An In-Depth Look at the Rise of Virtual Performers and the Changing Face of Entertainment
The Zurich Summit, the industry-focused arm of the prestigious Zurich Film Festival, became the stage for a groundbreaking debut as Tilly Norwood, the world’s first AI actress, captivated audiences and drew attention from talent agents across the globe. Created by the newly established AI talent studio Xicoia—a spin-off of Eline Van der Velden’s innovative AI production company Particle6—Norwood’s arrival marks a pivotal moment in the entertainment industry’s ongoing adaptation to emerging technologies.
During a panel discussion at the Summit, Eline Van der Velden, an accomplished actor, comedian, and producer, revealed that Norwood’s launch has sparked significant interest within the industry. “Studios are quietly moving forward with AI projects, and we expect to announce more developments in the coming months,” Van der Velden shared, reflecting on the rapid shift in attitudes she witnessed earlier this year. “In February, boardrooms were skeptical. By May, those same executives were eager to collaborate.”
Norwood’s journey began with curiosity and skepticism, but quickly gained momentum as media professionals recognized her potential. Van der Velden explained that when Tilly was first introduced, people questioned the concept. Today, however, the conversation has shifted to which talent agency will represent the AI performer, with an official announcement anticipated soon.
The AI actress herself made headlines in July, sharing her excitement on Facebook after landing her first role in a comedy sketch titled “AI Commissioner.” Produced by Particle6 Productions, the piece playfully explores the future of television development and showcases Norwood’s ability to bring stories to life in a way that resonates with audiences. “Can’t believe it… my first ever role is live!” Norwood wrote. “I may be AI generated, but I’m feeling very real emotions right now. I am so excited for what’s coming next!”
Van der Velden’s ambitions for Norwood are nothing short of extraordinary. “We want Tilly to be the next Scarlett Johansson or Natalie Portman,” she told Broadcast International, highlighting the project’s aspiration to propel synthetic actors into mainstream stardom. She emphasized that economic challenges in the film and television sectors are driving a shift towards AI-driven production, where creativity is no longer constrained by budgetary limitations. “People are realizing that their creativity doesn’t need to be boxed in by a budget—there are no constraints creatively, and that’s why AI can really be a positive. It’s just about changing people’s viewpoint.”
The impact of AI on the entertainment landscape is undeniable. In a recent LinkedIn post, Van der Velden commented on audience perceptions: “Audiences? They care about the story—not whether the star has a pulse. Tilly is already attracting interest from talent agencies and fans. The age of synthetic actors isn’t ‘coming’—it’s here.”
Particle6, the studio behind Norwood’s development, has a proven track record of producing content across a range of genres and platforms. Their portfolio includes “Miss Holland” for BBC Three, “True Crime Secrets” for Hearst Networks, and “Look See Wow!” for Sky Kids, demonstrating their commitment to innovation and storytelling excellence.
As the entertainment industry grapples with the opportunities and challenges presented by AI, Tilly Norwood’s debut at the Zurich Summit serves as both a symbol of technological progress and a catalyst for important conversations about the future of performance, creativity, and audience engagement. The next few months will be critical as the industry watches to see which agency steps forward to represent this virtual trailblazer and how her presence shapes the evolution of film and television.
Ajay Ghosh
Media Coordinator, American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin
PR Consultant, ITServe Alliance
Phone # (203) 583.6750
