Welcome to the 3FX Medical Animation blog, where we will share our experiences, thoughts and discoveries from our corner of the world of CG life science animation production. 3FX inc.

3FX Receives Recognition From the Rx Club

Posted: November 8th, 2011 | Author: Steve | Filed under: medical animation | Tags: , , , , , , | No Comments »

It’s always great to be recognized for doing an exemplary job. We take pride in our work here at 3FX, and while our main objective is always to exceed our client’s expectations and provide a great final product, it is always nice to be recognized by our peers for our dedication to our work.

This past month, the judging committee at the Rx Club selected 3FX as the winner of two prestigious awards. Those awards are for:

- Promotional Animation Award for 3FX Demo Reel 2011
- 3-D Animation Award for Roche Dalcetrapib

A few members of our team will be attending the 25th Annual Exhibit of Medical Graphics in New York City on Thursday, November 10th. This event is all thanks to the Rx Club. If you’d like to learn more about them, you can click over to www.therxclub.com . We look forward to showcasing our animations to the rest of the night’s attendees as well as seeing other great work from our industry.

I know I speak for everyone here at 3FX when I say that I am honored to receive both of these awards. We appreciate the acknowledgement from the Rx Club for our hard work and look forward to what will be a great night of celebration. To see all of the Award of Excellence winners, you can go to the event page


Exclusive First Video – Holographic Animation

Posted: October 7th, 2011 | Author: Steve | Filed under: medical animation | Tags: , , , | No Comments »

A few weeks ago we let everyone know about an exciting new technology that we’ve started working with - holographic animation.

At first it was a little difficult to record such a sharp, vibrant picture on an iPhone. The overall quality of the video couldn’t be caught on it. We switched to a camcorder and it recorded much better.  Once Cory (Creative Director/Partner here at 3FX) got the footage, it only took an hour or so in our creative suite to edit down a standard definition video showcasing the power of holographic animation (Of course, final delivery of all projects is in high definition).

You’ll notice that we’ve created many examples, from medical devices, to cars, to even people. Let’s face it, who wouldn’t want to see themselves turned into a hologram? I know Star Wars geeks everywhere, including this one right here, have thought about that one time or another (think Princess Leia).

Here’s the video. Let us know what you think!

Also, below is an example of what the holographic display could look like wrapped in a 3D blood vessel structure. This is just another example of the creativity that can be put to use with this technology.


3FX: Combining 3D Animation and Holographic Technologies

Posted: August 23rd, 2011 | Author: Steve | Filed under: medical animation | Tags: , , , , , , | No Comments »

Technology has come a long way in a short amount of time. The latest impressive piece of technology that we’re proud to work with is holographic animation. Using an impressive holographic display and optional high definition monitor, we can create an experience that is sure to not only get your viewer’s attention, but keep it for the duration of the show.

Holographic animation is designed to present 3D animated content using free floating holographic elements. When our team first tested and viewed this technology, we were very impressed. Personally, I felt like this kind of tech was something you could only see in movies. Now, here I am, sitting in my office chair and watching these animations almost come to life right before my eyes. 

Without a doubt, the best way to gather interest and attention for your show is to wow your viewer. Holographic animation does this better than any other method, starting with pure shock value. No other outlet uses the virtual space it has quite like holographic animation.

Below is an image of the holographic display as a stand alone visual, without using a high definition monitor. The displays come in a bigger size as well.

And here is a shot straight from the display itself, showing off a great looking HDL molecule.

If you’d like to learn more details about holographic capabilities and to see our complete demo video showing off visuals of molecules, cars, and even people, we’d be happy to share with you!


Stereoscopic and 3D Animation : The Future Is Now

Posted: August 5th, 2011 | Author: Steve | Filed under: medical animation | Tags: , , , , | No Comments »

You’re probably aware that 3D movies are the hottest new craze in Hollywood. Whether you’re going to see the latest Harry Potter flick, a new movie by the folks at Pixar, or an action packed blockbuster like Transformers or Captain America, 3D is the best way to really feel like you’re part of the film and provides the absolute best viewing experience. The 3D element helps you feel like you’re even closer to the characters and the action on the big screen.

What’s becoming even more common is 3D televisions in our homes. I was recently visiting a relative who had just purchased a 3D TV last week. He handed me a pair of 3D glasses and put on Avatar to show me all of its capabilities. The realism and detail of the movie was unbelievable. It was difficult to believe that I was sitting in this living room, in a house just outside of Philadelphia and this kind of technology was possible.

At 3FX, we’re thrilled to add 3D TV, or auto Stereoscopic as it’s also called, to our expanding list of capabilities. Without the need for 3D glasses, the wow factor is the best reason to produce your presentation in autostereo, as objects can appear to float off the screen toward the viewers.  Viewers feel as if they can reach out and touch the objects before them, which creates a memorable experience that will leave the viewer talking about your show even after viewing.

Currently we’re working on a show for one of our clients that will change the way medical animation is viewed. Using autostereoscopic capable monitors, we’re able to create a realistic, fully detailed show that showcases a whole new side to medical animation. We’re convinced that someday very soon the industry is going to rely heavily on autostereoscopic technology. Forget about those 3D glasses and enjoy the show!


3FX is Excited to Add iPad App Development to Skill Set

Posted: May 18th, 2011 | Author: Steve | Filed under: medical animation | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | No Comments »

courtesy apple.com

We all know that technology is changing all the time. The latest technology currently in high demand is Apple’s iPad. As a young twenty-something, I always keep an eye out for the latest in technology. The world of apps is only getting more extensive. It wasn’t so long ago that apps were seen solely as a way to play a quick game or listen to music on your commute. Nowadays, people expect more from an app.

What are some of my favorite apps? I’m a big Phillies fan, so my favorite app is “MLB At Bat 2011.” The capabilities of this app are incredible. I can look up scores, stats, my favorite team’s schedule, and even watch highlights while listening to the game live on the built in radio.

Whether you want to watch the latest movie on Netflix, schedule and track a flight out of town, or learn how to speak a different language, it is essential to have an easy to access app for users to download and use at their convenience. 3FX knows that apps are being viewed as another essential learning tool and they can be very useful in the world of medical education.

We’re just a week or two away from releasing our very own iPad app. This will be a great new tool for anyone who has an interest in medical animation or our company to check out. The app will include samples of our work, details of our capabilities, and other vital information pertaining to medical education. I’ll be sure to let you know when it is officially released.

In the meantime, we’ve also begun production on an app for one of our clients. We’re excited to roll this out and looking forward to working on similar app projects in the future. Everyone is aware of Apple’s iTunes store and we believe that building iPad apps is a great opportunity to educate and inform audiences from all over about our passion, which is our work.

What are some of your favorite apps and how do they make your life easier, both in your spare time and at work?