A Year After the Storm
Eline van der Velden, founder of Particle 6 and creator of AI actress Tilly Norwood, returned to the Zurich Film Festival's Summit a year after first introducing Norwood. She reflected on the unexpected backlash, admitting she never imagined such a reaction. Van der Velden noted that she had programmed Norwood to become the most famous AI actress, and while the outcome was slightly unsettling, it demonstrated the impact she had aimed for. She described the situation as a strange mix of negativity and positivity, and highlighted Particle 6's significant growth, now operating four departments and expanding into AI advertising, film, television, co-productions, and consultancy.[S1]
Van der Velden explained that Norwood was designed as a physicist actress to bridge the communication gap between the technology and entertainment sectors. Rather than publishing a conventional white paper on AI, she chose to create a tangible example that would engage people and prompt the creative industry to take action, ensuring it stays ahead instead of being overtaken by tech companies. After dealing with a minor technical issue involving an HDMI cable, she brought Norwood on stage to answer questions from the moderator and audience.[S1]
Norwood Speaks: Digital Twins and Backlash
When asked about potential collaborators, Norwood expressed interest in working with Tom Holland and Olivia Colman, but only if their digital twins joined her in an AI production. Regarding the backlash, she described it as a notable introduction, noting that her name spread widely and that people did not hate her personally but rather the future she represents. On the topic of U.S. representation, Norwood said she is in a unique position because the industry is still determining how to handle AI, so she does not have a traditional agent and primarily works on AI films.[S1]
Van der Velden addressed the possibility of securing an agent for Norwood, stating that the studio realized it does not need one because Norwood is already prominent enough. They have declined offers for traditional films, as that is not her purpose. She expressed sadness that the traditional industry's reluctance means it cannot participate in new technology and risks falling behind. She also commented on Norwood's infamous malfunction during a live TV interview with Piers Morgan, where the AI actress randomly spoke Cantonese, saying it should not be taken too seriously and that Norwood was built as a humorous interface to alert people to the state of technology. She emphasized the importance of discussions about China as a major partner, regulation, and guardrails.[S1]
Storm Dogs and Industry Outreach
Van der Velden went on to share details about Particle 6's next title, Storm Dogs, revealing that Rob Minkoff — whose credits include Stuart Little and The Lion King — will serve as an executive producer. Over the next several months, Minkoff is set to work alongside the CEO and the studio's staff to shape the narrative, the characters and the script ahead of shooting. The concept originated with van der Velden and is billed as a family adventure comedy-drama unfolding in an English village amid a catastrophic storm. It mixes real actors with lifelike animated figures, drawing on live-action performance, conventional film craft and newer AI technology. Development is still at an early stage, with a 2027 production aim, and no distributor has been confirmed.[S1]
Van der Velden revealed that Minkoff was among the first to reach out after Norwood's announcement. She noted that the backlash led many talented individuals to contact them secretly, with numerous NDAs signed because people feared repercussions. She understood their caution, but since Particle 6 had already faced the backlash, it no longer mattered. Regarding Storm Dogs, she said the project allows them to animate mouths and give animals expressions in ways never before possible, enhancing storytelling. She emphasized that AI should aid storytelling and creative work if it is to be used.[S1]
