Talent Agents Show Strong Interest in AI Actress Tilly Norwood as Hollywood Embraces AI at Zurich Summit
In a striking development that illustrates Hollywood’s growing acceptance of artificial intelligence in entertainment, multiple talent agencies are reportedly seeking to represent Tilly Norwood, an AI-generated actress designed to perform alongside human actors in film and television. This news emerged during the recent Zurich Summit, signaling a notable shift in the industry’s attitude towards AI technology.
Tilly Norwood is the brainchild of the talent studio Xicoia, founded by actress, comedian, and technologist Eline Van der Velden. Far from a simple digital avatar or animated character, Norwood has been developed as a hyper-realistic digital performer. The intent behind her creation was to craft a figure capable of holding a screen presence comparable to human actresses, aiming to secure narrative spaces as a full-fledged screen performer rather than a side character.
Reports highlighted at the Zurich Summit and by major industry watchers like Deadline and Discussing Film reveal that talk of AI actors has moved from fringe speculation to a concrete topic among agents and studios. The discussions, once met with skepticism, now reflect an emerging professional agenda that includes AI-driven talent as viable collaborators in the entertainment ecosystem.
One significant challenge facing AI performers like Norwood is overcoming the “uncanny valley” effect—an often uncomfortable response audiences have to artificial figures that closely resemble humans but fall short of perfect realism. However, Van der Velden and her team have taken this challenge head-on, carefully designing Norwood to appeal to the same emotional and aesthetic sensibilities as internationally acclaimed actresses, with comparisons drawn to stars such as Scarlett Johansson and Natalie Portman. This approach has made the project both controversial and captivating within industry circles.
Should Tilly Norwood secure representation and acting roles, it would mark one of the first instances where a fully AI-generated actress is formally integrated into mainstream entertainment. Industry insiders suggest that AI performers could soon share screens with real-life actors, opening novel narrative and production possibilities previously unexplored by traditional filmmaking.
While the full implications of AI in casting and storytelling continue to unfold, the buzz around Tilly Norwood represents a pioneering moment. It signals not just technological innovation but a potential redefinition of what constitutes an actor and performer in the 21st century film and television industries.
As studios quietly but steadily embrace AI technology, events like the Zurich Summit serve as crucial platforms where creators, agents, and technologists explore how these innovations intersect with creativity and commerce.