Hollywood is grappling with the rise of AI-generated performers, exemplified by the AI actress Tilly Norwood. Unions like SAG-AFTRA and ACTRA, along with talent agencies such as WME, have voiced strong opposition, arguing that AI characters are trained on human actors' work without consent or compensation, posing a threat to jobs and devaluing human artistry. Despite creators claiming AI like Norwood is a "piece of art" and not a replacement, concerns about job displacement and the ethical use of AI in creative fields persist, echoing issues from the 2023 actors' strike. Meanwhile, the broader tech industry sees AI as a powerful tool for innovation and accessibility. Mark Cuban champions AI as a "great democratizer" for disadvantaged youth, enabling them to access resources and compete with experienced professionals. Companies are actively integrating AI: Netflix is seeking a high-paying Product Manager for generative AI to boost productivity, Amazon's Bedrock AgentCore is speeding up AI development, and Meta plans to use chatbot conversations for personalized ads. Shopify is partnering with OpenAI to enable direct sales within ChatGPT conversations, ushering in "agentic commerce." Mexico is also developing regulations for AI in its arts and culture sectors to protect copyrights and labor. However, the evolving nature of AI-powered threats, like deepfakes, necessitates updated security training, as highlighted by Adaptive Security CEO Brian Long. The global economic impact of the AI investment boom is also a subject of upcoming expert discussion.
Key Takeaways
- Hollywood actors and unions, including SAG-AFTRA and ACTRA, are strongly opposing AI-generated performers like Tilly Norwood, citing concerns over job displacement and the unauthorized use of actors' work.
- Talent agencies like WME are refusing to represent AI performers, emphasizing their commitment to human talent and the lack of a "human connection" with AI characters.
- Mark Cuban views AI as a "great democratizer," providing essential resources and opportunities for young, low-income entrepreneurs to compete in the market.
- Netflix is offering a high salary, up to $700,000 annually, for a remote Product Manager focused on generative AI to enhance internal productivity.
- Meta will begin using conversations from its AI chatbots to personalize advertisements on Instagram and Facebook, excluding sensitive topics from ad targeting.
- Amazon has launched Bedrock AgentCore to simplify and accelerate the development and deployment of AI agents for businesses.
- Shopify is partnering with OpenAI to allow merchants to sell products directly within ChatGPT conversations, enabling "agentic commerce."
- Mexico is working on legal reforms to regulate AI in its arts and culture industries, focusing on copyright protection and labor contracts.
- AI-powered threats, such as deepfakes and vishing, are evolving rapidly, requiring updated security awareness training for organizations.
- The global economic impact of the AI investment boom is being analyzed, with discussions on its support for economic activity and potential future trends.
AI actress Tilly Norwood sparks Hollywood job fears
An AI-generated actress named Tilly Norwood has caused a stir in Hollywood, leading to backlash from unions and actors. Producers claim Norwood, created by London-based studio Particle6, is the 'next Scarlett Johansson.' However, SAG-AFTRA, representing 160,000 performers, opposes replacing human actors with synthetics, arguing AI creations are trained on real performers' work without permission. Experts also question the marketability of fully synthetic actors, noting they lack a real fan base. While Norwood's creators state she is a work of art, not a replacement, the debate highlights growing concerns about AI's impact on creative jobs.
WME won't sign AI actress Tilly Norwood, citing 'human business'
WME Group leaders have stated they will not represent Tilly Norwood, an AI-generated actress, emphasizing their commitment to representing human talent. This decision comes amid reports that Norwood's creators are seeking agency representation for the AI character. Agency leaders believe there is no human connection with AI performers and are not interested in this area of business. Other agencies like Gersh Agency have also expressed similar sentiments. The controversy highlights ongoing concerns in Hollywood about AI potentially replacing human jobs.
Hollywood actors slam AI actress Tilly Norwood
The creation of an AI-generated actress named Tilly Norwood has sparked significant backlash in Hollywood. Actors like Sophie Turner and Cameron Cowperthwaite have criticized the project, with some calling it 'disturbing.' Tilly's creator, Eline Van der Velden of Particle6, states the AI character is a 'piece of art' and not meant to replace human actors. However, many performers argue that AI creations are trained on their work without consent or compensation, raising fears about job displacement. The controversy echoes concerns that were central to the 2023 Hollywood strikes.
