At the recent Zurich Summit, a significant announcement marked a new chapter for the acting profession: the introduction of Tilly Norwood. This computer-generated performer is quickly capturing the attention of prominent Hollywood talent agents, signaling a potential revolution in how stars are created and managed. The AI talent studio behind Tilly, Xicoia, explicitly states its ambition for her to achieve the stature of a leading human actress, such as Scarlett Johansson.
Tilly Norwood is the inaugural creation of Xicoia, an innovative AI talent studio established by Eline Van der Velden, an accomplished actress and producer. Van der Velden notes a rapid transformation in the industry's stance on AI, with many previously hesitant studios now demonstrating genuine interest. This shift follows a year marked by significant labor disputes, where the increasing influence of AI in Hollywood was a primary concern for actors and writers. While some embrace these technological advancements, others voice strong opposition. Celebrated actors, including Melissa Barrera, have publicly condemned the adoption of AI actresses and called for a boycott of any agency that chooses to represent them. The core of this discussion revolves around whether AI can truly replicate the depth of human creativity and the value of human labor.
In a recent interview with Broadcast International, Van der Velden articulated Xicoia's aspirations for Tilly. She stated, \"Our goal is for Tilly to reach the iconic status of a Scarlett Johansson or Natalie Portman. People are beginning to understand that creativity doesn't have to be limited by financial constraints; AI removes these boundaries, opening up new creative possibilities. It's simply about adjusting people's perceptions.\" Currently, Tilly Norwood exists in a unique position: an unproven star with immense promise whose debut has compelled the entertainment sector to confront a future it once sought to avoid, blending technological innovation with traditional artistic expression.