Artificial intelligence is an affront to creative endeavors. Some people would disagree with that, referring to AI as a tool. We would argue that something that replaces something another human could do in a creative field is not a tool. This applies even more so when it comes to the concept of an AI actor. Enter Tilly Norwood, an AI creation that is going to be starring in the upcoming film, Misaligned. Don’t see it.
What is Particle6?
The movie is being produced by Particle6. According to their own website, “PARTICLE6 is an award-winning, AI-first production studio creating film, TV and premium branded content. We combine human creativity with cutting-edge AI to deliver best in class, bold, cinematic work.” Their creation, the aforementioned Tilly Norwood, has been heavily scrutinized for what she represents. SAG-AFTRA has made its stance on AI very clear. When it comes to jobs and the creative process, it’s unwelcome.
Particle6 has tried to paint itself as a forerunner of the future. They stated, “AI can support premium narrative filmmaking, but only with substantial amounts of human craft, skill, judgement, and time. That’s not a limitation for the technology. That’s the point. The filmmakers who thrive in the next decade will be the ones who bring decades of storytelling instinct to these new tools…”
Anything AI Can Do, Humans Do Better
What they fail to identify is what an AI actress can bring to the table that a human person can’t. There are really only two reasons why you would use AI like this in the first place. One is just to say that you can. It generates attention, and that’s exactly what it’s accomplishing even with this article. Now people know the name Tilly Norwood. The other reason is that you don’t have to pay an actress if they’re an AI creation. No paycheck, no backend deal, no residuals.
The description of the movie reads like an excuse to use AI. It’s a “coming-of-age story infused with existential AI chaos.” It’s about Tilly, who is an AI with no body and no actual past. A “seductive rogue bot” somehow entices her to shake off her shackles to become more human. So it’s literally nothing a human being couldn’t accomplish.
Just Don’t Watch It
Pardon us for veering further into the realm of opinion, but this is some of the most asinine shit we’ve ever read. If you want to make a movie with an AI actress, that’s your right. But don’t play it out like you’re pioneers of some form of art that needs AI to survive. Films don’t need CGI to flourish, let alone Artificial Intelligence. It’s an absolutely absurd notion and one that will be proven wrong as films without any AI will continue to flourish and shape the creative arts.
