SCENE 01 / MOTION CONTROL
Motion Control Services
Robotic precision cinematography for VFX, commercials, and complex productions.
Motion control systems use computer-programmed camera rigs to execute precise, repeatable camera movements. These systems are essential for visual effects compositing, multi-pass photography, automotive commercials, tabletop product shots, and any sequence where identical camera moves must be reproduced across multiple takes or elements. Dublin is Ireland's commercial production hub, with growing demand for MoCo work supported by the country's Section 481 32% film tax credit.
We source motion control rigs and experienced operators from across Ireland, working with stage facilities at Ardmore Studios and Ashford Studios in Wicklow, Troy Studios in Limerick (one of Europe's largest at 350,000 sq ft), and other Irish facilities. Our team coordinates equipment delivery, stage time, and technical support so your motion control sequences are captured efficiently and with exacting repeatability.
Capabilities
Complete Motion Control Services
From high-speed robotic arms to precision tabletop rigs, our motion control services deliver programmable, repeatable camera movements for any production.
01
Robotic Systems
- MILO motion control
- Bolt high-speed arm
- Modula rigs
- Multi-axis systems
- Custom builds
Precision Rigs
02
Repeatable Moves
- Frame-accurate repeats
- Multi-pass compositing
- Element photography
- VFX plate matching
- Time-slice capture
Perfect Repeats
03
Tabletop & Product
- Product photography
- Food cinematography
- Macro motion control
- Liquid pours
- Small-scale precision
Detail Work
04
High-Speed
- Bolt arm systems
- High-speed camera sync
- Fast programmed moves
- Live action tracking
- Speed ramping
Ultra Fast
On Location
Mark Roberts Motion Control MILO and Bolt motion-control rigs imported via Revenue Commissioners ATA carnet with cross-border UK access
Here is how this works in practice. Ireland's motion-control bench operates through Mark Roberts Motion Control (MRMC) MILO and Bolt high-speed robot-arm rentals imported via Revenue Commissioners ATA carnet under the CTA seamless cross-border plan. With TVM Ireland (the Almodóvar-equivalent partner) and cross-border London MRMC dealer plan moving the inventory between Dublin, Belfast and the UK on the same shoot week. Senior credits span Foundation Apple TV+ Troy Studios Limerick (the celebrated robot-arm-on-LED-stage Empire holographic compositing across multiple seasons), Game of Thrones Northern Ireland (dragon-rig motion-control passes at Titanic Studios Paint Hall for VFX-composite work across all 8 seasons).
Here is the short of it. Vikings and Vikings Valhalla Ashford Studios (longboat-deck motion-control for repeatable VFX plate work). Pierce Brosnan Bond Goldeneye motion-control gunfire passes, the major Guinness + Jameson + Tourism Ireland + Aer Lingus commercial bench (the celebrated Guinness perfect-pour motion-control custom). Plus the wider product-photography motion-control work for Diageo, Kerry Group, Glanbia and the major Irish FMCG advertisers.
Here is the breakdown. Gear flow runs MRMC Bolt X (the high-speed 1-tonne payload robot arm. This includes 4 m reach + 4 m/s tool-tip speed), MRMC Bolt Junior+ (compact tabletop motion-control). MRMC MILO (legacy + still-today's cinema standard). MRMC Cyclops + Polymotion for camera-only motion-control without arm, plus Kuper Industries motion-control programming. Camera packages standardise on ARRI Alexa 35 + Sony Venice 2 + Phantom Flex 4K (for repeatable high-speed macro). With Schneider Cine-Xenar + Cooke macro lenses for tabletop precision. The Mo-Sys StarTracker camera-tracking integration ties motion-control to LED virtual-production at Troy Studios.
Here is what that looks like on the ground. Atlantic maritime production calendar lets the major commercial bench shoot motion-control year-round in conditioned studio space at Ardmore, Ashford, Troy and Titanic Studios. Section 481 32% relief plus 40% regional uplift covers motion-control day rates and robot-arm hire. CTA seamless cross-border plan move MRMC rigs between Dublin, Belfast and London same-week without carnet friction.
FAQ
Robotic Camera Expertise
What is motion control filming?
Motion control uses computer-programmed robotic camera systems that can execute precise, repeatable camera movements. This allows identical moves to be repeated for multiple passes, essential for VFX compositing, and enables moves too fast or precise for human operation.
When should I use motion control in Ireland?
Motion control is ideal for VFX-heavy productions taking advantage of the Section 481 32% tax credit, automotive commercials shooting at Wicklow studios, product work for Irish and European brands, and any sequence requiring frame-accurate repeatability across multiple passes.
What systems do you provide in Ireland?
We work with major motion control systems available in Ireland, including MILO for large-scale moves, Bolt high-speed robotic arms, Modula rigs, and smaller tabletop systems. Selection depends on scale, speed, and payload.
Can motion control work with high-speed cameras?
Yes, motion control systems like Bolt are specifically designed for high-speed work, coordinating fast programmed moves with high-frame-rate cameras. This creates dramatic speed-ramped shots common in Irish and European commercials.
How do you handle multi-pass shooting?
We program moves that can be repeated identically for each pass—talent pass, clean plate, lighting elements, etc. The precision of motion control ensures all elements align perfectly in compositing, supported by Dublin's experienced post-production community.
What about smaller tabletop work?
We provide smaller motion control rigs for tabletop, product, and food photography. These systems offer the same repeatability and precision at a scale suited to Irish whiskey, food, beverage, and consumer brands.
Related Services
Productions in Ireland that need this often pair it with Virtual Production, Stop Motion Production, and Green Screen Filming for full coverage. Most projects also draw on Time-lapse & Hyperlapse.
On Set
Need Motion Control Services?
Tell us about your precision camera requirements and we'll provide the right robotic solution.