Have you ever wondered how Hollywood and creative studios made movie props in 2016?
Did they handcraft those realistic gadgets and swords?
What is the hottest technology that can create complex and amazing models quickly and cost-effectively?
Concept designer and art director Michael van Kesteren will reveal some behind-the-scenes secrets here and share his experience and ideas on how 3D printing is changing the film and television industries.
Traditional Prop Making Gets an Upgrade
Traditionally, props are made using sculpting methods. Clay or foam is used to sculpt molds. From these molds, replicas are cast, and artists add parts made of metal, plastic, or wood as needed.
Concept designer and art director Michael van Kesteren
Michael started 3D printing in 2010 when he was creating props for the South African film "Dredd."
"3D printing is becoming increasingly easy and widely available. We use this process to create the main bodies of the firearms we design.
We have built good relationships with local 3D printing companies and use a variety of different processes depending on the parts we make."
When he arrived in the UK, it took some time to convince those he worked with that 3D printers would bring many benefits, not threats. Eventually, he bought one himself. Once it became clear that it was a very useful tool, things started to take off from there.
3D Printing Enhances Craftsmanship
His peers and artists found that 3D printing does not replace traditional techniques, but is another tool used in the process.
Traditional model makers were somewhat skeptical at first. 3D printing was a threat; after all, it created many possibilities.
But now they find that 3D printing actually enhances and complements their traditional methods, helping them create better models, avoiding tedious tasks, and allowing them more time to create.
Now that 3D printing is part of the process, the workflow is more efficient. When the art department receives technical drawings and references, work begins.
The object is modeled and printed using the most suitable process and materials.
Michael's goal is to do all the modeling work during the day and then print at night.
By the next morning, the printed parts are sent to the model maker for cleaning and assembly. Often, all that is needed is a small, detailed part that can be incorporated into a larger object.
After cleaning and assembly, it is handed over to the painting department, and then to the camera crew.
If multiple replicas are needed, the printed object is molded and cast.
Desktop 3D printers are revolutionizing filmmaking. They allow filmmakers to unleash their creativity and create highly detailed custom models, just like this mini gun!
Michael's 3D printing journey began with the Ultimaker 2, and he recently upgraded to the Ultimaker 2+, and is a loyal fan of its reliable ability to print very fine layers.
The biggest advantage of the Ultimaker 2 is its printing precision. I print with layer heights of 0.06 or 0.04mm, using a 0.25mm nozzle, and we get the best results and easiest cleanup.
Five Major Advantages of 3D Printing
3D printing technology enables prop makers to use their time more efficiently and work more effectively.
Michael has found that 3D printing benefits his craft in many ways.
● Speed. Even before 3D printing, he used 3D modeling and rendering to design concepts. 3D printing allows him to produce a model or prototype within 24 hours.
This is very convenient when meeting deadlines and making decisions.
Model makers can now focus only on projects that require their skills, instead of making small, tedious adjustments to the same part over and over again.
● Scalability. Scaling the same model up or down with 3D printing requires minimal adjustment. In the past, especially when time was limited, scaling hand models could lead to poor results. Sculptors had to work under pressure and might not be able to complete the project correctly without sufficient working time.
● Precision and reproduction. If scaled down, you can create parts that fit perfectly the first time. If they don't, it doesn't take long to fix. If you need parts again, 3D printing can repeatedly create the same parts without the need for molding and casting.
● Reduced material costs. PLA filament is much cheaper than many other sculpting materials. If you only need a few replicas, 3D printing is more cost-effective than creating molds and casting parts.
● Intricate details. Some props, such as ornate Renaissance and medieval weapons, have very delicate details on their surfaces.
If the object is smooth, the part can be carved. But if the part has high detail and a complex shape, then carving can be a nightmare. 3D printing can recreate details on parts that can be cast and molded into any material.
3D Printing in Movie Magic
The next time you are mesmerized by your favorite fantasy movie, don't forget that the magic is created by highly skilled and talented model makers, sculptors, and 3D printers working together. While the main methods of prop production may remain unchanged, the tools have begun to change. Can you imagine what can be made with a 3D printer?
Original link: https://ultimaker.com/en/stories/22401-the-future-of-filmmaking-3d-printed-props