The world’s first actress, created entirely by artificial intelligence, is preparing to sign a contract with a real talent agency. This was announced at the Zurich Film Festival by Elin Van der Velden, an actress, screenwriter, and founder of Particle6, a studio that develops AI projects for film and television.
According to Van der Velden, her virtual protégé Tilly Norwood already has all the attributes of a real actress: her own website, social media accounts, and a portfolio. Negotiations with the agencies are currently in the final stages, with the signing of a contract expected in the coming months. Tilly may have virtual “colleagues” by the beginning of 2026 – several more AI actresses created by the studio.
Van der Velden emphasized that Tilly is positioned precisely as an actress of films and TV series, and not as an advertising character or mascot. She can participate in projects at the director’s request, and her image is carefully crafted so that the viewer perceives her as an integral part of the media space.
The path of this project was not easy. At the beginning of the year, film studios and producers were skeptical about the idea of AI actresses, considering it more of an experimental marketing tactic. However, by the summer, interest in virtual characters had grown: studios began to discuss possible contracts and cooperation.
The industry is already actively considering the ethical and professional aspects of the emergence of AI actors. Although the realism of movements and facial expressions is still imperfect, the fact remains: virtual actors can act without restrictions on time and geography, changing their age and appearance depending on the script, which opens up new opportunities for producers while also posing a challenge for traditional specialists.
The creators emphasize: virtual actors are the future of cinema. They can become a fully integrated part of the production process, rather than just a technological experiment. If Tilly’s contract is signed, it will set a precedent that could alter the casting and film production landscape.