In a groundbreaking move for the entertainment industry, AI talent studio Xicoia has introduced its first digitally generated “actor,” Tilly Norwood, to the Hollywood landscape. This innovative avatar has sparked a heated discussion among real-life actors regarding the implications of AI in acting, following a report by Deadline that several talent agencies are considering signing Norwood. The launch has prompted a call to action from various actors, including Melissa Barrera and Kiersey Clemons, who have voiced their concerns about the potential consequences of AI in the acting profession.
In response to the news, Melissa Barrera took to her Instagram Story to express her dismay, stating, “Hope all actors repped by the agent that does this, drop their a$$.” She criticized the agencies interested in representing Norwood, urging them to “read the room.” Kiersey Clemons echoed Barrera's sentiments, demanding transparency by asking for the names of the agents involved in this controversial decision.
Other actors joined the conversation on social media, with Jenna Leigh Green questioning the implications of AI in the wake of the 2023 SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes, which focused on acceptable uses of AI technology. Mara Wilson raised a poignant issue, asking, “What about the hundreds of living young women whose faces were composited together to make her? You couldn’t hire any of them?” This highlights the ethical concerns surrounding the creation of digital actors like Tilly Norwood.
While the introduction of Tilly Norwood has generated serious discussions about the future of acting, some actors opted to inject humor into the conversation. Lukas Gage joked about the challenges of working with a digital actor, stating, “She was a nightmare to work with!!!! She couldn’t hit her mark and she was late!” Odessa A’zion humorously complained, “She threw coffee in my FACE!!!” Trace Lysette added, “She cut me in line at lunch one day and didn’t even say excuse me. She won’t get far.” These humorous anecdotes provide a lighter perspective on the serious implications of AI in acting.
Xicoia, part of AI production studio Particle6, was officially launched by founder Eline Van der Velden at the Zurich Film Festival conference. The studio aims to create, manage, and monetize a new generation of hyper-real digital stars. During the panel discussion, Van der Velden shared insights on the evolving industry landscape, stating, “We were in a lot of boardrooms around February time, and everyone was like, ‘No, this is nothing. It’s not going to happen.'” However, by May, the conversation had shifted, with many expressing interest in collaborating with Xicoia.
As the industry anticipates the announcement of which agency will represent Tilly Norwood, Xicoia remains focused on developing AI talent for various platforms, including film, TV, podcasts, TikTok, YouTube, brand campaigns, and video games. These digital actors will feature comprehensive backstories, distinct voices, and the capability to engage with fans in real time. Operating with a hybrid model of human creative oversight combined with autonomous AI responsiveness, these avatars are designed to adapt to audience preferences and trends.
The unveiling of Tilly Norwood by Xicoia raises significant questions about the role of AI in the entertainment industry. As actors and creators grapple with the implications of AI-generated talent, the conversation around ethics, employment, and the future of performance art continues to evolve. The responses from industry professionals reflect a broader concern about maintaining the integrity of acting as a craft. As Xicoia prepares to launch more digital stars, the dialogue about the future of AI in Hollywood will undoubtedly intensify.
