AI Actress Tilly Norwood's Funding Sparks Debate in the Entertainment Industry
The world of entertainment is abuzz with the rise of AI-generated characters, but not everyone is thrilled.
Eline Van Der Velden, the creator of the AI actress Tilly Norwood, has addressed concerns regarding the funding behind this groundbreaking technology. In a statement to Deadline, Van Der Velden clarified that Tilly Norwood's development did not involve any funding from the British Film Institute (BFI).
But here's where it gets controversial: Alexa Morden, an actress and podcast host, raised alarms upon discovering a grant from the BFI's UK Global Screen Fund to Van Der Velden's company, Particle6. Morden worries that public funds might be used to create technology that could replace human actors, especially those with lower profiles.
Van Der Velden quickly responded, assuring that the £120,000 grant was not connected to Norwood's creation. Instead, it was used to support Particle6's international growth strategy, including attending global events and acquiring new intellectual property. The BFI spokesperson confirmed this, stating that the grant was unrelated to Xicioa, the company behind Norwood.
The story gets more intricate: Initially, when Norwood was introduced, Particle6 claimed credit for her creation. However, Van Der Velden now explains that Xicioa, a separate company she founded, owns the IP for Norwood and was funded by her personal investment. Particle6, meanwhile, provides support under a service agreement.
This clarification comes as a relief to many in the acting community, who fear the potential job displacement AI avatars could bring. Yet, it also raises questions about the transparency of funding sources and the long-term implications of AI in the entertainment industry.
Particle6, an AI production company, has received support from various sources, including Channel 4 and Creative UK, in addition to the BFI grant. As AI technology continues to advance, the debate over its role in the creative sector is likely to intensify, leaving many to wonder: Is AI a friend or foe to human creativity?
