On Monday, the team at Particle6 Productions, the AI company responsible for the virtual “actor” Tilly Norwood, shared exciting news: they are developing a feature-length film centered around their innovative yet contentious creation. This initiative has drawn criticism from major actors' unions, which argue that it diminishes the value of human artistry.
The film, titled “Misaligned,” will blend comedy and drama, featuring Tilly Norwood in a hybrid format where traditional film and television experts, including directors, writers, and editors, collaborate closely with AI professionals. The production will integrate AI training and mentorship throughout the filmmaking process.
Eline Van der Velden, the creative mind behind the project, expressed her belief in the relationship between AI and storytelling, stating, “This year's work has confirmed what we suspected: AI can enhance high-quality narrative films, but it requires significant human craft, skill, judgment, and time. This isn't a shortfall of the technology; it's a fundamental aspect of it.”
Tilly Norwood, the AI-generated character, has faced backlash from the entertainment industry, notably from the SAG-AFTRA actors' union. The union criticized the studio for allegedly using "stolen performances" and undermining actors' livelihoods, asserting that Tilly is not a true actor but rather a product of computer programming. They emphasized that Tilly lacks life experience and emotion, concluding that audiences typically seek connection to genuine human experiences in their viewing content.
In response, Particle6 affirmed that for “Misaligned,” it plans to collaborate with top filmmakers and crew members eager to infuse their artistic practices into AI-driven productions.
Van der Velden spoke with NBC News, clarifying her stance on AI's role in creative processes. She is open to the idea of hybrid productions that might involve human actors for motion or performance capture, ensuring that human expertise harmonizes with AI innovations.
Set within the whimsical “Tillyverse,” characterized as a surreal digital landscape in the Cloud, “Misaligned” will narrate a coming-of-age tale infused with themes of existential chaos related to AI.
Van der Velden described the film as “funny, chaotic, and self-aware—very much in line with Tilly's persona.” However, she also noted that deeper themes regarding identity, performance, and the complexities of our human fears surrounding AI will be explored. “Art will certainly mirror life,” she added, suggesting a thoughtful examination beneath the surface of the chaotic narrative.