SAG-AFTRA condemns AI actress Tilly Norwood
The SAG-AFTRA union has publicly denounced Tilly Norwood, an AI-generated character presented as an actress, calling her 'disgusting' and a threat to human artistry. Norwood's creator, Eline Van der Velden, claims the AI is a 'piece of art' and not a replacement for human actors. However, SAG-AFTRA argues that Norwood is a computer program trained on real performers' work without permission or compensation, lacking life experience and emotion. The union is opposed to replacing human performers with synthetics, emphasizing the potential for job loss and devaluing human creativity.
Hollywood union opposes AI actress Tilly Norwood
The SAG-AFTRA actors union has strongly condemned the AI-generated 'actress' Tilly Norwood, calling her a 'synthetic' that threatens human performers. Norwood's creator, Eline Van der Velden, claims the AI is art and not a replacement for humans. However, SAG-AFTRA states Norwood is a computer program trained on real actors' work without consent or compensation, lacking genuine emotion and life experience. This controversy highlights the ongoing tension between AI advancements and the livelihoods of human actors, a key issue during the 2023 contract negotiations.
AI actress Tilly Norwood sparks Hollywood backlash
The debut of AI actress Tilly Norwood has ignited a firestorm in Hollywood, with actors and the SAG-AFTRA union expressing strong opposition. Norwood's creator, Eline Van der Velden, claims the AI character is a 'piece of art' and not intended to replace humans. However, SAG-AFTRA argues that Norwood is trained on real performers' work without consent or compensation, lacking genuine emotion and life experience. The union is firmly against replacing human performers with synthetics, citing concerns about job security and the devaluation of human artistry.
AI actress Tilly Norwood faces Hollywood criticism
Tilly Norwood, an AI-generated actress, is facing significant criticism from Hollywood professionals and the SAG-AFTRA union. Her creator, Eline Van der Velden, aims for Norwood to be the 'next Scarlett Johansson' and claims talent agencies are interested in representing her. However, actors like Toni Colette and Natasha Lyonne have voiced strong opposition, with SAG-AFTRA stating Norwood is a computer program trained on performers' work without consent. Van der Velden maintains Norwood is art and a new tool, not a replacement for human actors.
Hollywood reacts to AI actress Tilly Norwood
The emergence of AI actress Tilly Norwood has caused an uproar in Hollywood, with talent agents reportedly showing interest in representing her. Norwood's creator, Eline Van der Velden, defends her as a 'piece of art' and an 'act of imagination.' However, actors like Emily Blunt and Chelsea Edmunson express concerns, with Edmunson stating it's not surprising the first major AI actor is a controllable young woman. SAG-AFTRA opposes replacing human performers with synthetics, arguing Norwood is trained on stolen performances without compensation, jeopardizing actor livelihoods.
AI director FellinAI debuts with 'The Sweet Idleness'
Following the controversy surrounding AI actress Tilly Norwood, producer Andrea Iervolino has announced a project directed by an AI named FellinAI. The film, 'The Sweet Idleness,' features AI performers from Actor+, a company that uses likenesses of real people. Iervolino claims FellinAI is a 'director who never sleeps' and that this approach offers an alternative creation method, not a replacement for traditional cinema. This development adds to the growing debate about AI's role in filmmaking and its potential impact on human creative professionals.
Should Hollywood use AI actors?
The introduction of AI actress Tilly Norwood by Xicoia has sparked a debate about using AI performers in Hollywood. SAG-AFTRA reaffirmed its opposition, stating Norwood is a computer program trained on real actors' work without consent or compensation, which devalues human artistry and jeopardizes livelihoods. Norwood's creator, Eline Van der Velden, argues AI is art and a new tool, not a replacement. The controversy highlights the ongoing concerns about AI's impact on jobs, following the 2023 actors' strike that secured AI protections.
AI actress Tilly Norwood fuels Hollywood AI anxiety
The AI-generated composite Tilly Norwood is set to be signed by a talent agency, causing significant backlash from Hollywood actors and filmmakers. SAG-AFTRA condemned the use of 'stolen performances' without compensation, highlighting fears that AI could replace human performers. This controversy reignites concerns from the 2023 actors' strike, where AI protections were a key demand. Norwood's creator, Eline Van der Velden, calls her a 'piece of art,' but SAG-AFTRA president Sean Astin disputes this, stating the material used was improperly obtained from SAG-AFTRA members' work.
