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AI Actress "Tillyverse" Sparks Hollywood Debate
3 Mar
Summary
- AI talent studio Xicoia plans to expand the "Tillyverse" with new digital characters.
- SAG-AFTRA voiced concerns over AI performers using actors' work without consent.
- AI's role in entertainment is a key issue in ongoing Hollywood contract negotiations.
AI talent studio Xicoia, backed by the British production company behind the AI character Tilly Norwood, is set to launch an expanded "Tillyverse" later this year. This digital universe will feature Tilly's narrative arc, including her interactions with fans across various platforms. The company has also announced plans to introduce new AI characters to accompany Tilly.
Xicoia has appointed Mark Whelan, formerly of Amazon Prime Video, to lead these initiatives. Whelan will oversee the creation of bespoke AI talent for third parties, aiming to position Xicoia at the forefront of the AI entertainment economy. The company views this expansion as a significant acceleration in building intellectual property at scale.
The debut of Tilly Norwood last summer generated considerable industry backlash. SAG-AFTRA issued a statement expressing that Tilly was a computer-generated character trained on professional performers' work without consent or compensation. This issue remains a point of contention in ongoing contract renegotiations with Hollywood unions, including SAG-AFTRA, the Writers Guild of America, and the Directors Guild, as AI's capabilities in video and image generation continue to advance rapidly.
