Franklin TV: The Synthespians Are Coming !

And Hollywood is – Totally – Freaking – Out.

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 11/09/2025

Synthespian? Sounds like a strange other-worldly being from a far away planet. Not so. Synthespians are home-grown – by computers. They’re synthetic thespians; actors, created via artificial intelligence systems. You describe the physical traits, characteristics, mannerisms, behaviors and such that define your synthespian’s looks and personality, crunch that data, and digital voila – out s/he pops – in fulgent, totally ready-to-perform form. Background extras – aka ‘Phillip Space’? Digital extras have roamed the background for years. Now they’re ready for their close-up.

Tilly Norwood

Such is the creation of Tilly Norwood; a synthetic thespian entity – a ‘digital actor’ created by Eline Van der Velden at Particle 6. Tilly made her debut in late September at the Zurich Film Festival. Reactions?

If you’re talent, or any number of other production craft positions from the director of photography to the set painters and production assistants –Tilly Norwood represents Artificial Armaggedon. Hollywood’s hyper-reactive fury is raging like a California wildfire, anticipating a scorched Earth future for the industry.

Many Hollywood creatives have their heads in the sand on this. They wail and moan about genuine human emoting, character development, the humanity that visionary directors and ‘A’ list actors bring to the screen – and so on. However, if you’re a movie studio, what’s not to like? Tilly might well be a studio’s dream ‘talent’. She is infinitely accommodating and always at the ready, absent any off-stage drama, histrionics or guile ( – unless the script calls for that). She is as pure as the driven snow ( – if the script calls for that).

My point? We have seen this movie before. Literally – in 1995. Pixar’s ‘Toy Story’ was the first CGI feature-length animation – 30 years ago.. Then as now, the backbone of every Pixar and Disney animation since Toy Story has been precisely about that – Story. The technology wasn’t the star. The story was, and every story well-told is dripping with humanity, pathos, soul, wit, trauma, redemption, and on.

So, where is all this going? Extract Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Micky, Minnie, et al. Insert Tilly. The modern animation studio has 3 successful decades of refining story, preproduction and so on. The CGI production pipeline is mature and ready. Working with Tilly and other (studio created and owned) digital entities who will surely follow will be just another data at the office. In a mere handful of years the difference between a CGI animations and blockbuster features will be –

They call it Tilly Norwood

Another key point: There are already several AI services that will gladly ‘rent’ their ‘Tilly equivalents’ as directable avatars. Because they have been trained by movies to move and speak like humans do in movies, they have ‘life experience’ and can ‘act’. They say what you want ‘em to say and move how you want ‘em to move. Like the fella sed – they can walk and chew gum at the same time ( – if the script calls for that). They are digital virtual spokespeople – able spokes-folks for hire.

Are we at Franklin.TV interested? Yes. Exploring? Yes. Working with? Not quite yet, but perhaps sooner than later.

And – as always –

Thank you for watching 

Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm

And staying informed at Franklin●news

 

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Historic Happenings at the Franklin Historical Museum for November 2025

Saturday, November 15 – The SATURDAY ‘Second Sunday Speaker Series’-- The Early Days of the Franklin Y

Yes, due to scheduling issues, November’s “Second Sunday event” will be on the ‘third Saturday.’ Everyone in Franklin and vicinity knows the familiar, glistening, and modern YMCA atop Forge Hill. But long-before the 1988 Y came into existence, the Y was a vital part of the Franklin Community that actually got its start in 1901. By 1909, the Franklin  Y was in the midst of a capital campaign and only two years later, in 1911, actually opened its own new building on Emmons St.  

YMCA and tennis court postcard

Franklin native and acclaimed presenter, Joe Landry, will be delivering a talk and slide show called "The YMCA in Franklin: The Early Years."  Joe will delve into the building (which was easy to get lost in!), the lore, the personalities and the times in which this older style Y -- aimed especially at the needs of young men -- was a vital community resource. 

The program starts at 1:15.  The museum is open from 1-4 and admission is free.

Sunday,  November 16 – Music at the Museum, LiveARTS String Quartet

The LiveARTS String Quartet is back!! Come hear these world-class musicians perform string quartet masterworks by Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms at the Franklin Historical Museum. Admission to this single concert is free, with voluntary donations gratefully received at the door.

LiveARTS String Quartet

Donate here and help the LASQ establish a regular concert series in Franklin! The museum is open for extended hours,  from 1-5. The performance will begin at 3 pm and last approximately two hours. Admission is free.

