Elvis lives on, at least digitally
Elvis is coming back from the dead, thanks to some digital wizardry.
Digital Domain Media Group, the Academy Award-winning studio that created visual effects for the “Transformers” films and “Tron: Legacy,” has signed an agreement with CORE Media Group to jointly develop and produce a series of “virtual” Elvis Presley likenesses for a range of entertainment projects, including appearances in shows and film and TV productions.
Digital Domain, which has studios in Los Angeles, London, Vancouver, Canada, and other cities, created the computer-generated likeness of late rap artist Tupac Shakur for Dr. Dre’s recent show at the Coachella Valley Music Festival.
CORE Media Group, a portfolio company of Apollo Global Management, owns the license rights to Presley, Muhammad Ali, and other famous figures and brands.
“This is a new and exciting way to bring the magic and music of Elvis Presley to life,” said Jack Soden, chief executive of Elvis Presley Enterprises, a division of CORE Media Group. “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.”
The companies have already begun work on the virtual likenesses of Presley.
“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 Chief Executive John Textor.
With more than 150 albums and singles certified gold, platinum or multi-platinum, Presley remains hugely popular. The rock music legend has more than 6 million fans on Facebook, over 70,000 official app downloads and more than 5 million unique visitors annually to Elvis.com.
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