3D Printing Stars in New Animated Film About Leonardo Da Vinci

The legendary genius of Leonardo da Vinci never ceases to inspire in the sciences, architecture, engineering, and the arts, from the rereading of human nature to anatomy. Leonardo was a true, all-around ‘Renaissance man’ the likes of which the world has rarely ever seen, which is why we never tire of this unique historical figure. The latest piece of work inspired by Da Vinci’s story is the latest stop-motion animated film “The Inventor,” by Jim Capobianco in collaboration with French co-director Pierre-Luc Granjon and animation director Kim Keukeleire. Within this star-studded cast with Marion Cotillard, Daisy Ridley, Matt Berry, and Stephen Fry voicing the legendary inventor, we find history, art and technology, philosophy and astrology … and a surprising cast member: 3D printing!

Indeed, additive manufacturing was crucial in the production of the film, to make parts of Leonardo’s puppets and machines. Capobianco relied on French animation studio Foliascope and 3D technologies from Dassault Systemes throughout the production process. The 3D printing of the parts, on the other hand, was the work of the company, Initial. The film, first released in September 2023 in the United States, now lands in Europe. To learn more, 3Dnatives attended a private screening in Paris that anticipated the film’s release in French theaters on January 31st, 2024.

The puppets that appear in the film were made by hand with the help of 3D printing. (Credits: 3Dnatives)

Although an animated film, “The Inventor” is a great flick for young and old alike. It recounts Leonardo’s life in Italy, his clashes with the Pope in Rome and finally his choice to continue his studies in France, not without making some compromises. The production of this film rich in artistic and historical details took about two years. The production of the puppets alone, entrusted to the Foliascope studio, took a year, while another year was needed to make the film in stop motion.