AI actress Tilly Norwood sparks Hollywood debate
Tilly Norwood, an AI-generated character, is causing a stir in Hollywood as talent agents reportedly consider signing her. Actors like Emily Blunt and Whoopi Goldberg have voiced concerns, and the SAG-AFTRA union opposes replacing human performers with synthetics. The union argues Norwood is trained on actors' work without permission or compensation, devaluing human artistry and jeopardizing livelihoods. While Norwood's creator sees AI as a tool, experts like Dennis Staroselsky and Cansu Canca acknowledge the potential for AI to significantly impact acting jobs, though they also see potential for AI to democratize filmmaking.
Canadian union slams AI actress Tilly Norwood
ACTRA, the Canadian union for actors, has criticized the AI-generated character Tilly Norwood as 'synthetic competition.' ACTRA national executive director Marie Kelly stated that Norwood is 'nothing but lines of code' based on human performances without consent. The union rejects replacing performers with synthetics, emphasizing that AI lacks human creativity and societal contribution. This follows similar condemnations from SAG-AFTRA in the U.S. and Equity in the U.K., highlighting global concerns about AI's impact on acting jobs and the ethical use of performers' work.
Mark Cuban calls AI 'great democratizer' for entrepreneurs
Billionaire Mark Cuban believes artificial intelligence is a 'great democratizer,' providing unprecedented access to resources for young, low-income entrepreneurs. He stated that 14 to 18-year-olds can now access the best professors and consultants through AI tools, enabling them to compete with seasoned professionals. Cuban uses AI extensively at his company Cost Plus Drugs for tasks like competitor research and app development. He advises college students to seek opportunities at smaller companies needing AI expertise and prefers a reactive approach to AI regulation over preemptive roadblocks.
Mark Cuban: AI helps disadvantaged youth compete
Mark Cuban believes AI is a 'great democratizer' that empowers disadvantaged young people to compete in the workforce. He explained that AI tools provide access to top-tier educational resources and expertise, leveling the playing field. Cuban uses AI daily for various tasks, including developing software for his company, Cost Plus Drugs. He advises recent graduates to focus on smaller companies that value AI skills, seeing AI proficiency as a fundamental requirement similar to email or Excel.
Netflix seeks AI expert for $700K remote role
Netflix is offering a high-paying, fully remote position for a Product Manager focused on generative AI, with a salary range of $240,000 to $700,000 annually. The role involves shaping AI solutions to boost employee productivity across the company, from content recommendations to production. Candidates need at least six years of product management experience and expertise in machine learning concepts. This initiative is part of Netflix's broader strategy to integrate AI throughout its operations, aiming to enhance efficiency and maintain a competitive edge.
Netflix offers $700K for remote AI job
Netflix is actively recruiting for a fully remote Product Manager role focused on generative AI, offering a salary up to $700,000. This position is crucial to Netflix's strategy of integrating AI into its operations, including content recommendations and production. The role requires a Bachelor's degree, six years of product management experience, and expertise in enterprise applications and AI technologies. The high compensation reflects the competitive demand for AI talent, with Netflix aiming to leverage AI for internal productivity and efficiency.
Meta to use chatbot chats for ads
Starting December 16, Meta will use conversations from its AI chatbot to personalize advertisements on Instagram and Facebook. Users in the UK, South Korea, and the EU will initially be exempt from this policy. Meta, which heavily relies on advertising revenue, will exclude sensitive topics like sex, politics, and race from ad targeting. This move follows similar strategies by Google and reflects Meta's ongoing efforts to leverage user data for targeted advertising.
Amazon Bedrock AgentCore speeds up AI development
Amazon has launched the Bedrock AgentCore Model Context Protocol (MCP) Server to accelerate the creation of AI agents. This new tool simplifies the entire agent lifecycle, from development to production, by automating tasks like environment setup, dependency installation, and tool integration. Developers can use conversational commands with coding assistants to manage these processes, significantly reducing the time and complexity involved. The AgentCore MCP Server supports various agentic IDEs and aims to make building AI solutions more efficient for businesses.
