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Tilly Norwood Creator Maps 40-Character AI Expansion as Unions Push Back

Van der Velden frames the rollout as a supervised “AI genre” under Xicoia, not an effort to replace human performers.

Overview

  • Eline Van der Velden told Deadline she plans to develop about 40 additional AI characters to build a Tilly-centered universe, with a few in progress but none ready for release.
  • She operates two AI ventures, with Xicoia producing Tilly and the planned cast of characters and Particle6 focused on creating AI imagery for specific production needs.
  • Recent shorts featuring Tilly have been overseen by a human team reportedly numbering at least 15, reflecting her claim of strict human supervision.
  • SAG-AFTRA reiterated opposition to synthetic performers and WME said it would not represent such entities, while the UK union Equity called for stronger protections around likeness and training data.
  • Van der Velden says her models use no one’s likeness without consent, claims she has rejected offers to replace real actors, cites potential carbon savings for certain shots, and notes ongoing agent interest reported by trade outlets.