Motion Control Basics

Motion control allows for camera movements with a level of precision that can’t be achieved manually. It’s essential for creating clean, seamless visual effects. Movements can be fully programmed, repeated with exact accuracy, and played back at different speeds. Zoom, iris, and focus are completely controllable.

Motion data can be imported to or exported from 3D software like Maya or 3DS Max, making it easy to combine live-action footage with 2D and 3D elements. Previsualization is simple and accurate - what you see is what you get. More than anything, motion control is a creative tool. Its possibilities are limitless.

Highlights

Precision & Perfect Repeats

Motion control lets you program camera moves with extreme accuracy. Every pan, tilt, slide, zoom, focus and iris setting is fully controllable and can be repeated exactly, as many times as needed. Ideal for VFX shots, clean compositing and matching takes across different setups.

Seamless Integration with 3D & VFX

Camera movement data can be exchanged with software like Maya, 3DS Max or Blender. This makes it easy to align live-action footage with 3D elements or animation. Moves can be previsualized in 3D and then recreated exactly on set without guesswork.

Limitless Creative Control

Motion control allows for shots that are impossible to achieve by hand. You can sync moves with lighting, match shots across days or locations, or play the same move at different speeds for high-speed and slow-motion effects. Timing, movement and framing stay consistent and under full control.

Frequent Questions

Setup Time

Depending on the motion control rig used and the surface conditions on set, setup usually takes between 1 and 3.5 hours.


Apply Now

Programming

The motion control rig is moved to the desired start position of the camera move. This position, along with all relevant parameters, is saved as a keyframe. The rig is then moved to the intended end position, which is also stored. Done. Connecting these two points already creates a basic camera move. By adding more keyframes, the movement can become as complex as needed. The motion control software FLAIR connects all keyframes into a smooth curve. Once playback speed and frame rate are set, the move is ready to shoot. Programming a move like this usually takes just a few minutes.

Apply Now

Mark Robets

Our motion control systems are developed by Mark Roberts Motion Control, who received the Scientific and Engineering Oscar in 1999. We work with a range of rigs including the TALOS, the high-speed BOLT, and a compact modular rig designed for use in tight spaces. All systems are controlled using FLAIR, a powerful and intuitive software by Mark Roberts. It enables quick programming, live previsualization, part-runs, variable speeds, and seamless integration with 3D software.

Frequent Questions

Setup Time

Depending on the motion control rig used and the surface conditions on set, setup usually takes between 1 and 3.5 hours.


Programming

The motion control rig is moved to the desired start position of the camera move. This position, along with all relevant parameters, is saved as a keyframe. The rig is then moved to the intended end position, which is also stored. Done. Connecting these two points already creates a basic camera move. By adding more keyframes, the movement can become as complex as needed. The motion control software FLAIR connects all keyframes into a smooth curve. Once playback speed and frame rate are set, the move is ready to shoot. Programming a move like this usually takes just a few minutes.

Apply Now

Mark Roberts

We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to oversee all aspects of our ongoing projects, practices and processes, ensuring that our company remains an effecient place to work.

Apply Now

We bring out your brand’s best, sharpen ideas, and drive results.

We amplify your brand, refine ideas, and drive results.

Get in touch

Get in touch