Canadian Union Condemns AI-Generated 'Tilly Norwood' as Synthetic Competition

In a significant development, the Canadian actors' union ACTRA has strongly condemned the AI-generated 'Tilly Norwood' creation as "synthetic competition" that has no place in the entertainment industry. ACTRA's national executive director and chief negotiator, Marie Kelly, stated that 'Tilly's' existence is merely "lines of code, wrongfully based and programmed from actual human performance," and that there is no room for replacing performers with such synthetics.

The industry uproar over 'Tilly Norwood' comes as the film and TV sector grapples with the increasing intersection of AI and production. Unions, including SAG-AFTRA in the US and Equity in the UK, have also condemned the use of AI-generated performers, arguing that they do not engage audiences with human creativity and lack the essential attributes of real performers.

Kelly emphasized that performers are deeply concerned about their craft, place in the entertainment world, and their livelihoods, as they now face competition from synthetic entities that do not contribute to society in the same way. She warned that this must serve as a "wake-up call" for the Canadian government to address the growing threat of AI and pass strong laws to protect against its misuse, especially in terms of moral rights.

The controversy surrounding 'Tilly Norwood' highlights the broader tensions in the industry as it grapples with the rapid advancements in AI technology and the potential impact on human performers. Unions are determined to safeguard the integrity of the craft and the livelihoods of their members, underscoring the need for robust regulations to ensure a fair and equitable future for the entertainment industry.