Introduction to the Debate
The AI performer Tilly Norwood has sparked a debate about the intersection of Hollywood and technology. This debate has been ongoing, with the new President of the Actors’ Union, Sean Astin, doubling down on protection for its members. Astin, who is also the star of "Rudy" and the leader of Sag-Aftra, recently spoke about the global curiosity surrounding Norwood.
The Creation of Tilly Norwood
Tilly Norwood is the creation of a company called particle6, which caused a stir at the end of September when top talent agencies expressed interest in representing her for work in film and television. This has raised questions about the role of AI in the entertainment industry and how it will be regulated.
Response from Sag-Aftra
Sean Astin appreciates the attention that Norwood’s story has received, but he notes that it is not the first time that the issue of AI regulation has come up. Sag-Aftra had an 118-day strike and fought hard to establish regulations and protections for its members. The union has been working on this issue for a long time, and Astin says that the matter will be addressed in upcoming agreements.
The Importance of Agreements
Astin emphasizes the importance of the union’s agreement with the ATA, which he hopes will lead to a healthy and constructive conversation with agencies. He believes that the union and the agencies need to work together to ensure that they can continue to help each other. The real issue, according to Astin, is how the work of human actors is used and what kinds of permissions and compensation they receive.
The Role of AI in the Entertainment Industry
The guild leader, who is the son of film and TV legend Patty Duke, pointed out that the union is aware of the synthetic star and knows how to treat it. When it comes to AI, Astin says that the union has a lot of leverage because audiences want to see real human actors in films, television shows, animations, video games, audiobooks, and other types of content that the union represents.
Conclusion
Astin’s statements come after a formal conviction from Norwood from SAG-Aftra and an outcry from dozens of actors, including Emily Blunt, Melissa Barrera, and Lukas Gage. The debate about the role of AI in the entertainment industry is ongoing, and it will be interesting to see how it plays out in the coming months and years. With the union’s focus on protecting its members and ensuring that they receive fair compensation for their work, it is clear that the issue of AI regulation will continue to be a major topic of discussion in the entertainment industry.
