After a recent stir in Hollywood, a character named “Tilly Norwood” has raised many eyebrows. Created by Eline Van Der Velden, Tilly is not a real person but an AI-generated model designed to act like a typical Gen Z influencer. Tilly’s Instagram is filled with posts of her pursuing an acting career, even claiming to have done “screen tests.”
This project ignited a wave of backlash from real actors. Many felt threatened, believing AI could one day take their jobs. For instance, actor Sophie Turner shared her disbelief, saying “Wow… no thanks.” Similarly, actor Cameron Cowperthwaite called the project “incredibly thoughtless,” expressing serious concerns about what such AI innovations might mean for human creatives.
Van Der Velden responded to the outrage by asserting that Tilly is not there to replace human actors. She argued that this AI character should be seen as an artistic creation, similar to animation or CGI. However, the real issue lies in how AI models like Tilly are developed. Actors and creators fear their work is used without consent to train these AI systems. Mara Wilson, known for her roles in Matilda and Mrs. Doubtfire, highlighted this concern, stating that many people’s hard work goes unrecognized.
The stakes are high. The anxieties surrounding AI contributed to the actors’ and writers’ strikes in Hollywood in 2023. Agreements reached during the strikes included protections around the use of AI in studios. However, there’s still worry about unauthorized AI-generated content. Major studios like Disney and Universal have started suing AI companies for using their copyrighted material without permission. For example, in June, they accused Midjourney of illegally training its AI with their content.
On a broader scale, AI is reshaping not just entertainment but many industries. According to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, 60% of Americans believe AI can enhance productivity, but 40% fear job loss due to this technology. AI’s growth continues to spark debates about the balance between innovation and protecting human labor.
As technology continues to evolve, it’s crucial to strike a balance that harnesses innovation while respecting creative contributions. The conversation around AI in Hollywood may just be the beginning of a much larger dialogue about its roles and responsibilities across all fields.
