Revolutionizing Film: The Impact of 3D Printing on Production Design

This report analyzes the transformative impact of 3D printing on film production design and cinematic storytelling. It begins by defining 3D printing and its applications in filmmaking, highlighting its advantages such as cost-effectiveness, design flexibility, and reduced waste. The report discusses how 3D printing enables the creation of detailed and customized props, saving time and money in the production process. It also examines emerging film technologies, including 8K resolution and autonomous drones, that are shaping the future of the industry. The research methodology employs a quantitative approach, utilizing surveys to gather data. A SWOT analysis further evaluates the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with 3D printing in film production, concluding that this technology offers significant potential for revolutionizing the industry.

How can 3D printing
revolutionise production
design
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ABSTRACT.....................................................................................................................................3
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
Concept of 3D printing...........................................................................................................4
The way 3D printing works in film making in cinema industry............................................5
New and emerging film technologies in film industry...........................................................5
Research Plan...................................................................................................................................6
Findings............................................................................................................................................8
SWOT analysis for 3D printing revolutionise production design.................................................24
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................25
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................27
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ABSTRACT
3D printing technology is one of the popular technology in film making industry which is
used to develop a design of object by utilising software. Today, the production design and
cinematic storytelling is completely revolutionising by using printing technology in film making.
This project is based on the title "how can 3D printing revolutionise production design" and aims
to analyse the concept of 3D printing technology and the way it works. There are various new
and emerging film technologies which can be use by filmmakers in the industry which can
change the future of the industry and leads it towards growth. The emerging film technologies
change the main aspect of film production as well as cinematic storytelling which is very
assistive in attracting more people towards the cinema and provide them with excellent
experience.
INTRODUCTION
3D technology in filmmaking brings audience comparatively more closely to the
characteristics and provides different kind of experiences. 3D printing effectively facilitates
entities within this industry to design and print more complex designs in an effective manner as
compared to traditional manufacturing process (Datta and Goswami, 2021). It helps in
minimising waste and is one of the most cost effective methods. Major advantage associated
with 3D printing in filmmaking is that it is affordable, easy to access and reduce wastage. There
are number of 3D technologies used in filmmaking that enhance effectiveness of filmmaking.
Main purpose of using 3D printing in various aspects of film production and cinematic story
telling is that it is an innovative technology that effectively allows creating physical objects from
digital model. With the help of 3D printing filmmakers can bring object to life. Along with this
3D Technology effectively in enhance quality of modern films that attracts and influence of
customers in an effective manner. This technology provides greater flexibility that helps in
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improving various aspects of cinematic storytelling and film production. With the help of 3D
printing film production cycle is effectively enhanced. Present report has been conducted on the
aspects of filmmaking practice which is affected by technology. In order to conduct this SWOT
analysis is being conducted in this report. In addition to this research findings is also included
which is drawn from selected primary as well as secondary sources. Research also involves
research plan which is done in context of cresols three components model.
Concept of 3D printing
As per the view point of Aysha M., (2020), 3D printing is sometimes defined as additive
manufacturing in which one develop the design of object by using software as well as the printer
develops the object through adding a material layer upon layer until a particular shape of object
is developed. This object can be made by utilising numerous printing materials, involving
filaments, powders, paper and plastic. The execution of 3D printing technologies is extremely
diverse and is utilise to develop numerous shapes from different materials. In the world of
cinema industry, 3D printing technology demonstrate its full potential. There are various movies
like Star Wars, Iron Man etc. which are award winning as well as extremely popular. Black
Panther and The Force Awakens have utilised 3D printing in order to design sets, props and parts
of all kinds. The cinema industry can take advantage of design flexibility and freedom of 3D
technologies. As compared to 40 years old films with current release, there is a difference seen in
special effects. A constant change is adopted by the world of cinema and always try to utilise
latest technology in order to exploit the advantages.
As per the opinions presented by Yip, (2020), People are constantly demanding precision
and high quality from filmmakers so it is very much required for the filmmakers to pay attention
to even a small thing while creating a movie. 3D printing technology makes it possible for the
filmmakers to first developed prototypes or print various distinct versions as well as compare
them with one another (What impact does 3D printing have on the world of cinema? 2020). This
provides greater flexibility to them as if any part breaks at the time of filming, it is possible to
print that again more quickly. Apart from this, it provides various advantages to fil m makers in
terms of cost savings, great design freedom, fast delivery of props etc. Apart from this, the
technology which is very popular in the cinema industry is multicolour technology as it offers
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high level of realism in comparison to other processes. Thus, use of 3D technology in the cinema
industry provides various benefits or advantages to the filmmakers in production design and
cinematic storytelling.
