Overview

• SAG-AFTRA’s formal statement asserts “Tilly Norwood is not an actor” and alleges the system was trained on countless professionals’ performances without permission or compensation.
• Tilly was created by Particle6’s Xicoia unit and presented at the Zurich Film Festival after debuting in an all‑AI short, AI Commissioner, produced without live‑action filming.
• Creator Eline Van der Velden defends Tilly as a creative artwork and cost‑saving tool, saying talent agencies have shown interest with a representation announcement expected in the coming months.
• High‑profile actors including Emily Blunt, Melissa Barrera, Mara Wilson, Whoopi Goldberg and Sophie Turner condemned the project, warning of job threats and a diminished human connection.
• The clash underscores gaps left by 2023 strike agreements, as legal fights over AI training data continue and no clear rules yet block third‑party synthetic performers.