The studio behind Tilly Norwood, Xicoia, has hired Amazon executive Mark Whelan to become the “leading architect of the Tillyverse” in efforts to expand the AI actress.
Mark Whelan joins from Amazon’s Prime Video, where he worked across brands such as The Grand Tour and Clarkson’s Farm.
According to Xicoia, Whelan is the company’s first major hire.
He has been brought in to work on the “rapid expansion of AI actor Tilly Norwood and the launch of the Tillyverse – a dynamic, constantly evolving digital universe where Tilly and a new generation of AI characters will live, collaborate and build careers,” according to a report by Deadline.
He will also lead the team in developing new AI characters to be used by Xicoia and its umbrella studio, Particle6, as well as oversee the creation of bespoke AI talent commissioned by third parties.
Not just an AI character
According to Eline Van der Velden, who runs Xicoia and Particle6, she and Whelan will build something entirely new.
“Tilly Norwood isn’t just an AI character – she’s a personality, a brand and a future global superstar with a compelling narrative arc,” she stated.
“Mark will help us craft and shape every layer of her world, from her humour, daily life and career choices to how she interacts with fans across various platforms.
“It all promises to be bold, playful, a little chaotic – and impossible to ignore.”
This update on the AI actress follows a wave of scrutiny and backlash by members of the entertainment industry against AI-generated characters.
READ MORE: Paramount Skydance to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery for $110 billion
Whelan eager to build Tillyverse
Whelan expressed his eagerness to lead the project, stating: “Becoming a lead architect of the Tillyverse is genuinely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“AI is evolving at breathtaking speed, and combining cutting-edge tech with ambitious creative thinking means we’re not following an industry playbook at Xicoia – we are writing it.
“Tilly already has the momentum, an audience and the cultural spark. Now we’re writing her story and building her universe.
“It’s a huge responsibility – but an incredibly exciting one. I think the world is going to have a lot of fun watching what happens next.”
Although Norwood is yet to star in a major project, widespread fear around AI characters replacing actors’ jobs remains.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Jim Carrey shocks fans with ‘new face’ at rare public appearance
Hazel Camba 
Jheruleene Anne Ramos 
Eugene Nicklaus S. Laqui