The way 3D printing works in film making in cinema industry
As per the view point of Milcah Lukhanyu, (2020), in past some years, movies have
changed a lot. The traditional film making has been replaced through CGI and computer. With
the increased liking of fantasy, demand and sci-fi-films, the film makers are pressurized to add
these to the movies. In order to make this happen, the producers require a lot of advanced
graphics, sounds, props and effects in which 3D printing technology proved to be very
beneficial. With high end technology, high quality of 3D visual effects software as well as
excellent computer programming, it becomes very easy for the film makers to create 3D props
(What is the Role of 3D Printing in Film Industry? 2020). These are detailed, accurate realistic as
well as can be customised according to the purpose and scene. This also saves money and time as
computer 3D printers play a significant role in film industry and are very useful for research and
development process and making crops. It takes various top of the line software, precision tools
and powder like materials in order to create three dimensional object from waste.
As per the view point of Zhang, (2020),The initial step of 3D printing process is named as
3D modelling. In order to maximize the precision, all the objects will be designed in the software
of 3D modelling. Some of the designs are very intricate as well as detailed for the manufacturing
method which are traditional. Here, CAD software uses which enable printer to customise the
product down to tiniest detail. Once the model is developed, it is sliced. Since these printers
cannot conceptualize three dimensional concepts, the engineers required to slice this model in to
layers to develop final product. After the modelling and slicing of the object completed, the 3D
printer technology finally takes over. It acts generally similar as traditional printer where nozzle
moves back and forth at the time of dispensing wax, waiting for the layer to try as well as adding
the next level (HOW DOES A 3D PRINTER WORK? 2019).
New and emerging film technologies in film industry
As per the view point of Rubidium WU, (2020), there are various new and emerging
technologies the can be used in film industry which might change the future of industry and the
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key aspect of film production and cinematic story telling. Some of the technologies are provided
below:
1. 8K and high resolution displays - it is the latest buzzword for the screens. Bigger
screens with high resolutions provides unique experience to people. It makes sense for
the cinema makers everywhere in order to shoot in high resolution when looking to future
proof the intellectual property (What Film Technologies Will Define the Next Decade?,
2020).
2. Autonomous drones - fully autonomous drones are very popular nowadays and these
openings are sensational beginnings which these drones are going to enable to do. They
have built in algorithm and knowledge which help in avoiding the obstacles as well as
open source technology for producing drone cinematographers of future.
Research Plan
This forms out to be a vital part of every investigation and research which provides a
systematic explanation about the research approaches and method used. A description about the
methods and approaches used for current instigation in terms of Creswells three components
model is provided as below:
Research approach- As per the Creswells Three components model three main forms of
research approach has been provided which consist of qualitative approach, quantitative
approach and mixed approach.
Quantitative research approach- This approach has been applied and used by a researcher to
collect and gather quantify data and it is mainly associated with and used in response of
relational questions. Apart from this, the use of quantitative approach is mainly related and
associated with the predictions and seek explanations on the basis of numeric facts and statistical
data (Yip, 2020). The quantitative form of research approach is further classified into three broad
categories which consists of descriptive, experimental and casual comparative analysis. Out of
these, use of descriptive approach is mainly used to examine a situation as it exists in current
state. Use of experimental research is associated with treatment of an intervention into the study
and comprises of measuring outcomes of the specified treatment. On the other hand, casual
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comparative research is associated with independent variable along with dependent variable
which involves analysis of effect relationship between variable.
Qualitative research approach- This form of research approach is associated with related with a
holistic way of conducting an investigation which is also described as an infolding model which
occurs and happen in natural setting and enables an investigator to have in-depth research from
high involvement in actual experience. Thus, use of qualitative approach is suitable and
appropriate when investigator requires to describe, explaining and have a detailed interpretation
of collected data (Ilmaranta, 2020). Conducting a qualitative research is based on
poststructuralist paradigm which is more complex and require more time to attempt and analysis
observational elements which is mainly based on human behaviour and attitude. Therefore, an
analysis can be made out that qualitative form of research approach is more complex and time
consuming which is mainly associated with leading out and coming with a new theory which is
mostly used to explain phenomena relevant to social behaviours in new and emerging theories.
Mixed methods approach- This research approach us emerged to provide researcher with an
alternative when they believe that both quantitative and qualitative research approach are
incompatible and needs a mixed method which elite drawback of both and provides befits of
both these approaches. Under mixed approach, a researcher is tending to collect and analyse data
through applying both qualitative and quantitative research approach in a single research study
which facilitates and ensures both numeric as well as theoretical form of data (Newfield and
Staub, 2020). Thus, applying of mixed approach offers both in-depth analysis of human
behaviour along with effective presentation and analysis of numeric data with the help of
statistical tool.
