AI actress Tilly Norwood sparks funding controversy
A British tech entrepreneur faced criticism after launching an artificial intelligence performer that actors fear could eliminate entertainment jobs. Eline Van Der Velden created the digital character Tilly Norwood through her company Xicoia, sparking controversy when observers learned that her separate firm, Particle6, had received approximately 161,000 dollars from the British Film Institute. Actor Alexa Morden questioned whether government funds supported technology threatening creative workers.
Van Der Velden stated the 2023 grant paid for business expansion activities such as conference attendance and staff recruitment rather than AI development. She said personal funds financed Xicoia and Norwood, established in February 2025 and revealed publicly in July. The BFI confirmed the award went to Particle6 with no connection to the digital performer.
Early promotional materials listed Particle6 as Norwood’s creator, complicating Van Der Velden’s explanation. The British Film Institute said it had no knowledge of Xicoia or the AI character when approving the original application. The dispute reflects broader anxiety in the entertainment industry about artificial intelligence replacing human performers, particularly when public money is tied to such projects.