Regular Hours: Saturdays 10-1, Sundays 1-4. AND NOW ALSO most Thursdays 12- 5 (ring the bell) Free

Audio recording of the Franklin Public Schools Horace Mann Legacy Subcmte Mtg - Nov 3, 2025 (audio)

FM #1575 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1575 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin Public Schools Horace Mann Legacy Subcmte Mtg held on Monday, Nov 3, 205 at 6:00 PM. Meeting chaired by School Committee Chair Dave Callaghan. Members Ruthann O’Sullivan and KP Sompally participated remotely. Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Director of Operations Colin Boisvert participated.

 

QUick recap

• Draft doc for scope and mission of the subcmte being reviewed

• Overall question is how do we engage the entire community to understand, appreciate and honor his legacy with an education focus. But acknowledge that he did have other interests in his career

• Goals around three arenas: 

• The named campus, the physical presence

• Education 

• Advocacy

• Discussion on guardrails to keep subcmte from wandering off the tasks

• Discussion on composition of committee, representation from various stakeholder groups; final decision up to full School Committee

• Draft doc to be updated based upon discussion and used by next committee

• Motion to adjourn 

The meeting runs about 1 hour and 8 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1575-fps-horace-mann-legacy-subcmte-mtg-11-03-25/

--------------

Horace Mann Legacy Subcmte

The agenda doc -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11032025-1988 

My full set of notes in one PDF -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D9Xt-u6fNJ-Tm36qwcYo2ywfj-2A-uC8/view?usp=drive_link 

-------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share, and show you what, and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday, November 9, 2025

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a schedule full of the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

 

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, November 8, 2025 ???

Saturday, November 8

8:00am Town Wide Curb Alert (Find Streets on Facebook Page)

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:30am Weekend Wiggles! (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm Craftalong for Adults  (Franklin Public Library)

8:00pm Karaoke at The Raillery (Raillery Public House)

8:00pm FPAC Gala (THE BLACK BOX)

For additional details on Library events -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

**   NO Town Meetings today   **

-----------

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

ART PHARM | 6 month Check-In scheduled for Nov 14 at the SAFE Coalition

Since its official launch in May 2025, the Art Pharmacy partnership in Franklin has successfully integrated arts and culture into support systems for individuals in treatment for opioid use disorders and prevention efforts. The program established a custom referral workflow, trained Care Navigators, and engaged over 50 prescribing partners across schools, municipal departments, and recovery services. 

Community members referred to the program have participated in diverse arts and culture events, with costs covered for them and their companions, supported by bilingual navigation services. 



Click here for the quarterly report ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7495/Quarterly-Report-with-our-Partners-at-Art-Pharmacy?bidId=

___________________________________________________

ART PHARM | 6 month Check-In scheduled for Nov 14 at the SAFE Coalition

We're back this November for a follow up community conversation to welcome new partners and neighboring communities on learning more. Community conversation will take place with Emily Devlin, Art Pharmacy and Erik Holgrem, Massachusetts Cultural Council.



Presented at the Safe Coalition, 31 Hayward St Suite 2C, Franklin, MA 02038

Friday, November 14 10-11:30 AM

Please register here ->  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/art-pharm-community-check-in-tickets-1821512365519

This event is free and open to the public.

Rail Trail Committee: November Monthly Meeting Nov 11

Meeting Tuesday night at Franklin.TV. We'd love to see you there

View this email in your browser November Monthly Meeting - Nov 11 Hello!   Tuesday night we will have our monthly meeting at Franklin.TV, 23 Hutchinson Street, Franklin at 7pm.  We'd love to see you there! The minutes from our previous meeting can be found here on our web site. The agenda for this month's meeting is here. Warm regards, Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Copyright © 2025 Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you have opted in to stay informed about the Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Our mailing address is: Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee PO Box 68 Franklin, Ma 02038

FHS football team falls to Leominster on Friday

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Friday, November 7, 2025

Football - Division 1 = #9 Franklin, 21 @ #8 Leominster, 42 – Final

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required) 

https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-11-07-25/

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

Franklin Interfaith Council Thanksgiving Service - Sunday, Nov 16

Franklin Interfaith Council Thanksgiving Service - Sunday, Nov 16 

High-Elevation Harvest: Exploring Brassfield Estate Winery (wine tasting event)

Your Ultimate Thanksgiving Wine Tasting Experience!

Date: Wednesday, November 20th 

Time: 7:00 PM 

Location: The Franklin Liquors Wine Room

Prepare for the wine event of the season! The Franklin Wine Club invites you on a rare, intimate journey to the stunning, high-elevation vineyards of Brassfield Estate Winery from the pioneering High Valley AVA in Lake County, California.

This is more than just a tasting; it's a captivating, sit-down educational experience. We'll dive deep into the unique terroir of the estate, which spans over 5,000 acres of volcanic soils and high-altitude vineyards (up to 3,000 ft.), creating wines with intense structure, bright acidity, and concentrated flavor. Learn about their commitment to sustainable farming and classic techniques as we explore a curated flight of their most distinctive and celebrated wines.

