Poetry In Motion, With MRMC (Part 2)

Mark Roberts Motion Control was founded almost 50 years ago by Mark Roberts. Since then, the company has grown to become a leading designer and manufacturer of quality motion control products for film and TV. Mark Roberts Motion Control rigs are now the defacto systems used around the world for feature films, music videos and commercials. Regional Film & Video caught up with MD Assaff Rawner.

The rate at which technology advances is constantly increasing. How does MRMC utilise the latest developments to the company's advantage?

Yes, in order to continue to develop at the same rate or slightly ahead if possible, you must forge relationships with the movers and game changers, and fortunately we have the pleasure of collaborating on projects with people such as ChyronHego, Love High Speed, Nikon, and Framestore.
Technology advances continually give rise to new workflows and production possibilities and this is a space where MRMC thrives. With control of the end-to-end manufacturing process, we can introduce new technologies as part of an evolutionary process, refining and expanding features of long-established and proven products. MRMC robotics are designed to last and with life cycles exceeding many contemporary technologies such as cameras, lenses and recorders, anticipating these changes is a main consideration in our product development process.
MRMC prides itself on being at the forefront of robotic development, but this technology does not work in isolation and we constantly seek out like-minded partners who excel in their field of expertise and offer complementary products. Such partnerships have the potential to create possibilities few companies can offer in isolation. Our collaboration with ChyronHego's TRACAB player tracking system is one such example that when combined with our Polycam system offers a unique, multi-angled, automated camera tracking system of individual or groups of players in sports. Breaking new ground for photography saw a strategic collaboration between MRMC and Nikon during the London Games, where camera and robotic technology combined to produce an intuitive single operator interface for remote camera positions. Such partnerships and collaborations underpin MRMC's holistic view of technological advances.
Additionally, with smaller cameras, Ethernet connectivity and new emerging technologies, better robotics and integrations are continuously being worked upon. All this, of course, is in addition to the many talented and creative free thinkers in the various studios and rental outlets across the international landscape.

50% of the company's work is custom made. How does MRMC cope with continuing to meet clients' exceptional demands?

We have an experienced and extremely talented development team, and working closely with high profile or cutting edge clients to develop the solutions they need tends to open up opportunities to make more general updates to our hardware and/or software, and make it more widely available.

MRMC also provides training courses. In any industry these days, making the leap from education to career path can be difficult. What kind of support does MRMC provide, in this respect?

Each level of training provided on our Motion Control systems garners the individual with a know-how and ability to control a motion control rig and carry out a move. There are different levels of proficiency and it is recommended that anyone interested does stay for the full three days, as when they have completed the full course it's really just a matter of getting the gig, as they will have the capabilities to make the most of the MILO or any of our Motion Control Rigs in a live situation.
It would perhaps be advisable to get a gig as an assistant first, and then once some experience is gained in the field, move up to a full Motion Control Operator. We have a Rentals division (Mr Moco Rentals) and there is always work becoming available, and so it would make sense to stay in touch with them once trained, to snap up the first opportunity that becomes available.

What does the future hold for robotic camera systems?

As cameras and budgets get smaller, robotic camera systems need to be able to provide cost efficient and time saving solutions to photographers and Film/TV producers alike. Fortunately we are at the forefront of this and, as mentioned before, we are widely recognised as the leading designers and manufacturers of quality Motion control solutions.
High speed, next generation HD throughput that is integrated fully into any currently-installed or soon-to-be-installed studio or broadcast application is a must, and fortunately we have solutions for people that want to use Motion Control in their set-ups. The AFC-100 Broadcast Head, Polycam, and our Motion Control Rigs cater for a wide range of applications.
It's an exciting time, and we are more than happy to provide the solutions that our clients are looking for.

Read the article in the online version of Regional Film & Video here.
(IT/JP)