AVL Technology → Talking Portraits

What is a Talking Portrait?

Imagine walking into a portrait gallery, and while you quietly contemplate the historic significance of the work, the character in the portrait springs into life and begins to speak. This twist is the reality of MediaMerge’s Living Canvas™ Talking Portrait technology.

Talking Portraits emulating old photographs
Talking Portraits emulating old photographs
The Talking Portrait on the left interacts with a Living Mirror on the right.
The Talking Portrait on the left interacts with a Living Mirror on the right.
This portrait features the crackle finish of an aged oil painting.
This portrait features the crackle finish of an aged oil painting.
This gallery includes ten Talking Portraits that interact with each other in a 3 minute presentation.
This gallery includes ten Talking Portraits that interact with each other in a 3 minute presentation.
Talking Portrait of Robert Boyle
Talking Portrait of Robert Boyle
King George & Samuel Adams engage in a debate about the rights of the American colonies.
King George & Samuel Adams engage in a debate about the rights of the American colonies.

How does it work?

The Living Canvas™ uses media servers, video displays and loudspeakers to present the illusion of a traditional painting. Video is shot of the characters in costume acting out a pre-written script. The content is then artistically treated in post-production to look like a painted canvas. The video display is then treated with a proprietary technique which appears to have brush strokes and a crackled finish that is similar to that of an actual oil painting. The monitor is then installed into the wall and trimmed with a picture frame, and specialized lighting techniques in the room are used to put the finishing touches on the illusion. Finally, a loudspeaker is installed directly above or below the “painting”, hidden behind a custom acoustical finish.

The result is a Harry Potter-style effect that delivers a shock to the audience when the characters spring to life. It’s not unusual for audience members to scream out with surprise and amusement when the trick is revealed.

Who’s using it and why?

The Living Canvas™ technology was developed for the museum and attractions market. The novelty of the experience is both entertaining and memorable. This makes it a perfect match for any application that seeks to entertain while also educating.

The Portrait Galleries at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum  and ICR Discovery Science Center are effective examples of this technology in action.

Disclaimer: Due to logistics related to shipping and installation, MediaMerge’s Living Canvas™ Talking Portrait technology is currently available in the US only.

How much does a Talking Portrait cost?

A wide range of factors will affect the final cost of a talking portrait. The following questions should be considered as part of budgetary planning:

  • What is the anticipated duration of the presentation?
  • What size portrait is required?
  • Will the portrait loop continuously or be triggered manually or by motion?
  • What are the costume requirements for the characters?
  • Will ambient sound be an issue?

When planning a talking portrait museum exhibit, you should anticipate to budget $20,000-$25,000 per portrait as a starting point. This includes the equipment, design, installation, content production and programming for a basic portrait. Architectural factors such as ambient lighting, wall construction and acoustical treatments may have substantial impact on the cost, as well.