Altair > Case Studies > Transforming Hollywood Concept Art with IoT: A Case Study on Ron Mendell

Transforming Hollywood Concept Art with IoT: A Case Study on Ron Mendell

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Technology Category
  • Sensors - Infrared Sensors
Applicable Industries
  • Cement
Applicable Functions
  • Product Research & Development
About The Customer
Ron Mendell is a highly talented concept artist who has been serving the Hollywood motion picture industry for the past 20 years. He has designed cars and gadgets to meet a wide range of film studio needs. Mendell has contributed his creative talents to productions including all three Iron Man movies, Oz the Great and Powerful, The Hunger Games, and The Amazing Spider-Man. His previous projects also include all three Jurassic Park movies and War of the Worlds. The nature of his profession requires him to work at different studios, moving from one job to the next. This introduces him to new experiences and influences, as his design environment and peers are constantly changing.
The Challenge
Ron Mendell, a renowned concept artist in the Hollywood motion picture industry, faced the challenge of assisting filmmakers in constructing the reality inhabited by their characters. His role was to transport the audience into the characters’ world, a key element of effective storytelling in any motion picture. This task fell under the purview of the Art Department, requiring a significant amount of effort and creativity. Prior to the implementation of a new solution, Mendell's process was manual. He would start with pencil and paper, developing his ideas until a final design was approved. This process involved sketching, using color markers, paint, and other traditional art tools. The final steps included drafting, dimensioning, and sectioning until enough 2D drawings were generated to hand off to a craftsman. This manual process was time-consuming and lacked the flexibility for quick changes.
The Solution
The solution to Mendell's challenge was the implementation of solidThinking Evolve, a software that allowed him to quickly create, refine, and render 3D models that could be sent out for build. This digital solution transformed his manual process, enabling fast design changes with construction history. It also increased the speed of part development and allowed for the accurate realization of physical properties. With his ability to design as well as build, Mendell was able to create solid designs based on real-world materials, dimensions, and constraints. The use of solidThinking Evolve allowed him to maintain this principle, ensuring that if a design couldn't be built, he wouldn't draw it. This digital transformation not only streamlined his design process but also enhanced the quality and realism of his concept art.
Operational Impact
  • The implementation of solidThinking Evolve in Mendell's design process brought about significant operational improvements. The software allowed for quick design changes, which was not possible with the previous manual process. This flexibility was crucial in the fast-paced environment of the motion picture industry, where changes are often required at short notice. The speed of part development was also increased, reducing the time from concept to production. Furthermore, the software enabled the accurate realization of physical properties, ensuring that the designs were not only visually appealing but also practical and feasible to build. This has contributed to the blockbuster success of the films Mendell has worked on.
Quantitative Benefit
  • Transitioned from a manual process to a digital one using Evolve
  • Enabled fast design changes with construction history
  • Increased the speed of part development

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