the human experience. The AI actor was created by Dutch actor and comedian Eline Van der Velden, who reportedly said she wanted Norwood to become the next Scarlett Johansson. Amid the anger in Hollywood, the creator insists that Tilly is not a replacement for human beings but rather a piece of creative art. The ongoing debate raises important questions about the role of AI in the acting industry, continuing the discourse on how technology influences creative professions.
