Dancing queens
SquareZero and Musion Systems have made it possible for devoted Abba fans to come closer to their heroes – by interacting with 3D holograms
With the high definition holographic video system, Eyeliner, the Swedish pop superstars come alive again, offering a 3D illusion of the group for the audience to interact with. It promises to be a main attraction at the current ABBAWorld exhibition in London.
Fans can join 3D caricatures of the group on stage for a jamming karaoke, in a specially filmed session. The holograms will appear life sized next to the dancing and singing human participants. Users going online to the ABBAWorld site can later access this personalised footage.
Musion Eyeliner uses a specially developed foil that reflects images from high definition video projectors, making it possible to produce virtual holographic images of variable sizes and high clarity, using industry standard software.
Ian O’Connell, Director of Musion, said ABBAWorld was taking a bold step, showing the worlds first live motion capture interactive hologram in the form of a live karaoke concert. “We are delighted to help facilitate this cutting edge holographic presentation which will enable visitors to experience a truly immersive ABBA concert,” he added.
SquareZero directed the motion capture of the artists by Abba tribute band, Planet Abba. The data was then used to drive 3D characters and costumes designed at SquareZero – and which had to meet with approval by Abba songwriters/performers Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus.
Extra layers of animation were added, and the caricatures lip-synched to the two chosen songs: ‘Dancing Queen’ and ‘Mamma Mia’. The biggest challenge was capturing a facial likeness without the caricatures looking too realistic, as well as creating the piece in a way that it would work on the Musion Eyeliner system and be a fun, engaging experience for all the participants.
“We want to develop the exhibition market and the Eyeliner system is a big step forward in the right direction,” said Touring Exhibitions president, Magnus Danielsson. “It adds tremendous entertainment value to any exhibition and I think the audience at ABBAWorld will be absolutely amazed by what has been achieved.”
The Abba holograms can be seen at ABBAWorld during its limited run, at the Museum Hall, Earls Court, London. Tickets are available from Live Nation
