Let’s be honest: many people think they have what it takes to be an actor. Weekly, I receive inquiries from friends and acquaintances about “securing some voice-over gigs for extra income” or participating in a show “just for fun.” This begs the question: is there any other profession perceived so casually? Do friends casually suggest to doctors about stepping in for a quick organ transplant? Do family members ask police officers to borrow their gear for the day? The allure of acting is undeniable, yet making a successful career out of it is particularly challenging.
Recently, the announcement of what is being touted as the first AI-generated actress, Tilly Norwood, ignited widespread criticism within Hollywood. One must question what the creators anticipated in sharing this news. Amidst a backdrop of the industry’s struggles with COVID, strikes, and evolving business models, did they truly expect applause? Immediate responses from celebrities like Kiersey Clemons and Melissa Barrera reflected disapproval, with the former bluntly stating, “How gross, read the room.” Perhaps the most poignant reaction came from Oscar-nominated actor Toni Collette, who filled her social media post with a series of screaming-face emojis.
Setting aside the concerns over diminishing job opportunities for working actors and the ethical quandaries surrounding the portrayal of animation as a living person, I find it particularly unsettling how quickly Norwood is branded an AI “actress.” This term evokes a painful discord, much like fingernails scraping against chalkboards. It’s imprecise, disrespectful, and tellingly, even her creators have not referred to her in that manner. Norwood comes from Xicoia, an “AI talent studio” led by Eline Van der Velden, the CEO of the London-based technological production entity, Particle6. In response to the backlash, Van der Velden remarked, “To those who have expressed anger over the creation of my AI character, Tilly Norwood, she is not a replacement for a human being, but a creative work — a piece of art.”
This assertion alone warrants a separate discussion. However, what caught my attention was Van der Velden’s choice of words; even she (an actor herself) describes Norwood as a “creation.” She insists that Norwood is an artistic endeavor, akin to crafting a character, writing a role, or shaping a performance. If we go by that definition, we should refer to Norwood as merely a “creation” or even an “art project,” a categorization I would gladly support. It’s a kinder label than some of the more colorful suggestions my fellow actors proposed this morning, which included terms like deepfake, animated character, “hamdroid,” and my personal favorite, Grand Theft Automaton.
It’s easy to overlook the intricate skill involved in acting. Perhaps it’s a testament to an actor’s talent that they make their craft appear effortless. Yet as someone who has faced the disappointment of being cut from nearly every film and television role they’ve filmed (even in roles playing myself!), I assure you: acting is anything but simple. While some individuals naturally possess talent, delivering an extraordinary performance demands immense practice and skill. Great athletes don’t just show up on game day; they constantly hone their craft. This artistry is steeped in many qualities — empathy, agency, and the breadth of life experiences. Such a depth cannot be emulated through algorithms or crowdsourced inputs.
In her initial comments, Van der Velden noted her ambition for Norwood to become the next Scarlett Johansson or Natalie Portman. This statement illustrates an appalling misunderstanding of both the craft of acting and what makes these actors exceptional. I hesitate to involve their names in this discussion, as they have proven over years that they are far more than just what Norwood represents: an appealing visage capable of delivering scripted lines. Moreover, it is ironically fitting that these two actresses, famous for asserting their individuality against an industry predicated on pigeonholing talent, were chosen. Portman and Johansson’s enduring success stems not just from their prowess but also from strategic career choices and unwavering adherence to their principles. (One doubts that Norwood will ever challenge Disney for owed compensation, which is likely part of her creators’ appeal.)
The distinctiveness of many actors — and what elevates them to stardom — lies in their individuality and unique qualities that no one else can replicate. Walk into an audition, and you’ll often observe a sea of similar faces angling for the same typecast roles. What differentiates one candidate from another in securing a role among hundreds? Talent, chemistry, compatibility with the existing cast, and that elusive “it” factor. Currently, we are still educating AI on basic human anatomy, so mastering such nuances appears quite a far-off aspiration.
An early promotional video from Particle6 for Norwood failed to instill any confidence. One speaker compared her to “if a Sunday roast went to drama school and got BAFTA-optimized” — a bewildering statement at best, as if likening esteemed actors to mere cuts of meat. Another voice in the promo inquired, “But can she cry on Graham Norton?” which elicited a response that affirmed, “Of course she can. And it will be clipped, subtitled, and monetized on TikTok by lunchtime.” Such comments, coupled with the apparent enthusiasm behind them, reflect not only a negligence in grasping the craft but a troubling disdain for the profession itself.
I acknowledge that every individual’s journey in the entertainment world varies. Nevertheless, until an AI character endures the reality of living paycheck to paycheck, survives the grueling cattle calls, withstands the relentless scrutiny of directors, and navigates the persistent sensation of imposter syndrome, I refuse to label it as an actor. Identifying an artistic creation with a name and gender, coupled with crafted personality traits (and I dread the inevitable first exclusive interview where Norwood “breaks her silence” about her artificial life), raises additional ethical dilemmas. Moreover, I suspect that the AI was generated using composites of authentic actors and individuals — possibly without their awareness or consent.
Given how poorly Norwood’s creators have already gauged the industry’s climate, I remain skeptical of their ability to ensure that their AI entity can master the subtleties necessary to forge a lasting presence in the profession.
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