Scanning Solutions for Today’s Demanding Productions: The IP Advantage.

Industrial Pixel
Mar 15
4 min read

Updated: May 1

By Carl, Regional Operations Manager, and Alex, Head of Operations - Industrial Pixel 3D Studios

Top view of a person in a 3D scanning setup. Bold text reads: "PRECISION 3D SCANNING BUILT FOR SPEED & FLEXIBILITY!" in red, white, and green.

Revolutionizing VFX Scanning for Modern Production

In today’s fast-paced film and television industry, the pressures on VFX teams are greater than ever. From managing large-scale visual effects shots to ensuring the precision of 3D scans aligns seamlessly with the post-production process, there’s no room for error.

With over 550 productions under our belt, spanning 14 years across 6 continents and 20 countries, our team has witnessed firsthand the challenges VFX teams face in every corner of the world.

These experiences have shaped our approach and reinforced our belief: a seamless scanning solution is key to supporting visual effects in today’s production environment. It’s not only about capturing data—it’s about capturing data where and when it's needed, no matter the circumstances.

Don't miss the video of our latest Character Scanning rig, the FTL Series, at the end of this blog.

Building for Real-World Flexibility

When we first started tackling the problem of scanning in traditional and complex production environments, we identified one critical need: flexibility.

Traditional scanning solutions, no matter how sophisticated, often fail when they’re required in the real-world chaos of production. From the deep jungles of Peru to the busy streets of New York, there’s always a challenge to overcome. Whether it’s capturing a busy actor on a tight schedule or scanning numerous background talent on their only day on set in a specific wardrobe, the ability to deliver high-quality, precision data quickly and reliably is paramount.

The complexity of the talent involved—from humans and animals to dynamic objects and intricate set pieces—requires a system that can handle any environment, any challenge. That’s why we designed our system with the core principle of flexibility in mind, allowing VFX teams to deploy cutting-edge scanning technology wherever the production takes them.

White tent-like structure in a barn setting, surrounded by wooden rails and straw. Text reads: "DESIGNED FOR ON-LOCATION SCANNING".

Adaptability On Set

One of the key advantages of our system is its adaptability on set. It works just as well on stage as it does on location, without taking up valuable production real-estate.

The footprint and set-up requirements have also been factored into the design philosophy - flexible, mobile and efficient. If the setup needs to be moved, it can be cleared in minutes. This makes it an ideal solution for productions with tight schedules and limited room to spare, minimizing disruptions while maximizing efficiency.

Game-Changing Mobility and Performance

Our system is more than just another piece of equipment; it’s a game-changer for visual effects. By focusing on lightweight, mobile, and flexible systems, we created a scanning solution that excels in the modern production environment.

By giving equal weight to the design as to capturing precision accurate data, our system significantly reduces the space and production resources required compared to any other photogrammetry system. It offers a singular versatile solution for capturing a wide range of scanning needs, from characters and FACS to large and small animals, as well as props.

With its compact design, it frees up valuable stage space and resources, and enables efficient on-location 3D scanning.

Setup is quick and efficient, taking just 30 minutes to a few hours by a single technician, reducing costs and minimizing the need for additional production department involvement.

Unlike many of our competitors, our rig is engineered to handle not only the technical requirements of a VFX Supervisor, but also the logistical and budgetary challenges faced by VFX Producers and Production Managers, wherever production takes them.

Woman smiling, standing on steps of a colorful truck with cube art, parked on a street. Text: "TRUCK SET UP OPTIONS."

Real-World Success Story: Proven Under Pressure

On-location shoots are often unpredictable, so our scanning system is designed to handle the unexpected. In the last 18 months, we’ve seen our system perform where other vendors’ solutions fell short.

One memorable project took us to a remote quarry where we had a tight schedule to capture the main actors. The location did not allow for a proper flat area for the equipment setup, yet our team successfully set up the rig in the middle of the quarry in a pop-up tent.

The scanning of the cast was well underway when the weather changed drastically—a storm with heavy wind and lightning was about to hit the location. We safely packed up the equipment within 20 minutes and shooting was paused.

After the storm passed and production resumed, our team quickly set up the rig again, this time in the back of a standard rental box truck. Scanning resumed with no delays, and all planned scans were achieved that day—something our competitors’ systems couldn’t have managed under the same constraints.

This is just one of many examples of how our rig has redefined what’s possible for on-location scanning. From the moment we deploy our system and team, we’re confident that we can deliver exactly what production teams need, when they need it.

The Future of VFX Scanning

Looking ahead, we are fully committed to continuing to build on the foundation of flexibility and precision. Every update to our technology is designed with one goal in mind: to make the lives of visual effects teams easier through all stages of production.

We know that you continue to encounter increasingly complex challenges. Industrial Pixel delivers a powerful tool, the technology and a team of the industry’s most experienced scanning technicians, to help you navigate these obstacles confidently.

As the industry evolves, so too does our technology, staying ahead of the curve and ensuring that we remain the go-to solution for seamless, high-quality 3D scanning anywhere in the world.

The future of VFX production is mobile, nimble, and ready for anything—and we are proudly leading the way. Whether through continuous innovation or the refinement of our existing systems, our mission is simple: to empower you and all VFX teams with the best possible solutions so you can focus on what truly matters—bringing creative visions to life.