Tilly Norwood Creator Says She’s Got 40 More Just Like “Her” in the Works
In an unexpected twist in the world of generative AI, Eline Van Der Velden, the creator of the AI character Tilly Norwood, has announced that she has at least 40 more characters in development, further diversifying her vision for AI in entertainment. Tilly Norwood has already captured significant media attention, sparking discussions within Hollywood about the ethical implications of AI-generated personas. With plans to expand her fictional universe, Van Der Velden’s comments about Tilly Norwood underscore a growing movement in the film industry to blend creativity with artificial intelligence.
The Rise of Tilly Norwood
When Eline Van Der Velden remarks that she didn’t foresee the whirlwind of attention surrounding Tilly Norwood, it’s understandable. Initially, her comments about the AI character came during a relatively low-key panel at an industry event associated with the Zurich Film Festival. The narrative shifted dramatically when trade publication Deadline highlighted her claim that a Hollywood agency was interested in Tilly, featuring the sensational headline “Talent Agents Circle AI Actress Tilly Norwood.” Following that, the discussion took off, drawing reactions from prominent creators and talent agencies alike.
WME, one of the leading talent agencies, publicly stated its refusal to sign AI creations like Tilly Norwood, while the actors’ union SAG issued statements advocating for alarmed oversight of this emerging technology. These responses were certainly not what Van Der Velden had anticipated, as discussed in her recent interview with Deadline. Despite the backlash, she remains undeterred, revealing that she has ambitious plans for about 40 additional AI characters similar to Tilly Norwood, currently at various stages of development.
A Vision for the Future
Van Der Velden leads two companies focused on generative AI, both designed with the Hollywood landscape in mind. Tilly Norwood and her soon-to-be siblings are produced by a company named Xicoia. According to Van Der Velden, “The plan is to create 40 very diverse characters to build her whole universe and to play in this AI genre with a whole new cast.” Xicoia aims to create a new wave of stars within a framework that consists entirely of AI-driven content. She emphasizes that this endeavor involves human oversight, maintaining that a dedicated team is in place for the development of Tilly Norwood’s character.
In contrast, her other venture, Particle6, is expected to collaborate with Hollywood studios for specific visual designs within traditional filmmaking. She cites an example from last year’s film, The Brutalist, highlighting how the industry has already begun integrating this tech to enhance existing footage.
Ethical Considerations and Industry Impact
Despite the flood of offers surrounding Tilly Norwood, including from talent agencies, Van Der Velden asserts she is committed to ethical practices. She emphasizes that while she is unable to shield industry professionals from extensive systemic changes, she has resolutely turned down proposals to use her AI model as a stand-in for existing actors. “That would cross too many ethical lines,” she states. Additionally, she is cautious about image rights, insisting that Tilly Norwood was developed without infringing on any current performer’s likeness.
While some may view this technology as detrimental to creative endeavors, Van Der Velden is optimistic, claiming that it could herald a “creative renaissance.” She believes the established film and television genres will persist, stating, “I want to see real actors on screen. I don’t think AI characters will be in that space—it’s not going to move that fast.” Her comments suggest not only a desire to coexist with traditional acting but also a commitment to fostering authentic creativity in an evolving landscape.
