Last autumn, the AI "talent" agency Xicoia introduced Tilly Norwood, an AI-generated actress, to the public, which quickly drew criticism from the actors' union SAG-AFTRA. In response to the backlash, Xicoia and its founder, Eline van der Velden, released a song and music video for Norwood, advocating for artificial intelligence. However, the reception was largely negative.
Despite this, Norwood's career is moving forward, regardless of public opinion on AI-generated films. Van der Velden's AI production company, Particle 6, is currently developing a movie titled Misaligned, which will feature Norwood as its star. This project is described as a "hybrid production," combining the efforts of human directors, editors, writers, and other professionals with AI specialists.
Misaligned is a coming-of-age dramedy centered on the theme of "existential AI chaos." Norwood, an AI existing in a digital realm without a physical body or personal experiences, gains access to the experiences of others. The plot unfolds when a "seductive rogue bot from the dark web persuades her to abandon her safeguards and begin developing her own desires, impulses, and ambitions," according to the film's summary. Norwood eventually "develops shame that her very existence has been built upon the entirety of humanity," a sentiment that mirrors the reality that much of generative AI relies on the work of others. While Particle 6 and van der Velden seem to acknowledge this issue, it's widely anticipated that Misaligned will ultimately promote a pro-AI message, consistent with Norwood's previous song, which included lyrics like "It's the next evolution, can't you see? / AI's not the enemy, it's the key."
Van der Velden has consistently promoted the idea that AI, like Norwood, represents the future of entertainment. Her aim is "to demonstrate to the creative industry what is achievable with AI at any given moment." She states, "We remain dedicated to assisting individuals in developing AI skills that will ensure their continued success and that of the industry." Meanwhile, many are hoping for the generative-AI bubble to burst, citing concerns such as AI's unreliability in search engines, its high cost in film production, the significant water consumption by AI data centers, and its contribution to the rising prices of video game consoles. Yet, soon, audiences will have the opportunity to watch a film starring AI-generated code, in addition to the numerous acclaimed movies already available about AI, such as Ex Machina, Companion, or Her.
The emergence of AI in creative industries presents both challenges and opportunities. While concerns about job displacement and ethical implications are valid, the innovative use of AI in filmmaking, as seen with Tilly Norwood and Misaligned, could pave the way for entirely new forms of artistic expression and storytelling. Embracing technological advancements while maintaining human oversight and ethical considerations will be crucial for the continued growth and positive impact of AI in entertainment.
