EXCLUSIVE: Clarifying the Origins of Tilly Norwood, the AI Actress Stirring Controversy in Hollywood
The creator of Tilly Norwood, the groundbreaking AI actress that has generated buzz in Hollywood, has emphasized that her development did not rely on funding from the British Film Institute (BFI). Eline Van Der Velden, a UK-based technologist and founder of Particle6, issued a statement to Deadline to clarify the funding sources for her company and its projects, particularly amid concerns within the acting community regarding the impact of AI avatars on traditional performers.
Actress Alexa Morden, host of The 98% Podcast, raised alarms about the use of public funding for technology that might replace creative talent. She pointed out that the grant awarded to Particle6 by the BFI could have implications for the future of acting. In response, Van Der Velden explained that the £120,000 (approximately $161,000) grant, received from the BFI’s UK Global Screen Fund in November 2023, was “entirely unrelated” to the creation of Norwood. A spokesperson for the BFI supported this assertion.
Van Der Velden clarified that Tilly Norwood was funded and developed through Xicioa, a separate entity she established in February 2025. The intellectual property (IP) of Norwood is owned by Xicioa, while Particle6 provides support under a service agreement. This distinction paints a more nuanced picture compared to earlier statements made during the soft launch of Norwood, when Particle6 proudly claimed credit for creating the AI actress.
In a LinkedIn post during that time, Van Der Velden had stated, “Tilly is Particle6’s fully AI-generated actress.” However, she elaborated to Deadline that the grant from the BFI was strictly allocated to advancing Particle6’s international growth strategy, which included attending overseas markets, acquiring new IP, and hiring a head of international outreach. She noted that this outreach role evolved from a consultancy to becoming Particle6’s chief commercial officer by summer 2025.
“It’s essential to clarify that this grant is completely separate from Xicioa, which was established in February 2025 and formally announced in September,” Van Der Velden stated. “Xicioa, along with its first AI talent, Tilly Norwood, launched publicly in July 2025, was funded entirely through my personal investment.”
Today, Xicioa operates as an independent AI talent studio while maintaining a service agreement with Particle6, which continues to thrive as a diverse production company focusing on AI, traditional television, and commercial projects.
A BFI spokesperson reiterated that the grant awarded to Particle6 is distinct from Xicioa’s development of Tilly Norwood, with no overlap in activities or resources. They confirmed that the BFI was unaware of any plans for Xicioa or Tilly Norwood at the time of the grant application.
Van Der Velden remarked, “The BFI plays a crucial role in strengthening and future-proofing the UK’s screen sector. Many creative companies, including ours, have greatly benefited from its support. We share the BFI’s commitment to ensuring that innovation and responsibility go hand in hand.”
She referenced the BFI’s June 2025 report, "AI in the Screen Sector: Perspectives and Paths Forward," which outlines a vision for the ethical and sustainable integration of AI in the industry. Both Particle6 and Xicioa are dedicated to aligning with this vision while contributing positively to the UK’s reputation for creativity, innovation, and integrity.
Founded in 2015, Particle6 describes itself as an AI production company. In addition to the BFI grant, the company has garnered support from Channel 4 and Creative UK, reinforcing its position within the evolving landscape of AI-driven entertainment.
