MOTION CONTROL FAQ

WHAT IS MOTION CONTROL?

Motion Control refers to camera movement that is controlled by a computer, often with the assistance of a precision robotic arm like the Bolt and Bolt Jr+. With motion control rigs, camera moves are 100% repeatable and frame-accurate, pixel perfect, allowing creators to achieve camera movements and special effects that would otherwise be impossible. Motion control software can also repeatably trigger external devices with frame accuracy, such as turntables, pneumatic devices, DMX lighting, and more.

 

HOW ACCURATE IS MOTION CONTROL?

Using optical encoders on all the motors, the movement of every axis of the motion control rig is measured down to the micron level, far below what is visible to the eye or film. The Bolt is so precise that it makes VFX work possible and cost saving significant.

 

CAN I SHOOT REPEATABLE CAMERA MOVES?

Yes, every camera move is precisely repeatable and perfectly frame-accurate.

 

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BOLT AND BOLT JR+?

The main difference is size and power consumption. While the added weight, stability, and reach of the Bolt may be advantageous in some situations, the Bolt Jr+ is more portable, fitting through a standard doorway and being powered by a standard 20A circuit—common in most locations—making it more versatile for use in a variety of locations.

 

HOW BIG IS THE BOLT AND HOW MUCH DOES IT WEIGH?

 

Bolt
The Bolt cannot fit through a standard doorway unless it's on a pedestal base. It weighs 1,609 lbs and has an additional 1,200 lbs of weights to stabilize it during high-speed moves. It can extend to 11' 6" high and even go below ground level.

 

Bolt Jr+
The Bolt Jr+ weighs around 800 lbs with transport wheels, plus an additional 600 lbs of weight on the base. Its base fits through a standard 29" doorway, and it has a maximum height of 8' 2".

 

IS THE BOLT PORTABLE?

Yes! Both the Bolt and Bolt Jr+ are fully mobile and can be transported in our truck or van.

 

WHAT ARE THE BOLT'S POWER REQUIREMENTS?

 

Bolt
The full-sized Bolt requires three-phase 208V power and connects via Cam-Loc or NEMA connectors.

 

Bolt Jr+
The Bolt Jr+ can be powered by a dedicated 20A circuit using a standard wall plug, which is available in most buildings.

 

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO PROGRAM A MOVE?

This depends on the complexity of the move, but storing the positions is simple. The camera can run the basic move in a matter of minutes. Fine-tuning to achieve the exact desired result may depend on factors like composition and speed nauances, subject matter, and the director's preferences.

 

WHAT CAMERAS CAN BE MOUNTED ON THE BOLT?

Cameras such as ARRI, RED, SONY, and Phantom work well but also compact cameras of all kinds can be used. For stop motion work mirrorless cameras are used. It's also possible to mount lights or other items on the Bolt, using it as a model mover or product mover.

 

Bolt
The Bolt can support most camera systems weighing up to 40 lbs.

 

Bolt Jr+
The Bolt Jr+ can support a maximum payload of 22 lbs.

 

CAN THE BOLT CONTROL A TURNTABLE AND OTHER MECHANICAL ITEMS?

Yes, the Flair software will program the Bolt and synchronize the robot’s motion with external triggers to control turntables, pneumatic launcher, pouring rigs, conveyer belts even another robots, DMX lights, music track, computers, and more—all with frame-accurate precision.

 

DOES THE BOLT CONTROL THE FOCUS OF THE CAMERA?

Within the Flair software, the operator can control the focus, iris and zoom. Flair can even perform real-time distance calculations to keep your subject automatically in sharp focus, no matter how the robot moves. Creating the perfect "zolly" or "Vertigo" shot is simple with the Bolt.

 

WHAT IS THE BENEFIT OF USING MOTION CONTROL IN POST-PRODUCTION?

Post-production relies heavily on having high-quality original footage. Motion control is often the unsung hero of special effects, enabling real-world scenes to be seamlessly combined with computer graphics and digital effects. While post-production graphics packages often get the spotlight, without motion control footage, these high-end effects wouldn't exist.

Additionally, the camera trajectory and perspective can be easily exported from the rig to post-production tools, allowing CGI backgrounds and foreground elements to be added accurately and easily.

 

HOW CAN I BEST INCORPORATE MOTION CONTROL WITH CGI?

There are several tools available for transferring data between motion control rigs and CGI programs like Maya, Softimage/XSI, Alias Power Animator, Lightwave, and Flame. These tools, built into Mark Roberts Motion Control, help with data import/export and aid in aligning CGI with live footage.

 

CAN YOU OUTPUT FBX DATA FOR POST-PRODUCTION?

Yes! For every move programmed, we can output an FBX file with the Bolt’s camera and motion data, which can be used directly in programs like Maya, Lightwave, or 3D Studio Max. Your 3D artists will love this and thank you!

 

WHAT SOFTWARE DOES THE BOLT USE?

The Bolt uses Flair, the industries more advanceda and mature motion control softwared. Flair is developed by Academy Award Winning Mark Roberts Motion Control.

 

WHAT IS FLAIR? WHY USE FLAIR INSTEAD OF OTHER SOFTWARE?

Flair is the software and electronic hardware developed by Mark Roberts Motion Control for motion control applications.

 

Mark Roberts Motion Control is the only company in the world that develops both the rigs and the software, offering a level of integration that provides greater versatility than any other motion control software. With over 20 years of industry experience, Flair contains advanced features that have evolved to meet the needs of professional filmmakers.

 

WHAT IS TARGET TRACKING?

Target Tracking, developed over 20 years ago by Mark Roberts Motion Control, allows the camera to move along a precise path and follow a target—whether stationary or moving—perfectly, regardless of the rig’s complexity. This makes it easy for directors and rig operators to achieve the exact camera movement they desire without needing to calculate each motor’s movement or maintain focus on the target.

 

WHAT IS SCALING?

Scaling, an exclusive feature of Mark Roberts Motion Control rigs, allows any camera movement to be automatically scaled, moved, or rotated. This enables special effects like combining miniature models or backgrounds with live-action talent, making the two appear the same size. Scaling can also create the illusion that gravity is acting in multiple directions, with people walking on the floor, walls, and ceiling simultaneously.

 

CAN THE BOLT DO STOP-MOTION ANIMATION?

Yes, absolutely. The Bolt can trigger cameras and move precisely one frame at a time. The beauty of the Bolt is that you can confirm and record your move in real-time, then animate this exact move frame by frame. It has never been easier to have camera movement with animation.

 

ANY OTHER QUESTIONS?

 

Give us a call at (952) 303-6266 or send us a message below!