Thanks to AI, Elvis Presley is back on stage in lifelike form

Hologram concert becomes an authentic experience

In the podcast, you hear Simon Reveley, the man at the helm of Layered Reality Studio, a company that has made a name for itself with their successful immersive shows.

‘Elvis Evolution’ is not a traditional concert. It aims to be an immersive experience that uses advanced technologies. Simon Reveley explains: "Elvis is a gamechanger because of the way we’ve designed the show. We’ve developed a format that takes the audience on a journey. You are fully immersed in the world of the pop icon."

The show is built around different spaces that bring visitors back to key moments in Elvis's life. From his childhood to his glory days as the King of Rock 'n Roll: each space is carefully designed to offer an authentic experience.

The role of technology

What makes ‘Elvis Evolution’ special is the innovative use of technology. Layered Reality uses AI to bring Elvis to life through holographic projections that, according to them, are almost indistinguishable from reality. And that’s a first, Reveley explains: "We’re using new tools in ways that weren’t possible a few years ago. Even three years ago, you couldn’t have organized the show the way we’re doing it now for Elvis."

AI with help from Hollywood experts

Reveley talks about working with AI. "The biggest challenge with AI is how you integrate it into your own toolset and maintain control over the work you’re doing," notes Reveley. To create the most realistic and authentic Elvis, Layered Reality collaborates with experts from Hollywood. The award-winning The Mill has been brought on board, a company that won an Oscar for their visual effects in the film ‘Gladiator’.

Bars and restaurants

Unlike large-scale concerts like ABBA Voyage, ‘Elvis Evolution’ offers a more intimate experience. Small groups are guided through different spaces. There are also bars and restaurants, “so it’s really a night out.” Using technology is not an end in itself. Reveley wants to provide visitors with an experience that will stay with them for a long time. “That at the end of the year you look back and think: wow, that was amazing!" says Reveley.

Scent machines

The company uses elements that stimulate all the senses. From actors to moving sets, every detail contributes to the immersion, even scent. "We have scent machines that are activated at the right moment to bring visitors even more into the atmosphere," Reveley explains.

You can create extra impact if your audience can participate. In this video, Simon shares an important insight for when you want to implement interactive elements.

Future of immersive entertainment

The show ‘Elvis Evolution’ is not only a tribute to Elvis Presley but also an example of how technology can make an experience even more immersive. With the application of new technology, Layered Reality sets the standard for the future of immersive entertainment.

Curious about the episode of ‘Cultuurshift’ where a panel of Dutch tech and culture experts discusses this show and immersive techniques? In this video, you can see the entire podcast episode.