In a bold response to recent developments in the entertainment industry, SAG-AFTRA, Hollywood’s influential actors union, has addressed the growing concern surrounding the potential representation of AI-generated actress Tilly Norwood by talent agents. This revelation, first reported by Deadline over the weekend, has sparked significant debate regarding the role of artificial intelligence in creative fields.
The union firmly stated, “SAG-AFTRA believes creativity is, and should remain, human-centered. The union is opposed to the replacement of human performers by synthetics.” In their official statement, they emphasized that Tilly Norwood is not a real actor but rather a character produced by a computer program trained on the performances of numerous professionals, all without their consent or compensation.
“This character lacks life experience, emotional depth, and, based on our observations, audiences are not interested in watching content generated by computers, detached from the human experience,” the union continued. They warned that the introduction of AI-generated performers does not resolve any existing issues; instead, it creates new challenges by utilizing stolen performances that threaten the livelihoods of human actors and devalue authentic artistry.
SAG-AFTRA also made it clear that any producers who sign on to use synthetic performers must adhere to contractual obligations, which mandate proper notice and negotiation whenever a synthetic performer is involved. This statement serves as a crucial reminder for studios and media companies considering the incorporation of AI technology into their production processes.
The news has ignited a wave of backlash from the acting community. Prominent actors, including Melissa Barrera and Kiersey Clemons, have publicly expressed their outrage over the potential development. Veteran performers such as Whoopi Goldberg and Emily Blunt have also joined the conversation, highlighting the significant concerns regarding the implications of AI in the arts.
Actor, comedian, and technologist Eline Van der Velden revealed during a panel at the Zurich Summit that she is in discussions with various talent agents interested in representing her AI-generated creation, Tilly Norwood. With her AI-focused production company Particle 6, Van der Velden launched Tilly Norwood on social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube over the summer.
In response to the backlash, Van der Velden issued a statement on Monday, clarifying her vision for Tilly Norwood. She stated, “I see Tilly Norwood not as a replacement for a human being, but as a creative work – a piece of art.” This perspective underscores the ongoing debate about the intersection of artificial intelligence and human creativity in the entertainment industry.
The ongoing discourse surrounding AI-generated performers like Tilly Norwood raises critical questions about the future of creativity and representation in Hollywood. As the industry navigates these uncharted waters, the stance of SAG-AFTRA serves as a pivotal reminder of the value of human artistry and the need for ethical considerations in the age of technology.
