SBS6 embraces tech innovation with virtual talent show format

John de Mol’s Talpa Network has ordered a new talent show utilising motion capture and AR technology to create a virtual avatar for a live performance, to air on its Dutch comcaster SBS6.

Developed in collaboration with US prodco NEP Group, Avastars, which will be broadcast early next year, will combine a singing talent and a dancing talent into one virtual super talent.

Talpa explains that “In traditional talent shows, we look for either insanely good singers or outstanding dancers since it is practically impossible to excel in both disciplines. That’s no longer necessary. In Avastars, great singing and dancing talents will be combined into duos.”

The singing talent is responsible for controlling the avastar’s facial expressions and voice, while the dancing talent wears a special suit to control all the movements of the avastar’s body and head.

With the help of both programmers and stylists, each duo will creates their own avastar, which can appear to be human or even animals. From gender, body shape, hair and skin colour to clothing style and makeup, the duos get to decide it all themselves.

During a series of audition and elimination rounds, a panel of judges, led by a successful DJ or producer, will judge the performances. They will also go on to produce the first single and music video of the winning avastar.