The first AI-created actress is preparing for filming – what does she look like?
She is set to sign a contract soon
The world’s first actress fully generated by artificial intelligence is preparing to finalize a deal with a real talent agency. This was revealed by Elin Van der Velden – actress, screenwriter, and founder of Particle6, a studio working on AI projects for film and television – at the Zurich Film Festival.
According to Van der Velden, her virtual protégé, Tilly Norwood, already possesses all the attributes of a real actress: she has her own website, social media accounts, and a portfolio. Negotiations with agencies are in the final stages, and the contract is expected to be signed in the coming months. By early 2026, Tilly may even have virtual «colleagues» – several more AI actresses being created by the studio.
Van der Velden emphasized that Tilly is positioned specifically as a film and TV actress, not as a commercial character or mascot. She can participate in projects at the director’s discretion, and her image is carefully designed to be perceived by the audience as an organic part of the media landscape.
The path to this moment was not easy. At the beginning of the year, film studios and producers were skeptical about the idea of AI actresses, considering the project more of an experimental marketing move. By summer, however, interest in virtual characters had grown: studios began discussing potential contracts and collaborations.
The industry is already actively debating the ethical and professional implications of AI actors. While the realism of movements and facial expressions is not yet perfect, the fact remains: virtual actors can perform without limitations of time or geography, changing their age and appearance according to the script. This opens new possibilities for producers while presenting a challenge to traditional actors.
The creators stress that virtual actors represent the future of cinema. They can become a full-fledged part of the production process rather than just a technological experiment. If Tilly’s contract is signed, it will set a precedent capable of reshaping casting and film production.
Photo: Instagram @tillynorwood
