Virtual Reality Company Launches ‘Digital Twin’ Versions of Celebs
By Movieguide® Contributor
The metaverse continues to grow in strange ways.
Soul Machines, a company devoted to making lifelike digital images of people, just launched the Digital Twin.
A Digital Twin is a virtual version of a celebrity that can interact with fans.
The first Digital Twin is an image of golfer Jack Nicklaus. According to Variety, “‘Digital Jack’ can understand users’ words, as well as nonverbal communication cues. He takes that information and delivers unique, personal responses that are consistent with Nicklaus’ knowledge of the sport.”
The technology for these Digital Twins was created by Soul Machines co-founder Mark Sagar, who also helped create the CGI for movies like AVATAR, KING KONG, and SPIDER-MAN 2.
“We let fans personally experience a digital celebrity in a way that very few people get to do in real life,” said the CEO of Soul Machines Greg Cross. “Putting Digital Twins of real celebrities in a digital world makes them available 24/7.”
He continued, “Digital People give us the opportunity to change the way that fans connect with their heroes, and we can also potentially bring back celebrities and icons from the past.”
Nicklaus as the first digital twin is a hole-in-one idea.
“Jack Nicklaus’ brand is a global brand,” Rob Sample, vice president of business development for Nicklaus Companies siad. “We saw this as a great platform to communicate with current fans, and future fans, in numerous languages. Jack was thrilled about having a curator of his story for generations to come that looks like him and sounds like him. The applications are limitless.”
Other celebrities are also using the metaverse to interact with their fans.
As Movieguide® previously reported:
Harry Connick Jr. is taking his many talents to the metaverse. The star recently revealed his plans for a new project, called The Neutral Ground.
The Neutral Ground is a socially-immersive experience that will let fans get a virtual in-person look at Connick’s world.
“The Neutral Ground is a place for all of us to hang out and have a good time,” Connick shared. “Music, food, shows, hangouts… it’s gonna be a lot of fun.
“I can’t wait to go on this adventure with everyone,” he continued. “There’s still a lot to figure out in this new world, and I’m excited about all of the possibilities. It’s been a roller coaster the last couple of years. I’m ready to go to a place where the music never stops, and the party’s just getting started. Can’t wait to see y’all on The Neutral Ground.”
The name comes from the grassy medians Connick used to hang out on when he was a child. In his native New Orleans, these areas are called “neutral grounds.”
One of the features Connick’s metaverse will offer is Piano Party, an online course to teach users how to play the piano. It is designed for all ages and ability levels. As he teaches, Connick will also share personal stories about his own musical journey.
Connick’s community-based metaverse venture aligns with his faith and how he uses it to reach out to others.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
