It is not often that we get a peek into the making of a theatre performance of this magnitude. We were granted rare access to the tech integration and the creative process, including what was in the minds of the artistic director, design director, and engineers. During the process, we got closer than ever to some of the greatest creatives of our generation and brought the story to life in a compelling and intimate visual form that perfectly blends the world of the real with the world of the sublime. This allowed us to share the experience of The Tempest with those not in the theater, as well as insight into how it was created.

It was important that we had the opportunity to track the development process. We started shooting nine months before opening night, in the early stages of technological development, even before actors had been cast. Throughout the process, we captured interviews with tech and creative leads from Intel, The Royal Shakespeare Company, and the Imaginarium, and documented the collaboration process. In the lead up to opening night, we collected all but the actual live performance footage. The final tech and dress rehearsal the day before opening night was our only chance to capture the full performance.

The project led to the creation of a three-minute film and over 25 short social films documenting the making of The Royal Shakespeare Company performance of The Tempest. The content resulted in over 84 million impressions around the globe, with nine million views across Intel social platforms. The change in brand perception is illustrated by coverage in the press and online comments such as:

“Absolutely amazing performance! Well done, Intel, The RSC and Imaginarium for creating this ground-breaking production.?”

“Perfect blend of cast performance and tech to create the magic that is The Tempest. Well done to all involved!”

Our strategy was to tell the story of the immense tech power Intel provided for The Royal Shakespeare Company’s reimagining of The Tempest—from conception through opening night. We wanted to engage the curious nature of millennials and help them make the connection that Intel technology powers many of the awe-inspiring experiences they seek.

Intel technology lives inside many household items we use on a daily basis—our computers, phones, appliances, etc.—yet Intel’s products themselves aren’t sold directly to the general public. And so it’s understandable that many millennials don’t know how much Intel powers their lives. Because of this, Intel doesn’t receive the credit it deserves as an exciting, innovative, and relevant company.

To change this perception, we set out on a three-year journey, partnering with The Royal Shakespeare Company. Together, we used creativity and technology to reimagine Shakespeare’s masterpiece The Tempest. Along the way, we did the impossible—giving a digital avatar the power to live and breathe, in real time, in front of a live audience.

Night after night, Shakespeare’s imagination was brought to life like never before. Intel documented the story behind the most technically advanced live theatre performance ever attempted, and shared it with the world.