Hollywood Publicists divided Over Representation of AI Actress tilly Norwood
LOS ANGELES, February 29, 2024 – The impending arrival of AI actress Tilly Norwood into Hollywood has sparked debate among industry publicists and talent agencies, with opinions sharply divided over whether the digital creation requires customary representation. While Particle6, the company behind Tilly, claims an announcement regarding her signing with a Hollywood agency is imminent, several prominent firms have already publicly stated they will not be representing the AI performer.
Tilly gained attention for her realistic digital performance, including the ability to simulate emotional responses like crying, showcased in the sketch “AI Commissioner.” This has fueled speculation about her potential for roles in television and film, and consequently, the need for a publicist to manage press engagements and shape her public image.
However, some industry professionals question the necessity of such representation. A source familiar with the situation adds, “I do not think they need a publicist.”
Particle6 insists Tilly identifies as female, clarifying that her pronouns are she/her, countering more common usage in recent press coverage. The company also reports meaningful media interest, stating, “Everyone wants an interview with Tilly.”
Despite this demand, Gersh president Leslie Siebert told Variety she “would not be surprised if the AI creation lands at an agency,” but affirmed, “we’re not going to be that agency.” Similarly, WME co-chairman Richard Weitz told The Wrap simply, “We represent humans.”
Tyler Merritt, chief technology officer at UneeQ, a talent agency specializing in AI human influencers, suggests a detailed backstory is currently being developed for Tilly to facilitate consistent responses during interviews. He notes the challenge of maintaining continuity with AI, but also points out that the imperfections of human actors contribute to authenticity. “The beauty in humanity is the imperfection, not the perfection,” Merritt said.
The debate highlights the evolving landscape of talent representation in an era where artificial intelligence is increasingly capable of mimicking human performance. Whether Tilly Norwood will ultimately secure traditional representation remains to be seen, but her case is already forcing Hollywood to confront the unique challenges and opportunities presented by AI actors.
