Ever wonder how the fantastical creatures you see in Star Wars are brought to life? There are some incredible tools at the hands of filmmakers, animators and producers these days, one of which is 3D printing.

So when Lucasfilm wanted to re-animate the lovable holochess game in The Force Awakens, they worked with Academy Award Winner Phil Tippett, the man who first imagined, built and animated these amazing creatures in stop motion, to seek out the highest quality 3D printing shop in the Bay Area: our partner, Moddler.

Phil Tippett (left) working with the final 3D models

Moddler 3D printed each of the incredibly detailed miniatures needed for the new holochess game in The Force Awakens, from which molds were made to articulate each character.

Digital rendering of one of the creatures

3D printed model

Finished model

It’s incredible what 3D printing can do to realize the ideas of our imagination. The best CGI companies like Tippett Studio know that quality is incredibly important to ensure 3D parts accurately represent their ideas and we’re proud they trust Moddler like we do.

Digital rendering of another holochess creature

3D printed model

Finished model

To order 3D parts from Moddler and see more of their portfolio, visit their shopfront here.