For two days in February, Elvis Presley came alive. Pete's Big TVs/Performance Video (PBTV/PV) supplied the video projection and production to the Stig Edgren event to make it happen.
Elvis Presley in Concert reunited Elvis on video with some of his former bandmates including original musical director & conductor Joe Guercio and a 16-piece orchestra, The Sweet Inspirations female backing vocals group and a band lineup featuring James Burton (Presley's lead guitarist 1969-1977), Glen Hardin (pianist 1970-1976), Paul Leim (drums) and Nathan East (bass).
This year's shows at the Mohegan Sun Arena and at Radio City Music Hall were similar to past shows, featuring a 15x20ft high screen - portrait style - on which Elvis appeared in select singing performances from past concert footage. With his voice isolated, Elvis "sings" along with the live performers onstage. Two side screens each 12x16ft projected live images from the show.
PBTV/PV crew included president Peter Daniel, engineer in charge Paul Whitfield with camera operators Erin Lynch, Dave 'Legs' Driscoll and Phil Summers. LED tech was Matt Ellar. Video director Kate Twitchell directed the live show with three manned cameras and four robotic cameras. Rob Villalobos was in charge of 'Little Elvis' - the tape machine featuring the star of the show.
Peter Daniel says the experience was so immersive, you almost forgot that Elvis is only on video. "When Rob hits 'play', Elvis is in the building," Daniel suggests.
PBTV/PV has been involved with the Elvis Presley in Concert production since its incarnation in 1997. More tour dates are planned through 2012 for North America, Canada, Asia and Europe.
(Jim Evans)
