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January 06, 2021

Embracing 3D Technology in the Entertainment Industry



The entertainment industry is a rapidly growing field today. It is a discipline that accommodates various proficiencies and skills. The actors, comedians, singers, dancers, and more need information and technology professionals to help package their artistic works. One great tool widely employed is the 3d viewer.



3d printing is the ultimate game-changer in translating fantasy into reality in the real sense of the word. As much as the audience may not know it, most films employ 3d technology in their production.

 It is significantly used in creating props, characters and at times the entire set. The experts behind the scenes are so meticulous in their work that 3d printing is hardly noticeable.

For instance, in the famous blockbuster film, the ironman character’s costume was 3d printed.

Is 3d printing only applicable in huge magnitude?

3d printing is also applicable to small scale applications. It can be used in music videos, reports, documentaries, and other such productions. However, the greatest challenge is assisting filmmakers in expressing their message in a shorter duration, because such short pieces last up to a maximum of five to minutes.

Additive Manufacturing in 3d printing

There are two types of 3d printing namely additive and subtractive manufacturing. The type you choose is determined by the kind of results you want to realize. Additive manufacturing is the best in the entertainment industry.

Additive manufacturing has revolutionized filmmaking in the 21st century. This is not only true when creating superheroes but also when creating an actual physical model. Additive manufacturing can employ either of these two forms; fused deposition model (FDM) or stereolithography (SLA).

  • Fused Deposition Model (FDM)

A fused deposition model is a form of additive manufacturing commonly used in producing entertainment 3d printing. It is popular in creating prototypes. It is also excellent in modeling and production of three-dimensional objects.

A thermoplastic filament is heated to its highest melting point. Then the material is laid down layer after another. Afterward, a metal mesh is unwound on a coil set before creating a part.

And because the success in entertainment is in finer details, transforming fantasy into reality, precision is required in costuming, props, and set. This can be a daunting task. However, fused deposition models add ease to it by reducing the time spent and making work easier and is a cost-effective means of obtaining models.

SLA is another method used in additive manufacturing of 3d prototypes. It is gaining popularity owing to its ability to produce high accuracy, watertight prototypes. It allows for the creation of a wide range of fine quality materials that enhance texture. SLA is efficient thus saves time while increasing profitability.

Advantages of using 3d images in cinema

The entertainment audience is increasingly demanding high-quality and meticulous precision from film professionals. Therefore, giving attention to the tiniest of details is a basic requirement in creating videos and films.

Appropriate costuming is crucial for the characters’ accessories. An Appropriate example that most audiences identify with is the accessorized costuming in the “Blank Panther”, American blockbuster.

The audience finds the film compelling because of the intricate sophistication of the entire costuming that would otherwise not have been realized without 3d printing.

The production of award-winning films can last longer than days, weeks, and months. Working on such a movie would traditionally have taken intensive manual labor.

This would have been particularly boisterous if costumes have to be made for a large cast, such as scenes that depict an entire battalion. In such an instance, the only 3d can allow for mass production. A designer can finish designing and reproduce a voluminous consignment, several times, within a short time with 3d printing.

Seasoned filmmakers attest to the efficiency realized with 3d printing. 3d printing allows for refined quality and relatively fewer working hours. Additionally, 3d produced costumes are intricate, precise, and keen on details.

3d printing allows for the printing of various versions of the original prototype. Once the initial prototype is complete, a designer can improve, add, or alter the subsequent pieces yet retaining semblance. This allows flexibility and convenience. In an instance where a prop breaks during filming, a replacement can be obtained in a relatively short duration.

Additionally, simple modification allows a part to be designed and produced without an actor fitting it; it doesn’t require adjustments to the individual's dimensions before production.

A production house can request for on-site manufacturing of costumes. This is because 3d printing equipment is relatively easy to transport. This reduces the cost of delivering props that can also compromise their quality.

More so, 3d printing allows for freedom in design modification. A designer can add sophisticated parts that would otherwise have been frustrating and impossible. In filmmaking, the details hold magical moments. In part, this freedom to adjust design is because 3d materials come in a wide variety.

3d materials have impressive aesthetic aspects. In addition, their lightweight density makes it possible to create hollow cavities. The props appear solid on the screen, though in reality, they’re much lighter and versatile.

3d printing software for the filming industry

A designer needs to first develop a 3d model. They can source it from a 3d scan or imagination. This is the basic process that precedes printing

Software application solutions allow for effective elaboration. For instance, the film director can see the proposed costume in a tangible 3d form for aided visualization.

Not only the film director but also other support technicians benefit from this feature. Others such as the cameraman, lighting manager can how lighting elements change to affect the stage and eventual filming process. Ultimately, more saving is actualized at the end of the filming process because significant factors were captured early in the pre-production phase.

3d scanners for quality printing

Digitalization plays a crucial role in designing accessories and costumes for various actors. First, the cast’s head and body are scanned to give you the real dimensions and proportions of an individual character.

The scanned images can be produced in a 3d low-resolution printer, or custom-made into the foam to confirm the fit of the printed version. The resultant prototype can be reproduced before the last fit is made by the cast.

Instead of taking dimensions and measurements manually which can be fallible, a 3d scanner can give more accurate and reliable results.

3D-enabled Equipment in the Entertainment Industry

3d technology is a game-changer in the entertainment industry. Movies and animations made with this technology have no match and give viewers a remarkable viewing experience. Some of the equipment is already in the market, include:

  • Cutting-edge 3d camera

This camera shoots in stereo 4k mode allowing all the lenses to capture the finest details of the object in focus.

  • 3d screen

Smart screens bring reality closer than ever before. Apple (News - Alert) is setting the standard for retina display. The 3d screen display can clock at326 pixels-per-inch.

  • 3d advanced eyewear

This newest 3d new generation eye-wear has effective polarization and better lighting transmission. The images appear more real. It also has no visual discomfort. As the contrast ratio of the 3d eyewear increases, color effects such as excess brightness and darkness are lessened. The optimized light transmission allows rich colors to illuminate the lens.

This kind of technology advancement allows the audience to enjoy watching their content. This advanced 3d eyewear will soon be in the market, so watch out for it.

  • 3d laser scanner

3d animation is already bolstering the industry because 3d animation is already a core component in entertainment.

What is the best future of 3d printing for film production?

The market is wide and will not be flooded any time soon. All stakeholders, providers, and filmmakers alike are spoilt for choice.



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