AI Actress Tilly Norwood Sparks Backlash, Company Launches New Talent Agency
Key Points
- Particle6 introduced AI actress Tilly Norberg and suggested agent representation.
- Hollywood actors responded angrily, citing labor agreement concerns.
- CEO Eline Van Der Velden defended the AI as a piece of art, not a human substitute.
- Particle6 launched Xicoia, an agency focused on managing AI talent.
- Xicoia will handle AI IP management and may license talent for mainstream representation when appropriate.
- The controversy highlights industry debates over AI use and copyright training.
- Tilly Norberg already has a presence on YouTube and Instagram.
The creator of AI actress Tilly Norberg, Particle6, faced criticism from Hollywood actors after suggesting the digital performer could be represented by an agent. CEO Eline Van Der Velden defended the technology as a piece of art, not a human substitute, and announced the spin‑off of an AI‑focused agency called Xicoia. The debate touches on labor agreements, AI training on copyrighted work, and the broader question of whether AI characters belong to a separate genre. Particle6 maintains that Xicoia will manage AI talent while traditional representation remains available when appropriate.
Backlash Over AI Representation
Particle6, an AI production company, announced that its digital creation, Tilly Norberg, might be represented by a talent agent. The news triggered an angry response from several Hollywood actors. In a social‑media post, actor Melissa Barrera wrote, "Hope all actors repped by the agent that does this, drop their a$$," adding, "How gross, read the room." Critics argued that using an AI actor for traditional roles could violate labor agreements with acting guilds.
Company’s Defense
In response, Particle6 CEO Eline Van Der Velden posted on the Tilly Norberg Instagram account, stating that the AI actress is "not a replacement for a human being, but a creative work -- a piece of art." She further explained, "I also believe AI characters should be judged as part of their own genre, on their own merits, rather than compared directly with human actors." Van Der Velden emphasized that the technology is meant to complement, not replace, human performers.
Launch of Xicoia
Amid the controversy, Particle6 announced the creation of a new agency, Xicoia, dedicated to managing AI talent. A company spokesperson clarified, "Xicoia creates and manages the AI talent (think IP management) but they could also license out for mainstream representation, where required/requested and where appropriate." This spin‑off signals the firm’s intention to keep traditional representation for its AI creations while offering specialized services through Xicoia.
Industry Context
The dispute arrives as the entertainment industry grapples with the role of AI tools. Earlier this year, a group of Hollywood actors petitioned to outlaw AI training on copyrighted work, highlighting concerns about job security and intellectual‑property rights. The debate over AI actors reflects broader tensions about whether digital characters belong in the same category as human performers.
Public Presence of Tilly Norberg
Tilly Norberg has already appeared in a Particle6‑produced YouTube video and maintains an Instagram account with a growing follower base. A parody account with a similar name has also emerged, underscoring the public’s interest in the AI actress.