In a bold stance against the encroachment of artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry, the Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has issued a stern rebuke of “Tilly Norwood,” an AI-generated character reportedly seeking industry representation. The union, which represents actors and media professionals across the United States, has taken a firm position, arguing that the introduction of such synthetic characters poses a significant threat to the livelihoods of human performers and undermines the essence of human-centered creativity in the arts.
In a statement released on Tuesday, SAG-AFTRA emphasized that creativity in the entertainment industry “should remain human-centered” and explicitly opposed the replacement of human performers with AI-generated synthetics. The union’s statement was unequivocal in its criticism of Tilly Norwood, describing the character not as an actor but as a product of a computer program. According to SAG-AFTRA, this program was trained on the performances of countless professional actors without their consent or compensation, raising serious ethical and legal concerns about the use of such technology.
“Tilly Norwood is not an actor; it’s a character generated by a computer program that was trained on the work of countless professional performers—without permission or compensation,” the union declared. This statement underscores the core issue at the heart of the controversy: the unauthorized use of performers’ work to create AI characters that could potentially replace them. The union argues that this practice not only exploits the contributions of human actors but also jeopardizes their livelihoods by reducing opportunities for work in an already competitive industry.
SAG-AFTRA went further, highlighting the limitations of AI-generated characters like Tilly Norwood. The union pointed out that such characters lack the depth and authenticity that human performers bring to their craft. “It has no life experience to draw from, no emotion and, from what we’ve seen, audiences aren’t interested in watching computer-generated content untethered from the human experience,” the statement read. This critique reflects a broader concern within the industry about the potential erosion of the emotional and artistic resonance that human performers provide, which has long been a cornerstone of storytelling in film, television, and other media.
The union’s opposition to AI-generated characters like Tilly Norwood is not merely philosophical but also grounded in practical and contractual obligations. SAG-AFTRA warned that producers who are signatories to its agreements are required to notify and negotiate with the union before employing synthetic performers in any capacity. This contractual stipulation is designed to protect the rights and interests of human performers and ensure that the introduction of AI technology does not bypass established labor protections. By emphasizing this requirement, SAG-AFTRA is signaling its intent to hold the industry accountable and prevent the unchecked proliferation of AI-generated performers.
The controversy surrounding Tilly Norwood comes at a time when the entertainment industry is still reeling from the labor disputes of 2023, which brought issues of digital replication and performer rights to the forefront. During those disputes, SAG-AFTRA and other unions representing writers, actors, and other industry professionals went on strike to demand stronger protections against the misuse of AI and digital technologies. The strikes, which disrupted production across Hollywood, highlighted growing anxieties about how AI could reshape the industry, particularly in terms of job security and creative control. The emergence of Tilly Norwood as a synthetic character seeking representation has reignited these concerns, serving as a tangible example of the challenges that performers face in an era of rapid technological advancement.
The broader implications of SAG-AFTRA’s stance extend beyond the specific case of Tilly Norwood. The union’s statement reflects a deeper tension within the entertainment industry about the role of AI and its potential to disrupt traditional models of production and performance. On one hand, AI technologies offer exciting possibilities for innovation, such as the creation of lifelike digital characters or the automation of certain production tasks. On the other hand, these advancements raise critical questions about intellectual property, consent, and the value of human artistry. SAG-AFTRA’s position is clear: while technology has a place in the industry, it should not come at the expense of human performers or their contributions.
The union’s critique of AI-generated characters also touches on the audience’s perspective, suggesting that viewers are unlikely to embrace content that feels disconnected from the human experience. This argument aligns with ongoing debates about the authenticity of AI-generated art, whether in film, music, or visual media. While AI can mimic certain aspects of human performance, it lacks the intangible qualities—empathy, vulnerability, and lived experience—that resonate with audiences on a deeper level. SAG-AFTRA’s assertion that audiences are uninterested in “computer-generated content untethered from the human experience” is a call to preserve the emotional and artistic integrity of storytelling in the face of technological change.
The introduction of Tilly Norwood also raises broader ethical questions about the use of AI in creative industries. The fact that the character was reportedly trained on the work of professional performers without their permission highlights a significant issue of intellectual property theft. This practice, known as “data scraping,” involves using existing performances to train AI models, often without compensating or even informing the individuals whose work is being used. For actors, this represents a form of exploitation that not only undermines their creative contributions but also threatens their ability to earn a living in an industry that is already precarious for many.
SAG-AFTRA’s response to Tilly Norwood is part of a larger effort to address these ethical and economic challenges. The union has been at the forefront of advocating for stronger protections for performers in the digital age, including regulations around the use of digital replicas and AI-generated content. By taking a stand against Tilly Norwood, SAG-AFTRA is sending a message to producers, studios, and technology companies that the industry must prioritize the rights and dignity of human performers. This includes ensuring that any use of AI technology is done transparently, with the consent of those whose work is being utilized, and in a way that does not diminish opportunities for human actors.
As Hollywood continues to navigate the complexities of AI integration, the debate over synthetic performers like Tilly Norwood is likely to intensify. The entertainment industry is at a crossroads, balancing the potential benefits of technological innovation with the need to preserve the human element that has always defined great storytelling. SAG-AFTRA’s position reflects a commitment to protecting the artistry and livelihoods of its members while advocating for a future where technology serves as a tool to enhance, rather than replace, human creativity.
The union’s statement also serves as a reminder of the power of collective action in addressing the challenges posed by AI. By leveraging its contractual agreements and advocating for its members, SAG-AFTRA is working to ensure that the rise of AI does not come at the expense of the performers who have long been the heart and soul of the entertainment industry. As the debate over AI in Hollywood continues, the outcome will likely have far-reaching implications for the future of work, creativity, and the relationship between technology and art.
In conclusion, SAG-AFTRA’s opposition to Tilly Norwood represents a critical moment in the ongoing conversation about AI in the entertainment industry. By challenging the use of synthetic performers, the union is defending the value of human artistry and the rights of performers in an era of rapid technological change. The controversy surrounding Tilly Norwood is a microcosm of the larger issues at play, from intellectual property and consent to the emotional resonance of storytelling. As the industry grapples with these challenges, SAG-AFTRA’s stance serves as a rallying cry for preserving the human-centered nature of creativity while navigating the opportunities and risks of AI technology.
