The Lion, the Witch and the 3D modelling software

An Autodesk product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Mar 16, 2006

3D modelling software stars in recent movie blockbusters such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and the Chronicles of Narnia.

Thanks to Autodesk user Sugg Lighting, Autodesk Inventor is getting its share of the movie limelight, playing a role in such recent blockbusters as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and the Chronicles of Narnia.

While there is no evidence to suggest that Willy Wonka himself used Inventor to design his ingenious gum and candy-making contraptions, Sugg Lighting's traditional style lampposts that feature in the film were designed using the 3D modelling software.

"We do a lot of work for films, and the thing that all the commissions have in common is that they are needed quickly", said Mark Jones, Technical Manager, Sugg Lighting.

"Autodesk Inventor enables us to respond within the tight deadlines".

Sugg Lighting was established in 1834 and claims to be the UK's top name in decorative and heritage lighting.

For a company that specialises in the old-fashioned, it has always been forward thinking about 3D modelling having previously used a Cadkey product in this way.

"It was difficult to use and we wanted something with a long-term future, so after careful consideration of the market, looking at all the main products available, we chose Inventor", said Jones.

Since then Sugg Lighting has also invested in Autodesk Inventor Professional to make use of its FEA functionality.

"As you may guess, not all our work is as glamorous as contributing to film sets", said Jones.

"With the increase in demand for heritage and reproduction lighting and for the restoration of existing lighting, we're kept busy working for local authorities and other customers such as London Underground where we are doing a major refurbishment project".

"A lighting column needs just the right combination of strength and flexibility and there are extensive safety standards to comply with".

"Inventor's stress analysis means that rather than pay a consultant to do all the calculations for us, as we did previously, the technology does all the work for us".

"So there's been a quick return on our purchase of Inventor Professional as it has saved us so much money".

Although he admits that the "pull of the Autodesk name" helped sway the decision to buy Inventor in the first place he has never had cause to regret the investment describing it as, "in my view, the best money we've ever spent".

John Jervis of Mice Technical Graphics, the Autodesk reseller, said: "Sugg Lighting is typical of many, smaller well-established companies who are getting excellent value from Inventor".

"And, of course, we are delighted that it is helping the company's continuing success in film".

"It certainly means that Sugg Lighting can be ready for the next call from Pinewood or even Hollywood, confident that it can meet demands within a tight timeframe".

Jones added: "I must be the only person to watch a film not for the stars or the story, but to look out for the lampposts".

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