The Perfect Pre-Thanksgiving Pairing Session! With the holiday rapidly approaching, this event is perfectly timed to finalize your Thanksgiving dinner menu. Discover the ideal Brassfield Estate red, white, or unique blend to complement your turkey, stuffing, and all the festive trimmings. Taste the wines that will elevate your holiday celebration from great to unforgettable.

High-Elevation Harvest: Exploring
Brassfield Estate Winery (wine tasting event)

Seating is extremely limited for this exclusive educational experience.

RSVP IS REQUIRED to secure your seat at the table. Do not miss this opportunity to taste, learn, and secure your holiday wines! Contact the Franklin Wine Club or Franklin Liquors today to reserve your spot.

RSVP HERE:  https://www.meetup.com/franklin-wine-club/events/311857528/

HOST: DANIEL O'CONNOR

About Daniel

Dan put himself through school working in fine dining establishments in New Haven and during this time he developed a passion for wine.   Although he completed a Master’s Degree in Psychology, his love of wine lured him into an altogether different profession. 

He started his career as a fine wine specialist with a distributor in Connecticut.  Since then, Dan has enjoyed a career working for some of California’s most prestigious wineries, which include Kendall-Jackson Estates, Quintessa, DOAU Vineyards, Stags’ Leap, Beaulieu Vineyards and Beringer.   

Dan's most recent position finds him establishing a market presence for the portfolio of an exciting startup winery called Brassfield Estate.

Dan has been a lifelong resident of New England and currently lives in Newport with his longtime fiancé and life consultant Kathleen and their beloved Bernese Mountain Dog Zeppo.

Town Council hears the SNETT and Franklin Ridge transactions are complete, accepts Elks Riders donation in last session (audio)

FM #1574 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1574 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. The Council held the last session of its legislative term as scheduled at 7 PM. All 9 Councilors were present in Chambers for this session.

 

Quick recap:

• Approximately the first 45 minutes of the meeting were taken up with multiple citizen comments, many on the 444 East Central development proposal which while one of their complaints is that the Council doesn't listen to them, also ironically indicates that they haven't listened or don't understand the meaning of due process

• One comment revealed the first annual Caregiver Appreciation day scheduled for Nov 7 at the Senior Center from 11 - 3 PM. (Note, on that the day the regular Senior Center activities are canceled)

• Appointments to the Agricultural Commission - Jennifer Sweeney (Associate Seat) and to the Council on Aging - Roberta Trahan were both approved by 9-0 votes

• The Public Hearing, originally scheduled for Oct 15, and continued to this date, was opened and eventually closed with no public or Council comments on the multiple modifications of a Section 15 Package Store All Alcoholic Beverages License: Change of License Manager... Doing business as Liquor World. The measure was approved by 9-0 vote

• The Council approved a Farmer-Winery Farmers Market License - Blisspoint LLC d/b/a Blisspoint Meadery by a 9-0 vote

• Presentation: Franklin Elks Riders Donation to Veterans’ Services Department. Veterans Service Officer, Shannon Nisbett received the check for $2000 from this year's rides

• Resolution 25-70: Adoption of Cannabis licensing Local Approval Process and Cannabis Social Equity Policy (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-70 - Majority Vote) Moved, second. The proposal is modeled after that of Shrewsbury as they are the only 1 approved now, 100+ communities remain to develop one and get theirs approved.  This is an example of additional revenue from cannabis, almost $.5m yearly total. NETA has done well here

• Gift acceptance, $10,000 from Adirondack Club

• Resolution 25-67: Expenditure Limits for FY2026 on Departmental Revolving Funds Established by Franklin Town Code Chapter 73, as Provided in MGL Chapter 44, §53 E½, as Amended (Electric Vehicle Charging Stations) approved by 9-0 vote, may need to adjusted upward as time goes and action on this revenue stream increases

• From the Town Administrator's Report 

• Purchase of the SNETT extension is complete, now owned by the Town, Work remains to be funded and completed but the registry of deeds has the record of ownership

• Formally closed on Franklin Ridge, contracts going out to bid, info sessions in the spring on lottery process etc. Construction once begun is anticipated to go 18-24 months

• Approximately, the remaining 40 minutes of the meeting were Councilor Comments reflecting on accomplishments for this term, recognition of the 3 not running for re-election, etc.

The recording runs about 2 hours & 5 minutes

Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1574-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-10-29-25/

--------------

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIgSJh9fWjA

The agenda and associated documents for this session ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10292025-1978

My full set of notes in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XVFpF-Gf2ULj1avVodFT4RXGkXMvWvg5/view?usp=drive_link 

Franklin Elks Riders Donation to Veterans’ Services Department.
Veterans Service Officer, Shannon Nisbett received the check

-------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"