SAG-AFTRA condemns AI actress Tilly Norwood, says, "Creates the problem of using stolen performances"

However, SAG-AFTRA, the U.S. union representing actors and other performers, issued a firm statement opposing the replacement of human actors with artificial performers.

SAG-AFTRA has strongly criticised a newly launched AI talent studio, emphasising that creativity should remain human-centred.

The controversy began after Eline Van der Velden, founder of Particle 6 Productions, introduced Xicoia at the Zurich Film Festival, calling it “the world’s first artificial intelligence talent studio” and unveiling the computer-generated actress Tilly Norwood.

However, SAG-AFTRA, the U.S. union representing actors and other performers, issued a firm statement opposing the replacement of human actors with artificial performers.

The union highlighted that Tilly Norwood is a computer-generated character created using the work of countless professional performers without their consent or payment.
As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, SAG-AFTRA said, “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."

“It has no life experience to draw from, no emotion and, from what we’ve seen, audiences aren’t interested in watching computer-generated content untethered from the human experience. It doesn’t solve any ‘problem’ — it creates the problem of using stolen performances to put actors out of work, jeopardizing performer livelihoods and devaluing human artistry," added SAG-AFTRA.

SAG-AFTRA also reminded producers that any use of synthetic performers must follow contractual rules, including providing notice and bargaining with the union.

Van der Velden responded to backlash by stating that Norwood is not meant to replace humans.

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Since the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strikes, the topic of artificial intelligence (AI) in entertainment has gained significant attention. Many people are concerned that AI may eventually replace actors or use their likenesses for illicit purposes.

Actors such as Melissa Barrera, Nicholas Alexander Chavez, Lukas Gauge, Mara Wilson, and Toni Collette condemned the release of Tilly Norwood, citing concerns about the possible effects on human actors.