top of page

DIY Props Made Easy: The Benefits of 3D Printing for Video Productions

Eye-2-Eye

Video production props are a must have in any shoot as they help enhance the storytelling, increases the audiences engagement and makes it easier to provide context in times when words are not enough. They are used in many video productions such as music videos, movie / tv productions as well as news stories.


Props are objects that are used in video productions that can help enhance a certain scene, whether that being a prop an actor interacts with, a functional prop like a desk lamp or a prop that sits in the background of a shot.


So, where do you get these props and how are they created?


Prop Sourcing Options


Producers will source them mainly from 2 places:

They either purchase / rent them from a store, or they create the props in house.


If they decide to purchase a prop, fine, that is more or less straight forward but if they decide to build them, this comes with its own adventure.


Renting vs. Creating Props


Manufacturing a prop can sound troublesome, so why would a production company want to make their own?


Well, renting out and purchasing props can get expensive for every single production that needs be to put on, not making it a very good cost effective prop solution. This is especially true for news channels, where they are expected to put out multiple stories a day. With productions having budget constraints, directors may not be able to tell the story they want because the cost of props are too expensive. Secondly, if the retailer doesn't offer customized props, the production is limited to whatever prop designs the seller is offering, which limits the customization and creativity of the prop.



So for the production companies that ARE making their own video production props, how do they do it?


Challenges in Traditional Prop Manufacturing Methods


The prop manufacturing techniques a typical production company uses is a very manual process, cutting and sticking polyurethane foam (like EVA) or through silicone casting.


However, there are limitations to this method:

The first one is time. Have you ever been to a cosplay convention and seen the amazing props and costumes they have? It's INCREDIBLE... but it also takes them an INCREDIBLE amount of time to make. In an industry like news or tv shows, where time is not an option, this really hurts the production of the show. Not to mention, the amount of skill you need to create a full knights helmet in EVA is astonishing and to be quite frank, not everyone can do it. If you mess up once, you need to restart and do it again, costing the company materials. Secondly, since foam and silicone are the two materials that can easily be made into a prop without other expertise, it vastly limits the props properties. What if you want to set your sword on fire? What if you need something a bit more rigid? In short, the more materials you have access to, the more creative you can get with your production.


The Next Step, Benefits of 3D Printing for Props:


So, how do we make manufacturing and customisation of props easier? The answer is in 3D printing. In a world where everything is slowly becoming done by machines, why not get a 3D printer to make your props for you now? The advantages of this technology is as follows:



1. Say goodbye to manual manufacturing.


Put the glue away, put the knives away and get on a design software. You don't even need to know how to design, they are plenty of free digital designs for props that you can download, add whatever you want if you decide to, and then print. Literally anyone can do it, which takes a lot of stress off everyone because you don't need to hire someone good to make props anymore.


2. Time


This goes hand in hand with the first point. If you get rid of manual manufacturing and have it done by a 3D printer, it saves that persons time, and will ultimately ramp up the production time of your props as well. 3D printers like the Form 4, a resin 3D printer, can print small - medium parts in under 2 hours, and the bigger brother, the Form 4L, can print large parts in under 6! Imagine someone manually making 10 small figurines individually compared to a 3d printer that can print all 10, in one print, under 2 hours, which do you think will be quicker? It's a no brainer in my eyes. Additionally, if a director decides he doesn't like the initial design of the prop, that can be easily changed in a couple of hours, with a press of a button.


3. Advanced Prop Materials:


I'd say this is where the 3D printers shine. You can literally print any material you want nowadays so production companies aren't restrained to manufacturing only two types of materials. Need something impact resistant? go with a hard plastic like ABS, need something super high detailed with smooth finishes? load in some resin into your 3D printer. Need something elastic / rubber - like prosthetic makeup or a flexible prop? TPU and Silicone are your answers. Not to mention materials that are flame retardant or heat resistant, so if your director is a pyromaniac, you can make props that can handle that.


4. Creative Prop Customization


I feel this point is obvious. Whatever you happen to design, can be printed. In manual manufacturing of the props, there are certain limitations even the most skilled artists have to abide by like certain complex geometrical shapes, etc. However, with 3D printing, these limitations are marginally reduced and there are even software's that can improve your design with the help of AI for strength, material waste, etc. I'm not saying you can design a floating ball over the top of someone's head and then expect it to float in real life, but you can find ways to have supports in certain places that can give you that illusion.



Conclusion


In summary, 3D printing is transforming prop manufacturing in video production by streamlining processes, saving time, and enhancing creativity. Traditional methods can be labor-intensive and limiting, but 3D printing allows for quick adjustments and a wider variety of materials. This technology empowers creators to design customized props without any limitations and helps overcome previous constraints. As production companies adopt 3D printing, they can tell more compelling stories and engage audiences more effectively, marking a significant shift in how props are made and used in the industry.


Read more about how one of our products, made by Lynxter was used in Netflix's Emily in Paris:



If you are interested in being one of the pioneers in this space, please reach out to us, and we will have you set up running your own prop production in - house, in no time.






29 views0 comments

Comments


bizSAFE Enterprise Level 3 black bg.jpg

Follow Us 

(+65) 6743 2325

sales@eye2eye.com.sg 

SS 620:2016 (GDPMDS)

Singapore Quality Management System

  • LinkedIn Social Icon
  • Facebook
  • Instagram

© 2019 by Eye-2-Eye Communications Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved

bottom of page