Filmmaking has transformed significantly, even within the last decade. Technology has helped to provide value to film productions with everything from accessible animation to artificial intelligence (AI) driven sound engineering. One of the most interesting developments at the moment is how 3D printing is being used in prop design and creation.
This isn’t just a method for big feature productions, either. Indie filmmakers now have access to a tool that gives them a huge amount of freedom to get tailored professional-standard items that don’t break the bank. As a result, this technology is supporting a revolution in creativity and quality in small productions.
Why is 3D Printing a Good Choice for Props?
Producing an independent film—whether a short or a feature—can be a significant juggling act. One of the things that might put some indie filmmakers off is that 3D printing props adds another area of consideration, technical skill, and planning into the mix. So, why is it worth adopting this method rather than the tried-and-true standard of having crew source props from their contacts or stores?
There are a few key benefits worth looking at here.
Versatility
Even in the last decade, 3D printing technology has come a long way. One of the key advances is multi-material 3D printing that expands the design possibilities and functions of objects. This means your crew can print props that have complex custom parts and can incorporate functional elements, like electrical components. You’re no longer limited to the clunky and artificial aesthetic that’s usually associated with additive manufacturing.
Sustainability
3D printing can play a role in making your indie production more sustainable. Rather than putting your budget toward items manufactured in facilities that may contribute to pollution and waste, you’re creating small batches of props personally. This sustainability is enhanced if you use energy-efficient printers. Using biodegradable filaments also reduces the waste produced from disposing of props after the production.
Affordability
3D printing can be a way to keep your prop expenditure low. If you only have a couple of props, this is less likely to be relevant. Yet, for productions that require multiple items that might get lost or damaged in action scenes, 3D printing can be a powerful tool for maximizing your budget. Importantly, the price of the equipment has become more affordable, with mid-range printers ranging from $1,000-$5,000. This can put it well within the scope of many indie projects.
What Types of Props Can Be 3D Printed?
Another reason indie filmmakers may be hesitant about 3D printing is a lack of knowledge about what it can be used for. There are some more obvious applications, like decorative items to fill background bookshelves. But the versatility of 3D printing can produce a range of prop types that have visual and practical benefits for any production.
Some areas to think about include:
Duplicates of high-end products
There are times when you want a character on-screen to interact with a niche item—like a luxury watch or historical object—but don’t have the budget to purchase or hire the real thing. 3D printing can give you a way to create cheap yet convincing production facsimiles. A good example of this is the period-accurate car components 3D printed for Michael Mann’s Ferrari. These are easier to access than real pieces and don’t require the insurance premiums that genuinely valuable items might.
Costume components
3D-printed props have become common in movie costuming. This is particularly effective for elements you may need to customize, such as police badges for your fictional city or unique sci-fi weaponry. It’s also possible to print highly detailed armor from flexible polylactic acid (PLA) materials. You’ll find these items are lightweight, minimizing the discomfort your actors may experience from more weighty and rigid costumes.
This is far from the limit of 3D-printed prop making. Stunt crews are using 3D-printed items for convincing yet harmless weapons and special effects professionals can create miniatures to give low-budget productions access to spectacular-looking spaceships. It’s worth experimenting during pre-production, too, to see what other items your printer can produce before committing to hiring or buying props.
What Skills Does Your Crew Need?
Naturally, you can’t expect to bring a 3D printer to your props manager, art director, or costume supervisor and expect them to just start making great products. As with any element of filmmaking, 3D printing requires knowledge and skills. Whether you’re hiring a specialist, encouraging crew members to upskill, or printing personally, there are some core abilities that you should focus on. These include the following.
Digital design
Any 3D printing project requires digital files. While you can download some, to fully embrace customization you need people on your crew with a solid understanding of 3D digital design. Adobe Creative Cloud courses can be a good introduction to core graphic design principles and understanding how to effectively navigate industry-standard design software. The Photoshop modules can be particularly relevant, as Adobe is enhancing the software with 3D modeling tools. Having in-person experts leading such courses is also useful for gaining nuanced insights and tips efficiently.
Analytical abilities
3D-printed props benefit from having designers on the crew who have solid analytical capabilities. This is because 3D printing often involves a great deal of problem-solving in order to get the results you need. For instance, with a smaller printer, larger props will need to be created in a modular fashion. Designers will need to be able to establish how to divide the prop into pieces and fit those elements together seamlessly afterward. They’ll also need to assess the prop’s shape and construction to identify where to place any necessary support structures. Incorrect placing can lead to warped prints or damaged surfaces.
Conclusion
3D-printed props are affordable and agile creative tools for indie filmmakers. It’s important to get a good understanding of the scope of use cases alongside ensuring you have a crew with skills that empower you to leverage it well. This technology is developing all the time, too. By staying on top of advances, indie productions can engage in visually ambitious storytelling within a smaller budget.
Amanda Winstead is a writer from the Portland area with a background in communications and a passion for telling stories. Along with writing she enjoys traveling, reading, working out, and going to concerts. If you want to follow her writing journey, or even just say hi you can find her on Twitter.
