Elvis Evolution might debut in London, with subsequent shows scheduled in various global locations.
As per the individual behind its development, immersing oneself in Elvis Presley’s AI representation is likened more to a journey through time than the Abba Voyage experience.
Founded by Andrew McGuinness from Harpenden, Hertfordshire, Split Fact is the company responsible for creating the Elvis Evolution program.
Andrew McGuinness expressed that the intricate models they are introducing provide a sensation of time travel for the participants.
The CEO detailed how guests engage with virtual stars and step into the “shoes” of the king to delve into his life story.
According to McGuinness, the interactive encounters they offer enable visitors to delve into captivating and diverse parallel realities.
At the conclusion of the experience, guests witness an AI-powered lenticular Elvis performance in an exclusive setting.
McGuinness elaborated that they incorporate elements like warmth, taste, and aroma to transport individuals back to the ambiance of Memphis in 1958, focusing on evoking specific emotions.
The Elvis Estate granted Real on layers access to extensive archives comprising live performances, home videos, and still images of the legendary musician.
In contrast to Abba Voyage, McGuinness noted the limitations they faced as they did not have the privilege of recording live performances.
He emphasized that while the AI creates an authentic rendition of Elvis using original content, it also enables innovative interactions with the virtual character.
Actor Tom Felton from the Harry Potter series collaborated with Real on layers for their Gunpowder Plot experience, embodying the role of Guy Fawkes.
Established in 2017 by McGuinness, Real on layers aims to merge cutting-edge technology with theatrical storytelling to revolutionize entertainment.
McGuinness highlighted the audience’s desire to actively engage in a narrative rather than passively observe it unfold.
By integrating technology with live theater, McGuinness believes a novel form of entertainment can be crafted, blending digital systems with the art of storytelling.
Real on layers currently operates two London-based venues, themed around The Gunpowder Plot and Jeff Wayne’s The War of the Worlds, offering immersive experiences to transport visitors to different eras and scenarios.
The company focuses on engaging all human senses to create deeply immersive and interactive narrative experiences for their audience.
McGuinness affirmed that the insights gained from previous projects would be instrumental in shaping the Elvis Evolution experience, emphasizing the storytelling aspect akin to a cinematic journey.
Despite comparisons to the Abba virtual music show, McGuinness described the Elvis Evolution encounter as more intimate and engaging, tailored for small groups to navigate through.
The development of Elvis Evolution is ongoing, with plans for the life-sized virtual Elvis to debut on stage in November at a central London venue yet to be disclosed.
In a humorous tone, McGuinness mentioned that for now, the virtual Elvis remains confined to lines of code and is not strolling around Harpenden or grabbing coffee at Gail’s.
While Abba engaged in motion capture sessions to refine their virtual personas, the Elvis Evolution project did not replicate this process.
Elvis Presley, a prominent figure of the 1950s music scene, tragically passed away at the age of 42 in 1977, leaving behind a legacy of hits like “Hound Dog” and “Suspicious Minds.”
Baz Luhrmann directed a film depicting Presley’s life, released in 2022, while in the UK, Priscilla Presley explores the dynamic between the iconic performer and his ex-wife.
The Rise of Virtual Music Experiences
Following the successful launch of Abba Voyage in May 2022 in London, virtual music experiences have gained significant popularity.
The production recreated a contemporary rendition of the iconic band’s performances from the 1970s in a specially designed 3,000-capacity arena in west London.
It required one billion hours of technology to bring the avatars to life, involving the expertise of 1,000 visual effects artists. The show generates an estimated £2 million weekly and has contributed £322.6 million to the London market since its inception in 2022.
