An Alrode South-based company in Alberton is making its mark on international screens after helping create a prop featured in the second season of Netflix’s hit series Wednesday.

Big Ideas 3D Printing, founded by Alberton resident Oliver Hay, recently worked on a Medusa-inspired head prop for the popular show using specialised 3D scanning and large-scale 3D printing technology.

The company, which has been operating for 15 years, specialises in custom and large-scale 3D printing.

“At Big Ideas 3D Printing, our main goal is to bring dreams to life. I know it sounds philosophical, but our speciality is custom 3D printing and large-scale 3D printing,” said Hay.

From a small printer to a growing business

Hay said his journey into 3D printing started when he was just 24 years old after hearing about the technology and realising its potential.

“I saved some money, bought a tiny little printer and the second I got it, I realised it was the future of manufacturing,” he explained.

What began with one small machine has since grown into a fully operational business with 15 medium-sized printers and two large-scale printers.

Hay, who grew up in Brackenhurst and now lives in New Redruth with his wife and two children, said creativity and problem-solving continue to drive the company forward.

“I love artwork, statues and creativity in everyday life. Also, with 3D printing, 99% of the time you can solve a problem,” he said.

Working on Wednesday

The opportunity to work on Wednesday Season 2 came after the company was approached by Nicolas Roodt, a makeup artist connected to the production.

“She actually brought the actor here and we did a 3D scan of her face,” said Hay. “We then added design elements with snakes and 3D printed the head to look like it was made of stone.”

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Big Ideas 3D Printing, a company founded by Alberton resident Oliver Hay, recently helped create a Medusa-style prop for Netflix’s Wednesday Season 2 using advanced 3D scanning and printing technology. Full story on albertonrecord.co.za

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The process involved scanning the actor’s face using a Maraco 3D scanner before converting the images into a digital 3D file.

The team then edited the design and printed the final piece using a Creality 3D printer.

Despite the complexity of the project, the entire process took just two days.

“We started on the Wednesday and delivered on the Friday,” Hay said.

The team worked late into the night to meet the production deadline.

“I think the deadline was probably the biggest challenge because we were basically working until 12 at night to make sure we had it ready,” he explained.

Local talent on a global platform

Hay described seeing the company’s work connected to a major Netflix production as a proud moment.
“I was beside myself. I was so excited, honestly,” he said. “It’s a badge of honour. I’m just happy that our small part makes up this big picture.”

The project was completed by Hay alongside team members Jan and Piet Aphane, who assisted with the 3D scanning and final processing of the prop.

According to Hay, the achievement highlights the level of talent available within South Africa.

“South Africa has so much potential talent, it’s crazy,” he said.

The company has also contributed to other film and television projects over the years, including TV advertisements for MAQ washing powder and Hyundai.

One of their upcoming projects includes creating a nine-metre FIFA trophy display that will reportedly appear on a billboard in Centurion.

Advice for young creatives

Hay encouraged young people interested in design, 3D printing and special effects to pursue their passions fearlessly.

“Don’t take no for an answer,” he said. “A lot of the stuff we’ve done happened because we didn’t listen to people who said it couldn’t be done.”

He also encouraged aspiring creatives to network and ask questions.

“You never know who you’re going to be sitting across from and how that might influence your path going forward,” he added.

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