When you think of large-format printing, what comes to mind? Trade show banners, perhaps, or building wraps, retail signage, or event backdrops. These are the applications that have long defined the industry—high-impact, oversized graphics designed to be seen from a distance. But as printing technology has evolved, so too have the creative possibilities. Today, large format printing is breaking new ground in unexpected places, from movie sets and commercial productions to experiential marketing installations that blur the line between art and advertising.
A recent collaboration between Benchmark Imaging & Displays and Big Works Industries perfectly illustrates this evolution. The project—creating oversized Bumble Bee Tuna can props for a video commercial—demonstrates how large format printing can bring branded concepts to life in ways that were once the exclusive domain of sculptors, set designers, and prop fabricators.
Bringing an Iconic Brand to Life
Big Works Industries needed larger-than-life replicas of Bumble Bee Tuna cans for an upcoming commercial shoot. The props needed to be visually striking, camera-ready, and instantly recognizable as the iconic tuna brand. The challenge was not just about size but about precision—the graphics had to replicate the actual product packaging with sufficient fidelity to withstand the scrutiny of high-definition video.
Benchmark Imaging & Displays was tapped to produce the custom graphics that would transform oversized cylindrical structures into realistic prop replicas. Using their advanced EFI Pro 30+ UV flatbed printer, the team produced vibrant, high-resolution graphics directly onto premium 3M Cast adhesive vinyl—a material chosen for its conformability and print quality.
A matching 3M gloss overlaminate was applied over the printed graphics to enhance durability and provide a polished, realistic sheen. The laminate also offered critical protection against handling, lighting, and wear and tear on a production set. The finishing touch? Expert installation of printed vinyl onto the large cylindrical prop structures, ensuring a seamless, professional result.
The finished props were indistinguishable from the real product—just many times larger, and ready for their close-up.
Why UV Flatbed Printing Was the Right Choice
This project highlights why UV flatbed printing has become the go-to technology for unconventional applications. Unlike traditional printing methods, UV flatbed printers can print directly onto a wide variety of rigid and flexible materials, eliminating the need for intermediate mounting steps. This direct-to-substrate capability reduces production time, minimizes waste, and allows for greater precision.
The EFI Pro 30+ UV flatbed printer used by Benchmark offers several distinct advantages :
- Versatility: It can handle both rigid and roll-fed materials, making it suitable for everything from flat signage to complex, multi-surface projects.
- Durability: UV-cured inks are resistant to scratching, fading, and moisture—essential qualities for props that will be handled and moved during production.
- Speed: The printer’s high-speed output enables rapid turnaround, meeting tight production deadlines typical in commercial video and film work.
- Vibrant Color: UV printing produces rich, vivid colors that pop on screen, ensuring that branded elements look their best in any lighting condition.
For the Bumble Bee Tuna can props, these qualities were essential. The graphics needed to be sharp, colorful, and durable enough to survive the rigors of a commercial shoot while looking flawless on camera.
The Growing Demand for Branded Props in Video and Film
Commercial production is a massive industry, and the demand for branded props is growing. Whether it’s an oversized product display, a branded backdrop for a music video, or a custom installation for a live event, brands are increasingly turning to large-format printing to create memorable, shareable moments.
The appeal is clear. Branded props offer several advantages over traditional signage or CGI:
- Tangible Authenticity: Physical props look and feel more realistic than digital effects, adding a layer of authenticity that audiences intuitively appreciate.
- Photographic Versatility: A well-designed physical prop is ready for both still photography and video, making it a cost-effective investment for multi-platform campaigns.
- Social Media Value: Unique, oversized props are natural conversation starters—and shareable content. They invite interaction, photo opportunities, and organic social media buzz.
Experiential marketing, in particular, has embraced large-format printing to create immersive brand environments. From selfie-worthy installations to walk-through tunnels and oversized product replicas, brands are leveraging the scale and visual impact of large-format graphics to engage consumers in ways that digital advertising cannot replicate.
See the Results
The finished Bumble Bee Tuna can props appeared in the commercial produced by Big Works Industries. To see how the graphics translated to the screen—and how these oversized branded props brought the campaign to life—you can watch the final commercial here:
👉 Watch the Bumble Bee Tuna Commercial
Ready to Bring Your Creative Vision to Life?
Whether you’re planning a commercial shoot, developing an experiential marketing campaign, or creating custom-branded installations for a trade show or event, large-format printing offers possibilities that extend far beyond traditional signage. From oversized product replicas and movie props to immersive retail displays and custom branded environments, Benchmark Imaging & Displays has the technology, expertise, and creative problem-solving skills to make your vision a reality.
Contact Benchmark Imaging & Displays today to discuss your next project.