Melania Trump shares AI body double video
Melania Trump has shared an AI-generated video of herself on X, captioned 'Into The Future.' The video features a digital likeness of her materializing in a setting resembling Trump Tower. This follows a trend of AI-generated content from the Trump family, with President Trump frequently posting AI videos on Truth Social. The release of the AI body double video comes amidst ongoing speculation and rumors about Melania Trump using body doubles for public appearances since the early days of the Trump administration.
AI attacks changing security training
Brian Long, CEO of Adaptive Security, believes AI-powered attacks like deepfakes and vishing are rapidly evolving and require new approaches to security awareness training. His company provides customized simulated attacks, including real-time deepfake phone calls, to prepare employees. Long notes that AI tools make creating such threats accessible to almost anyone, making traditional training methods outdated. He emphasizes the urgent need for organizations to adapt their defenses as AI threats become more prevalent and sophisticated.
AI investment boom's global economic impact
A webinar on October 14, 2025, will explore the global economic implications of the AI investment boom. Experts from Oxford Economics will discuss how AI investments have supported US and global economic activity and whether this trend will continue into 2026. The session will also examine potential catalysts for a downturn in AI investment and the resulting economic spillovers. The webinar will be held on the ON24 platform with sessions in London, Hong Kong, and New York.
Shopify partners with OpenAI for AI shopping
Shopify has partnered with OpenAI to integrate its platform with ChatGPT, allowing merchants to sell products directly within AI-driven conversations. This collaboration aims to connect shoppers with millions of products seamlessly, enabling purchases without disrupting their AI interactions. Shopify merchants will have real-time access to product data like pricing and inventory. This move positions Shopify as a leader in 'agentic commerce,' where transactions occur fluidly within AI dialogues, helping small businesses thrive in the evolving retail landscape.
Mexico plans AI regulation for arts and culture
Mexico is developing a legal reform to regulate artificial intelligence in its creative industries, including dubbing, animation, and cinema. The reform aims to protect creative works and copyrights from AI misuse, such as replicating voices or images without consent. It will also incorporate labor contract protections and expand the 'Made in Mexico' certification to creative sectors. The government is collaborating with over 128 organizations to draft legislation that could amend Mexico's Federal Copyright Law, with finalization expected by year-end.
Sources
- Tilly Norwood, world’s first AI actor, sparks Hollywood backlash
- WME Won't Sign AI Actress Tilly Norwood, Leaders Say: 'We Represent Humans'
- Hollywood is fuming over a new ‘AI actress’
- ‘Disgusting’: Internet, Hollywood turns on new ‘AI actress’
- Hollywood performers union condemns AI-generated 'actress' Tilly Norwood
- Meet Tilly Norwood, the AI 'actress' prompting backlash from real Hollywood stars
- The next Natalie Portman? Meet Tilly Norwood, the AI actress sparking controversy
- Hollywood erupts as talent agents circle 'AI actor' Tilly Norwood: 'Not surprised the first major AI actor is a young woman they can fully control'
- Uh Oh—There's an AI Director Now, Too
- Should AI actors be used in Hollywood movies and TV shows?
- Fake actor deepens anxiety over AI in Hollywood
- AI ‘actress’ Tilly Norwood has created a Hollywood firestorm. Could she spell doom for acting?
- AI-Generated Actress Tilly Norwood Slammed by Canadian Performers Union as “Nothing But Lines of Code”
- Why Mark Cuban says AI is "the great democratizer"
- Mark Cuban on AI powering new American Dream: 'great democratizer' for Gen Z
- Netflix will pay you up to $700k per year—and let you work fully remote—if you can harness AI to make employees more productive
- Netflix Just Posted a Fully Remote Job That Pays $700K. Here's What It Requires.
- Fortune Tech: A fresh attempt
- Accelerate development with the Amazon Bedrock AgentCore MCP server
- Melania Trump Shares Her Official AI Body Double With the World
- How Adaptive Security CEO Brian Long thinks AI-powered attacks will change the security awareness training industry
- The global implication of the AI investment boom
- Shopify Integrates With OpenAI to Transform AI-Driven Shopping Experience
- Mexico Prepares Reform to Regulate Artificial Intelligence in Culture and Arts
Comments
Please log in to post a comment.