Why Film & TV Productions Are Adopting 3D Scanning

1. Faster & More Accurate Location Scouting

Gone are the days of repeated location visits just to get measurements and photos. With LiDAR and Matterport 3D scans, production teams can virtually tour and assess locations from anywhere in the world—saving time and travel expenses.

3D scan of movie set

A production team in Los Angeles can remotely view a scanned set location in Toronto, ensuring it meets their needs before booking travel or scheduling site visits.

2. Improved Set Design & Previsualization

Set designers and art directors can work with precise digital twins of real-world locations, allowing for:

Accurate pre-visualization in CAD/BIM software

Virtual set dressing before physical changes are made

Faster coordination between teams (directors, designers, and VFX teams)

3D scan of movie set

A period drama set in the 1800s can be digitally modified with accurate props and backdrops before any physical construction takes place.

3. Seamless VFX Integration

With high-resolution 3D scans, VFX teams can capture detailed environments and integrate CG elements more naturally. Whether it’s set extensions, digital doubles, or CGI effects, accurate 3D models help achieve seamless visual storytelling.

3D scan of movie set

A city skyline can be scanned and later enhanced with CG elements like futuristic buildings or action-packed destruction sequences.

4. Cost Savings in Production & Post-Production

By having detailed 3D models of locations, productions can:

Reduce on-site reshoots by capturing everything upfront

Save money on location modifications by pre-visualizing changes

Avoid scheduling conflicts by sharing the scans with all departments

3D scan of movie set

A sci-fi show that requires a custom-built spaceship interior can scan the physical set and reuse the digital version for later CGI-heavy scenes.

5. Enhanced Archiving & Asset Management

Once a location or set is scanned, it can be reused for future productions. Studios can build digital libraries of locations, reducing the need to reshoot or revisit the same sites for new projects.

3D scan of movie set

A sci-fi show that requires a custom-built spaceship interior can scan the physical set and reuse the digital version for later CGI-heavy scenes.