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Coming Soon: Virtual Elvis

June 06, 2012 | Other

Digital production company Digital Domain Media Group (NYSE: DDMG) announced today that it has signed an exclusive agreement with CORE Media Group to jointly develop, produce and own a series of “virtual” Elvis Presley likenesses for a range of entertainment projects – from shows and appearances to film, TV and multi-platform productions throughout the world.

Digital Domain Media Group, the only company whose employees have received an Academy Award for creating a completely believable computer-generated (CG) human, created the CG likeness of Tupac Shakur for Dr. Dre’s recent show at the Coachella Valley Music Festival. CORE Media Group, is the driving force behind such iconic brands as Elvis Presley, Muhammad Ali, “American Idol” and “So You Think You Can Dance.”

“This is a new and exciting way to bring the magic and music of Elvis Presley to life. His lifelong fans will be thrilled all over again and new audiences will discover the electric experience of Elvis the performer,” said Elvis Presley Enterprises President and CEO, Jack Soden. “The high level of quality entertainment that both CORE Media Group and Digital Domain deliver gives us great confidence that these projects will help continue the growth of Elvis’ rich legacy all over the world.”

Elvis Presley Enterprises is a division of CORE Media Group. The companies have already begun work on the virtual Elvis Presley likenesses and will announce when and where audiences can expect to see the first virtual Elvis performances. “Elvis is the most iconic, most recognized performer on the planet, and we are thrilled to have been chosen to bring new performances and original shows where fans can have their own, new experiences of Elvis,” said Digital Domain Media Group Chairman and CEO John Textor.

“In addition to being a dream project on the creative side, this agreement enables us to participate in the success of any number of potential virtual Elvis appearances.” “As we look for new ways to offer audiences our intellectual property across multiple platforms, this partnership is the perfect fit for CORE Media, and exactly the type of announcement you can expect to see more of from us,” said CORE Media Group President Marc Graboff. “Clearly the team at Digital Domain is at the leading edge of the virtual experience arena, and we are anxious to get working on this exciting project.”

From Digital Domain’s work on “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” to “TRON: Legacy,” “X-Men: First Class” to Tupac Shakur, the company has spent a decade and tens of millions of dollars in perpetual development perfecting its technology, tools, and techniques to create realistic computer generated humans. 

