Digital actress Tilly Norwood, created by AI firm Particle 6, has drawn fierce criticism from Hollywood after the company announced plans to secure traditional representation for the virtual performer. CEO Eline Van der Velden described the project as “a piece of art,” but actors such as Melissa Barrera warned that AI talent threatens human careers. Particle 6 is also launching a new agency, Xicoia, to manage AI creations, intensifying the debate over whether artificial characters should be judged on their own merits or compared directly with human performers. Read more →

Eline Van der Velden, founder and CEO of Particle6 and its talent studio Xicoia, introduced Tilly Norwood, an AI‑generated digital avatar, at the Zurich Film Festival. While talent agents have reportedly shown interest, the avatar's role as an "actress" has drawn criticism from SAG‑AFTRA and industry observers who question the ethics and feasibility of AI‑driven performers. Van der Velden envisions the avatar becoming a major screen presence, but the technology relies on human oversight and raises concerns about the impact on human actors and creative labor. Read more →