Harmy said:

This has been discussed somewhere recently and someone said that they 3D scanned the models into a computer and then used that, at least in Episode 3.

I was always wondering: is this the best approach time-wise and money-wise? Assuming the physical models won't get used directly (ie: won't be edited in the film).

Let's compare:

1) designer draws a thing

2) modelmakers build it (think about time here: glue & paint need to dry; ever tried to build a model kit?)

3) the model gets 3D scanned (I take 3D scanners got more common & cheaper?)

4) we still need 3D artist to fix model errors (scan won't be perfect), add animation etc.

All-computer way skips #2 and #3. Shouldn't this be faster & cheaper? Especially when talking about whole miniature sets?

What are the benefits of building miniature physical models just for reference for 3D artist? I can only think of easier work with lighting the model (more natural if tested with miniatures) and perhaps textures... and... ?