AI Actress Seeks Talent Agent

AI Actress Tilly Norwood May Sign With Talent Agency

Eline Van der Velden, an actor, comedian, and technologist, has announced that her newly launched AI talent studio, Xicoia, is in discussions with talent agencies to represent its first AI-generated actress, Tilly Norwood. This move marks a significant step in the integration of AI within the entertainment industry, as studios and agencies begin to recognize the potential of digital stars.

Van der Velden made the announcement during the Zurich Summit, where she presented on her AI production studio, Particle6, and participated in a discussion on AI in entertainment with Verena Puhm, head of Luma AI’s Studio Dream Lab LA. Both Van der Velden and Puhm highlighted the growing interest in AI among media and entertainment companies, with several major AI projects expected to be announced publicly in the coming months.

The Rise of AI in Entertainment

The potential signing of Tilly Norwood comes shortly after Van der Velden launched Xicoia, an AI talent studio focused on creating, managing, and monetizing digital stars. If signed, Norwood would become one of the first AI-generated actresses to secure representation with a traditional talent agency. This development reflects the industry’s shifting attitudes toward AI, as studios and agencies explore new ways to leverage AI technology in film, television, and digital media.

Puhm, who previously worked as an AI artist and now leads Luma AI’s Studio Dream Lab LA, echoed Van der Velden’s sentiments about the evolving landscape. She noted that while studios were initially hesitant to admit their use of AI, many have quietly adopted the technology in recent months. Puhm recalled receiving an influx of inquiries about AI in March and April, as industry professionals began to recognize its potential to streamline workflows and enhance creative processes.

Changing Attitudes Toward AI in the Industry

According to Puhm, studios are now actively seeking experts to help integrate AI into their pipelines. She described her role as a liaison between directors and AI artists, facilitating the adoption of AI technologies in production workflows. However, many studios remain cautious about publicly embracing AI, often due to non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that prevent them from disclosing details about ongoing projects.

Despite this caution, Puhm anticipates a surge in AI-related announcements in the coming year. She believes that as companies become more comfortable with AI through testing and real-world applications, they will be more open about incorporating the technology into their projects. This shift could lead to groundbreaking developments in the entertainment industry, as AI continues to reshape creative processes and production dynamics.

The Future of AI Talent

The potential signing of Tilly Norwood is just one example of how AI is transforming the entertainment landscape. As AI-generated stars like Norwood gain traction, they could revolutionize how talent is discovered, managed, and marketed. These digital stars offer unique advantages, such as the ability to work continuously without fatigue, adapt to various roles, and appeal to global audiences.

However, the rise of AI talent also raises important questions about the future of human actors and the broader impact on the industry. As AI continues to evolve, it will be crucial for studios, agencies, and creatives to navigate these changes thoughtfully, ensuring that AI complements rather than replaces human creativity.

Van der Velden and Puhm both emphasized the need for ongoing collaboration between technologists and creatives to fully realize AI’s potential. By working together, they believe the industry can harness AI to tell more compelling stories, reach new audiences, and push the boundaries of what is possible in entertainment.