Batman Begins is a film that revisits the graphic novel characters created by Bob Kane. The movie was first released in June 2005 and is directed by Christopher Nolan, and written by Nolan and David S. Goyer. Although it is the fifth live-action Batman movie since 1989, the movie is neither a sequel nor a prequel to the previous Tim Burton/Joel Schumacher movies, but rather a complete revision or reboot of the series. Batman Begins explores the origins of the Batman legend and the Dark Knight's emergence as a force for good in Gotham. In the wake of his parents' murder, disillusioned industrial heir Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) travels the world seeking the means to fight injustice and turn fear against those who prey on the fearful.

He returns to Gotham and unveils his alter-ego: Batman, a masked crusader who uses his strength, intellect and an array of high tech deceptions to fight the sinister forces that threaten the city. It more closely follows the darker psychological theme of the Batman comics and graphic novels.

Dan Glass, Tim Field and Janek Sirrs, VFX supervisors on the film, approached Plowman Craven 3D directly because of our reputation in the specialist areas of laser scanning and modelling for the film industry. We were able to offer competitive prices on scanning and modelling of around 15 film sets and locations plus the spectacular new Batmobile. Warner Brothers produced a filming schedule for us, so we could slot our scanning work in between the shooting on location and at sound stages. Once filming was completed on a set it was scanned and accurately modelled to allow the production of CG shots. Timing was crucial with 15 different film sets to be scanned and modelled at a number of locations in the Southeast of England plus the specially constructed sets at Leavesden and Shepperton Studios. Plowman Craven 3D were able to work long hours overnight and through the weekend, traditionally “down time” in the film industry, so that we would not hinder or impede the filming schedule. This flexible approach benefits the film production staff and really concentrates the minds of the surveyors. It is an unrepeatable chance to undertake the work and getting it wrong is not an option because there are no second opportunities.

"Plowman Craven supplied us with excellent data for our work on "Batman Begins". The detail was fantastic and allowed us to create some amazing sequences for the movie." Paul Franklin VFX Supervisor Double Negative