KATHY ZHU'S PORTFOLIO
Exploring the Uses of Interactive Holograms in Live Entertainment
Master's Thesis Project
Supervisor: Michael Carter-Arlt
Second Reader: Jonathon Anderson
January - August 2023
The entertainment industry has always been at the forefront of technological innovation while it constantly redefines its creative boundaries. The introduction of interactive digital technologies brings exciting possibilities into the field, particularly in live performances. This project studies holography as a critical technology that sets trends in future live event design due to its unique characteristics and deeper philosophical implications. It aims to illustrate the technology’s potential through a series of physical and digital simulations, detailed industry case studies, and infographics.
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This project was featured in an interview in Toronto Metropolitan University's Newsletter.
Over the past century, the global media and entertainment industry has been continuously reforming at a fascinating rate. Within this scope, live entertainment is one of its fastest-growing sectors today, estimated to reach a total revenue of US$68.7 billion in 2024 (PwC, 2023). The arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic has brought the most tremendous challenges in its recent history: as perceptions of group activities, physical space and in-person communication are drastically reshaped, the live entertainment landscape is in dire need of a typology that adequately meets the demands of the post-pandemic era (Mair and Smith, 2021).
In this research, interactive hologram technology is introduced as an ideal solution to this pressing issue. The research dives into investigations of how responsive hologram illusions could revolutionize live entertainment by offering new modes of artistic expression and enhancing audience engagement. By delving into its technological, social, and psychological aspects, the project explores the technology’s ability to breathe new life into traditional forms of performances and elevate participants’ experiences to unprecedented heights.
Prototype Animation
The prototype video, created using Unreal Engine 5 and Twinmotion, showcases the potential of hologram technology combined with digital media to revolutionize live entertainment environments and creative industries at large.
Physical model
Physical Model In Presentation​
A physical model was also produced for this project to simulate how hologram illusions could take form within a live entertainment context. The model employs a simple projection technique: a pre-rendered animated sequence is played on a phone positioned facedown on a clear acrylic surface. The sequence is reflected onto an angled piece of acrylic beneath it, becoming visible to the viewer and creating the illusion of an image situated behind the pane. The design was digitally crafted using 3D software Blender, then laser-cut and assembled using acrylic sheets.
Illustration of Projection Path
Hologram Infographic
The implementation processes of hologram technology have been less explored compared to other virtual technologies, leading to a gap between awareness of its potential and successful integration into live event design. This project seeks to bridge this gap by analyzing industry practices and academic papers, aiming to lower barriers to creatively using holograms in live, themed entertainment. The infographic presents a practical procedure for making hologram technology more accessible and appealing for future applications.
The project delves into various aspects of hologram technology, including defining key terms, analyzing current industry trends, outlining advantages over other virtual technologies, examining existing challenges, and projecting future developments. For a comprehensive overview, please refer to the full research project.