Backlash over talent agencies wanting to represent an AI actress

AI-generated actress Tilly Norwood is causing a stir in the film industry after Particle6, the UK-based studio behind her, recently said it’s in talks with talent agencies to represent the hyperreal digital actress.

If signed, Norwood would be among the first AI-generated stars with traditional talent representation.

Particle6 CEO Eline Van der Velden, who is an actress herself, said in July that she wanted Norwood “to be the next Scarlett Johansson or Natalie Portman.”

However, the buzz around Norwood quickly turned sour. Critics, especially actors, slammed the idea of talent agents representing the AI character. Stars like Melissa Barrera, Kiersey Clemons, Mara Wilson, Lukas Gage, and Toni Collette voiced frustration online. Some called for boycotts of any agency that signs her.

To put out fires, Van der Velden insisted in a social media post that Norwood is “not a replacement for a human being, but a creative work.” She likened the AI actress to a creative tool, such as animation, puppetry, and CGI.

The controversy highlights a growing divide between the possibilities of AI technology and the fears of media performers.