Push the bounds of creativity with MRMC Robotic Camera Systems

Elevating the production value is one way to help drive viewer engagement of video content, and a tried and tested way to do so is by adding dynamic and smooth motion to a shot. Motion can not only help with the storytelling, but also help sell the illusion of 3D depth through the 2D medium of video - doing so through the parallax effect of a foreground moving faster than the background. Mark Roberts Motion Control camera systems are the ideal choice for facilitating repeated camera motion due to their high precision, incredible smoothness, and autonomous capabilities.

MRMC technology in action

The Holdan team recently assisted Broadley, a London-based film and TV, live streaming and virtual production facility, with choosing the right technology to support their virtual productions. The early stages of Holdan’s involvement were finding out exactly what the client needed to provide detailed guidance on which equipment would be best compatible with existing systems and to tailor offerings to meet the specific needs of the project.

James Tremayne, Technical Solutions Consultant at Holdan, said:
We provided a range of options, allowing Broadley to select a solution that met both their functional requirements and budget constraints. They needed a system capable of integrating FreeD data from both the Sony FR7 PTZ cameras and the motion control rail and lifter systems.
This integration was crucial to ensure a single stream of data feeding into the tracking system. Given MRMC’s extensive experience with these setups, I was confident that their products would deliver the required functionality and engineering support for a successful deployment. Establishing Broadley’s goals and streamlining communication allowed Holdan to provide technical expertise and recommend MRMC as the right fit for Broadley. The team could then deliver a comprehensive demo system and detailed product overviews that matched client needs and expectations.

Richard Landy, Producer and Managing Director at Broadley, said:
The guys at Holdan are all so knowledgeable and friendly and get the job done; they have up-to-the-minute knowledge of new kit on the market and what is being released by all the big suppliers. They help work on the big technical solutions and help you integrate new tech with your existing infrastructure. I would recommend them if you are looking to upgrade your technical solutions.

What makes MRMC technology a perfect fit?

Thanks to the ingenuity of engineering and flexibility of design, MRMC systems streamline production workflows from tradition to virtual productions. These systems execute both complex and consistent, repeatable shots with a high level of precision, enabling flawless compositing in professional setups.

For instance, the MRMC QRS Slider and RLS Lift System are a fantastic pairing that enables incredible accuracy and range of motion. The QRS Slider delivers smooth horizontal motion while the RLS Lift System adds vertical, enabling precise movements that gives the camera a huge range of movement.

Excellent precision motion

MRMC systems’ precision ensures consistency across takes. Human error when manually operating dynamic camera moves can quickly drop the illusion when it comes to aligning virtual and live elements (especially in real time), so using MRMC robotics gives confidence to production teams, that what is going to happen, will happen – time and time again.

Key applications include:

• Camera Robotics for Cinematography: MRMC’s robotics are widely used in film and video production for camera control systems. These robots enable smooth, repeatable, and precise camera movements (e.g., dolly shots, crane shots), enhancing the production value of films, commercials, and TV shows.
• Automated Photography Systems: For industries like e-commerce, product photography can be time-consuming. MRMC’s robotic systems can automate the photography process, providing consistent shots from multiple angles, and improving the speed of product catalogue creation.
• Camera Tracking for Live Broadcasting: MRMC robotics can control camera systems for live television broadcasts, sports events, and concerts, providing dynamic and fluid camera movements that enhance the viewer experience.
• Motion-Controlled AR/VR: Robotics can be used to create more immersive experiences in AR/VR environments, with robotic arms or systems providing physical feedback to users, enhancing the realism of the virtual environment.

Effortless workflow integration

MRMC robots can support a wide array of camera packages, from small hybrid mirrorless cameras to ENG, and PTZ to flagship cine cameras. These packages can be mounted and often controlled by the MRMC systems, from rail systems, to lift, dynamic robotic arms to cranes, and all of which can be synchronised in real-time.

MRMC systems also support FreeD tracking telemetry data output for easy integration with VR/AR workflows, allowing for a quick means of integration and synchronisation with virtual elements. Having this tracking telemetry built into the motion control rig can reduce costs as a third-party independent camera tracking system can be avoided, making these types of workflows more accessible to a wider audience.

Centre creativity and precision with MRMC Motion Control Robotic Camera Systems

The MRMC Robotic Camera Systems are a triumph, providing high precision, flexible integration with time and money saving potential. Crucially, these systems have the ability to bring real depth to a scene, and in a way that can be as manual or as automated as the production team want – if you’re looking to add motion, these are systems are industry leading.

For further insight or guidance, an MRMC solutions expert is on hand to help with any support required for MRMC products. Find out more on the MRMC landing page.

Our value-add support, how we can help you

At Holdan we’re proud to offer to what we believe is industry leading technical pre-sales support, on the technologies and solutions of the brands we represent in the UK. We provide design services and solution consultation for complex Broadcast and AV workflows, and we work with the latest tech, backed by our experienced in-house engineers and consultants. If you’re unsure about your needs or your customer’s requests, we can provide recommendations, detailed solution schematics, and even proof of concept testing to ensure your project’s success.

If you’d like to engage our team for your next project: Advanced Project Support.