On the basis of above discussion, selection and utilisation of quantitative form of research
approach is seemed most suitable and appropriate for current investigation as it ensures most
efficient way of data collection in numeric terms. Apart from this, justification for making use of
quantitative research approach is also based on the fact that it ensures better analysis and
interpretation of collected with through making use of statistical tools and graphs which ensures
more specific and measurable set of research results.
Investigation strategy- This section of research plan provides a complete framework and base
for leading out an investigation. The main forms and types of research strategy consists of action
research, experiments, survey, interview, observation and many more (Zhang, 2020). Out of
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these forms of research strategy, selection of survey strategy is made for current investigation
that is seemed to be more justifiable as it provides a most cost and time efficient way of data
collection with the help of questionnaire.
Collection of data- With respect to current investigation use of both primary as well as
secondary source of data collection has been made as primary data ensures first-hand
information whereas secondary information is also vital and important to provide information
about past facts and records to set a base for study (Frye, 2020). With respect to current research,
collection of primary data has been made with the help of quantitative based questionnaire
whereas collection of secondary data would have been made with the help of online article and
journal.
Sample Size- With the help of random sampling method selection of 50 participants would
have been made for current investigation from the employees of filmmaking industry.
Findings
Questionnaire
Name –
Address –
Email –
Age -
Q 1) Do you have any understanding or awareness regarding 3D printing technology?
a) Yes
b) No
Q 2) Which is the key benefit that film industry get by using 3D printing technology in
production design?
a) Minimise waste
b) Fast design and production
c) Ease of Access
d) Cost effective
e) All of the above
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Q 3) How effective 3D printing technology is for film makers in improving quality of films?
a) Highly effective
b) Effective
c) Neither effective nor ineffective
d) Ineffective
e) Highly ineffective
Q 4) According to you, which type of 3D printing technology is using the most by film
makers in the production design?
a) Stereo lithography (SLA)
b) Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM)
c) Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
d) Electronic Beam Melting (EBM)
Q 5) What influence does 3D printing technology have on the today’s world of cinema?
a) Positive influence
b) Negative influence
c) No influence
Q 6) Which can be the challenge of 3D printing technology facing by film makers in the
world of cinema?
a) High personnel costs
b) Proper understanding and its implementation
c) Time consuming technology
Q 7) As per your opinion, what is the main use of 3D printing technology in film industry?
a) In research and development process
b) For animation movies
c) In improving manufacturing process of props
d) All of the above
Q 8) Which other new and emerging technology use by film makers that can leads change
in the world of cinema in future?
a) 8K and High Resolution Displays
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b) Smart Cams
c) 4k+ 3D Technology
d) Dual Camera VR
e) Algorithm Editing
Q 9) How the emerging technologies will impact on film industry and might change the key
aspect of film production and cinematic storytelling?
a) Positively impact
b) Negatively impact
c) No impact
Q 10) Recommend any other new and emerging film technologies that might change the
key aspect of film production and cinematic storytelling
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Use of following frequency table is made for systematic and clear analysis of collected raw data:
Q 1) Do you have any understanding or awareness regarding 3D
printing technology?
Frequency
a) Yes 48
b) No 2
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Q 2) Which is the key benefit that film industry get by using 3D
printing technology in production design?
Frequency
a) Minimise waste 9
b) Fast design and production 11
c) Ease of Access 12
d) Cost effective 8
e) All of the above 10
Q 3) How effective 3D printing technology is for film makers in
improving quality of films?
Frequency
a) Highly effective 10
b) Effective 10
c) Neither effective nor ineffective 10
d) Ineffective 10
e) Highly ineffective 10
Q 4) According to you, which type of 3D printing technology is using
the most by film makers in the production design?
Frequency
a) Stereo lithography (SLA) 13
b) Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM) 15
c) Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 12
d) Electronic Beam Melting (EBM) 10
Q 5) What influence does 3D printing technology have on the today’s
world of cinema?
Frequency
a) Positive influence 12
b) Negative influence 20
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c) No influence 18
Q 6) Which can be the challenge of 3D printing technology facing by
film makers in the world of cinema?
Frequency
a) High personnel costs 46
b) Proper understanding and its implementation 2
c) Time consuming technology 2
Q 7) As per your opinion, what is the main use of 3D printing
technology in film industry?
Frequency
a) In research and development process 13
b) For animation movies 15
c) In improving manufacturing process of props 12
d) All of the above 10
Q 8) Which other new and emerging technology use by film makers
that can leads change in the world of cinema in future?
Frequency
a) 8K and High Resolution Displays 15
b) Smart Cams 5
c) 4k+ 3D Technology 12
d) Dual Camera VR 10
e) Algorithm Editing 8
Q 9) How the emerging technologies will impact on film industry and
might change the key aspect of film production and cinematic
storytelling?
Frequency
a) Positively impact 12
b) Negatively impact 10
c) No impact 18
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