The debate over AI in Hollywood has escalated after SAG-AFTRA released a powerful statement condemning Tilly Norwood, an AI-generated “actress” developed by Eline Van der Velden’s production studio, Particle6.
The controversy began when Van der Velden claimed that multiple talent agents expressed interest in representing the AI character. But according to SAG-AFTRA, synthetic performers threaten to undermine human creativity and the livelihoods of working actors.
SAG-AFTRA: Creativity Must Remain Human
In its statement, the acting guild made it clear that AI characters like Tilly Norwood cannot replace professional performers.
“To be clear, ‘Tilly Norwood’ is not an actor — it’s a character generated by a computer program that was trained on the work of countless professional performers, without permission or compensation,” SAG-AFTRA declared.
The union emphasized that AI creations lack the emotions, life experiences, and authenticity that human performers bring to the screen. They added that such creations are not solving problems in the industry but instead create new challenges by devaluing artistry and risking jobs for actors.
SAG-AFTRA also warned producers that under their contracts, synthetic performers cannot be used without proper notice and negotiation, reinforcing the guild’s commitment to protecting human talent.
Creator Defends AI Actress Tilly Norwood
In response to the backlash, Van der Velden defended her creation, insisting that Tilly was never intended to replace actors.
“I see AI not as a replacement for people, but as a new tool, a new paintbrush,” she said. “Just as animation, puppetry, or CGI opened fresh possibilities without taking away from live acting, AI offers another way to imagine and build stories.”
Van der Velden, who is also an actress, stressed that AI cannot and will not replace the joy or craft of live performance. Instead, she positions Tilly as a creative art form, similar to puppetry or animation.
Hollywood Stars Speak Out
The backlash hasn’t been limited to SAG-AFTRA. Several actors and celebrities have spoken out against the idea of AI “actors.”
- Melissa Barrera, Kiersey Clemons, and Mara Wilson voiced concerns about synthetic performers on social media.
- Whoopi Goldberg, during an episode of The View, openly questioned the validity of AI actors:
“You can always tell them from us. We move differently, our faces move differently, our bodies move differently.”
The Future of AI in Hollywood
The controversy around Tilly Norwood highlights the growing tension between AI innovation in filmmaking and the protection of human actors’ careers. While some see AI characters as creative tools, others view them as a direct threat to jobs and the authenticity of storytelling.
With SAG-AFTRA drawing a firm line against synthetic performers, the battle over how AI fits into Hollywood’s future is just beginning.
