Synthetic Stars: How AI-Generated Actors Are Changing the Future of Film

In this episode of the FilmTalks podcast our hosts discuss the immediate and future implications of AI-generated actors in the film industry. The hosts focus heavily on the controversy surrounding "Tilly Norwood," the world’s first fully synthetic actress, who was condemned by the performers’ union SAG-AFTRA for posing a threat to human creativity. The conversation explores the technological processes used to create these deep-learning performers, which are capable of optimising audience empathy, while also addressing the ethical and legal challenges related to digital ownership and likeness rights. Ultimately, the discussion balances the potential of AI to enhance post-production and democratise filmmaking against the danger of erasing human performance and centralising power within studios.Disclaimer: This podcast is produced by AI @Studio86 Stockholm, Sweden.