Source:ElvisMatters
GEORGE (GK) wrote on June 06, 2012
If they do it with class and respect and do it better than the Tupac image on stage, recently, I am all for it.
Natha wrote on June 06, 2012
I guess that the first production will be fun to watch, though the quality might be mediocre. But hey, let's not forget that this is a brand new product (though it is mentioned that they are working on it for a decade). So what to expect. I for one am looking forward to it. Not oo critical and with a smile. It's the voice that matters anyway.
TCB1974 wrote on June 06, 2012
Potentially exciting news! Hope they do it well.
LonElvis wrote on June 07, 2012
I wonder what this means for the Elvis In Concert (i.e. Elvis the Concert) shows? Will it replace it or go hand-in-hand with it? Will the holgram play with the TCB Band? Speaking of the TCB Band, I saw Ronnie Tutt tonight at the Neil Diamond show in Atlanta, GA (USA). It was a great show and my seat gave me a great view of Ronnie playing. I especially enjoyed watching him play on Sweet Caroline, thinking about how he played that with Elvis, too.
Jerome wrote on June 07, 2012
Maybe a duet between Tupac and Elvis?..
Dominic wrote on June 07, 2012
Having seen "Elvis - The Concert," I think that this is a natural progression and I, for one, am very excited to see Elvis taken to the next level. I never got to see Elvis when he toured, I was quite young when he passed away, so it's the closest that we're ever going to get to the original. I hope that they continue to do it with a live band as well, preferably as many of the TCB band members as possible. ELVIS FOREVER!!
Brian Quinn wrote on June 07, 2012
This virtual Elvis Project has great potential and I am really looking forward to it. As opposed to 'Elvis In Concert' it may be difficult to see him properly on stage if life size unless there are going to be screens as well. At present none of us know what is in store but I am sure it will be exciting.
sitdown revamped wrote on June 07, 2012
This is scary news...just ask yourself the question: Would Elvis Presley really have agreed to such an attempt. If they can do it, it doesn't mean, that it's okay.
Dominic wrote on June 07, 2012
Well, if Elvis were alive, there would be no need for this. If you can form an opinion on what's been written over the years, Elvis loved gadgets and the latest technology. Who's to say what he would have wanted, liked or dislike? If this reaches an entirely new fan base and opens new doors for a fickle public that is based almost entirely on technology, it may be a good idea. However, I'll always prefer the original over something computer generated.
Jamie wrote on June 07, 2012
Hello, I'm going to put my neck on the block here. I neither like nor dislike tongue-in-cheek Elvis impersonators in capes, jumpsuits and sunglasses. It's a bit of harmless fun and in a narrow sense it helps keep the legend alive. But I find the posthumous Elvis-on-a-screen concerts downright ghoulish. I have the DVD from around 10 years ago and can't get past the implication that Elvis's death seems almost inconsequential to the staging of an Elvis Presley concert. The King exists in that alternative universe as a formless deity, dominating the venue by virtue of being made to appear larger than than the stage and larger than life itself. I am aware that other people feel differently and I absolutely respect alternative perspectives on this matter. But for me an Elvis tribute act is different from substituting Elvis with a virtual one. It's all about money (when isn't it?) and Elvis Elvis From the Grave doesn't work for me at all.
Dominic wrote on June 07, 2012
You make excellent points and perspectives Jamie, thank you.
LonElvis wrote on June 07, 2012
I've been to two Elvis the Concerts in Memphis (1997 and 2001) and enjoyed them both. And both gave me a glimpse of what a real Elvis show was like and I appreciate that opportunity. It was great just hearing his voice and his music in a big venue with fans cheering. Sometimes the most realistic part of the whole experience was looking at the crowd and hearing Elvis singing and his band playing. It was a classy and appropriate experience in my opinion. I really don't understand the hologram concept enough yet to form an opinion, although my first instinct is to be optimistic. Is it simply another form of projection of video footage we've already seen, or is it somehow creating an entirely new Elvis image based on the information feed into the system (almost like a computer animated Elvis)? Given the love of technology, a virtual Elvis alone would draw a lot of attention if only (initially) for the technology itself, and that might be a good thing. Elvis was always cutting edge and a first, so it almost seems logical that he'd be among the first to be embraced by this new technology. But, again, I just don't know enough right now to form an opinion.
Jerome wrote on June 08, 2012
There's no need for this. We have Shawn Klush!! He is the next Elvis..
sitdown revamped wrote on June 08, 2012
Jaimie hit the nail. And I would take that even further: Let the dead be dead and stop with that new fan segment fluff. Elvis has left the building for good almost 35 years ago. I appreciate his musical legacy, but don't let EPE or whoever turn him into a digital zombie. This is just tasteless.
GEORGE (GK) wrote on June 09, 2012
Before the negitivity, Lets give the computer-generated show, a chance. Its, the next level in bringing the excitement of an Elvis concert to his fans. I remember, People, having doubts, before, the current "Elvis-The Concert" toured, back in the 90s. And after the fans and the critics, saw the show, almost, everyone loved it ! (I know I did !) The Digital Domain Media Group will do a nice job, in putting Elvis back on stage, for the fans to enjoy. And there is nothing wrong with that, if its done with class and respect and it represents Elvis well, and brings the "Excitement and magic" of a Elvis Concert, to the world.
Sirbalkan wrote on June 09, 2012
I am 30. My friends who are between 24- 30 think this is very exciting. In the gast when I mentioned the Elvis Presley In Concert event, they immediately asked me " Was it a hologram on stage?". So I really believe this will catch the attention of youth immediately. Always Elvis...
japio wrote on June 09, 2012
george GK. Has completely right. Give it a change. But is it not the same with the remixes. New music with vocals that was recorded many ,many years ago. But iive seen may in concert shows and it 's fake. Elvis is a lot bigger then the band. And no one complains about that.But it is still a very good job. But we live in a differnt time.,not in the past. And yes. I don't like computer made music. But a big change for the young people who's never seen Elvis live. But only on screen.
TCB1974 wrote on June 09, 2012
Not sure what people are concerned about. This will appeal to many fans and young people who love this kind of stuff. As long as it is done well and re-confirms Elvis his position as the most exciting entertainer in the history of mankind, perfect! What really harmed and continues to harm Elvis his image was what happened during his lifetime not after... the taping of movies like Double Trouble and the CBS TV Special.
bunny-ellen wrote on June 11, 2012
Can you be more explicit, please ? Give us pls. some remarkable examples of what it will mean to us/fans ? Are EPE Company not dwelling away from the backbone of his show, his image, his music ??? in favor of impersonators ?