The Expanse is Coming to a 3D Printer Near You

Marketing teams are always looking for new ways to engage fans and spread word of their product. For TV and movies, the most common marketing method is the trailer, whether it’s shown as a TV spot, web premiere, or on the big screen. Apps are another popular marketing method in the age of the mobile device. The interactivity gives fans or the curious a sense of ownership and connection to the IP.

Cable network, SyFy, has launched a new project called SyFy Labs that hopes to leverage interactivity as part of its efforts to attract and retain viewers. SyFy Labs is attacking attention spans on three fronts: virtual reality (VR), hue/sync and 3D printing.

3D printed models based on ships in the SyFy TV show, The Expanse. Courtesy of SyFy.

“SyFy has a long history of using technology in innovative and unexpected ways to enhance our television programming, said Matthew Chiavelli, senior VP, SyFy Digital. “The launch of SyFy Labs formalizes our commitment to giving our viewers new ways to experience our rich content in a variety of exciting ways, on many different platforms.”

While VR and hue/sync are both interesting (the latter being methods of changing your physical environment in response to what’s happening on the tube), this is Rapid Ready, so we’re more intrigued by the 3D printing angle. SyFy has made a smart decision with regards to 3D printing by not going it alone. Instead, the TV company has hooked up with MakerBot and, more specifically, MakerBot’s online digital warehouse, Thingiverse.

Thingiverse now hosts a number of CAD designs submitted by SyFy. Offerings are mainly related to SyFy’s new show, The Expanse, and include space ships, a helmet, a model exosuit, and a number of logos associated with the show. SyFy Labs intends to continue to add to the library as well, and will likely be responsive to fan requests.

One wonders if all this attention to digital design won’t result in some 3D printed objects appearing on SyFy’s shows. Hollywood has already embraced 3D printing as a quick and accurate manner of developing and building costumes and props, it only seems reasonable that the small screen might follow suit.

Below you’ll find a trailer for The Expanse.

Source: SyFy, NBC