Essential Install September 2017 | Page 40

Essential Install | Q & A : Sinemas

Visualisation , Design And Modelling For Cinema Rooms

ConnectedWorks ’ Owen Maddock interviews Simon Grattidge of Sinemas to discuss the rise in 3D design software , and to find out how virtual reality technology is being used as part of Sinemas home theatre design service …
I met Simon Grattidge of Sinemas at EI Live ! earlier this year , though I knew him by reputation – originally as an integrator , and more recently through his very high quality 3D cinema and media room renders .
I wasn ’ t expecting to put a VR headset on and be transported into the Meridian cinema in Huntingdon . I ’ ve been in that room many times – that ’ s what it looks like .
Owen : What got you into 3D models and renders ? Simon : I started making them when I was an integrator , to give clients an idea what we could do . If you say ‘ home cinema ’ to someone , you can ’ t control the picture in their head – if you show them their own room finished to their taste , it ’ s very different .
So you can quickly convince a client that they want this , and that you can deliver it .
The benefits are that as clients make their minds up so much more quickly , the level of spend goes up and they knew exactly what they are getting . So if clients take too long to make decisions , or if you aren ’ t selling at the level you would like to , maybe we can help .
Owen : Why offer it as a service , rather than stay in integration ?
Simon : I ’ m convinced that there is a real need in the industry for high quality modelling and renders . Most integration firms can ’ t afford a full time 3D artist . The software you need to do it properly gets expensive – first you have to build the model , then you have to texture every surface , then there ’ s lighting , and finally you need to polish it up with a photo editor . Then there ’ s the time you ’ d take building the models – seating , screens , lighting , wall treatments . By outsourcing that you avoid the problem .
Secondly , we were based in Wokingham and working all around London and the Home Counties , but now my family & I have moved to Derbyshire for a change of pace while my daughter is still little .
Owen : Why ‘ Sinemas ’? Simon : It was an accident . I wanted to focus on Home Cinema , so the original idea was to be ‘ Cinemas ’ – bold and direct . But then we couldn ’ t get the right web address , so a friend suggested the different spelling , and helped create the logo .
Owen : Can you explain to me how projects work ? Simon : Usually an integrator brings us the space and the client – perhaps on architect ’ s plans , or an existing room . We have a simple online form that the dealer fills in with information from the client , along with details of the equipment they are specifying . Based on that feedback we ’ ll design the cinema or media room with them . We ’ re completely brand agnostic – most guys have speakers and all the rest they prefer to install , that ’ s fine .
We do make sure all the technical details are correct and compatible – SPL , brightness levels , and speaker positions all need to be absolutely to book . Many of our integrators can do all that , but we can do it to speed things up , or as a double check .
Often the client will suggest things or changes based on what they see – simple colour changes or even change the layout . That ’ s great , and basic revisions and alterations are included .
Equally , we get direct enquiries for design services , and we pass those jobs to our member integrators .
Owen : Do I have to sign a contract ? Simon : We can create a single room render , or with 360 º panorama , for a set price . So if you don ’ t get many cinema projects you can use us when the right one comes in . Alternatively you can sign up to be part of our Sinemas dealer network , which gives you a design a month , with 360 ’ s included , and then you ’ ll get referrals back from us in your area – our reputation for design services is growing .
Owen : What can we expect from Sinemas in the future ?
Simon : We ’ re really happy as we are , and growing very nicely , but recently we ’ re having some interesting conversations about lighting . My rendering engine allows me to create accurate models of different lighting types and change the lighting on the fly . So again we can add value and show the end user what they ’ ll be getting . When a project is well lit , it always looks stunning .
Owen : So you ’ re creating models and even using VR to show clients what they can have . What about virtual reality as entertainment ?
Simon : Well it ’ s certainly interesting , but you have to think about what people want to use their home cinemas for . Generally , you ’ re hanging out as a family , or spending time with your partner or friends in the evening .
You can ’ t relax with a glass of wine if you ’ re wearing a VR headset . You ’ ll spill it .
Sinemas now offer 3D models and renders as a service
More information : ConnectedWorks + 44 ( 0 ) 117 214 0115 , connected . works Sinemas + 44 ( 0 ) 118 321 3707 , sinemas . co . uk
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