While the entertainment industry is in shock at the news of the world’s first AI actor Norwood’s debut, there is a series of strong criticism, especially in Hollywood.
According to Variety on the 28th, actress, comedian, and producer Eline Van der Velden said in a panel discussion at the Zurich Summit, an industry event at the Zurich Film Festival.
Tilly Norwood is an artificial intelligence actor from Studio Xicoia under Particle 6, an AI production company founded by comedian and actor Elin van der Velden.
“Tilly Norwood is already getting attention from a number of Hollywood agencies,” Van der Velden said. “The contract is currently under discussion. Up until February this year, there were a lot of responses saying, ‘This is nothing, nothing is going to happen,’ but the response began to change in May. We will know which agency will take her on in the next few months.”
“We want to make Tilly the next Scarlett Johansson or Natalie Portman. People are now realizing that creativity doesn’t have to be stuck in budget limits. AI can be a truly positive tool when restrictions are removed. After all, changing your perspective is the key.” Tilly Norwood first began her acting career by appearing in the comedy sketch “AI Commissioner.” While AI singers and AI actors are appearing and looking at opportunities to enter the Hollywood market, industry insiders are showing cold reactions. Some actors have even publicly protested.
Melissa Barrera of the Actors Community criticized, “I want all actors from the agency that will take on this AI actor to leave this company. It’s so disgusting,” and Kiercy Clemons shouted, “What’s the name of that Airjinsi?”
“This AI woman is a composite of the faces of hundreds of young women in real life,” former child actor Mara Wilson said. “Why didn’t you just hire one of them?” Tony Collette expressed displeasure by leaving a screaming emoji.
“Tilly Norwood is not meant to replace humans,” Van der Velden said in a statement, amid controversy not only among the actors but also among the public. Rather, it is a creation and a work of art, he said. “I think the fact that it raises controversy itself shows the power of creativity, as many art has been.”
“I see AI as a new tool and brush, not as a replacement for people. Just as animation, puppet shows, and CGI opened up new possibilities but didn’t take away live acting, AI is also another way of imagining and telling stories,” he said. “I’m also an actor. Nothing, not even AI characters can take away the joy and value of human acting.”
JENNIFER KIM
US ASIA JOURNAL
