Archive for the 'Film SFX' Category
Multi Axis Motion Control Platform Video
EMP Designs Ltd built a 3 axis motion base system for ‘Darkside FX’, a Special Effects company, that enabled them to record and playback motion control moves through the simple use of three buttons.
The primary control for the system was via a scaled model replica of the motion control base, and the system allowed ‘pickup and use’ functionality together with ‘auto self align’ of the model to the motion base.
The video clearly shows how easy the system is to use - please do call us if you think you may need something similar for your next special effects motion control project or for an industrial control application.
If you are having difficulties streaming the video (which may happen if you have javascript disabled, an old Flash player or low bandwith), you can download the video: Avi (13,5Mb) Wmv (46,5Mb)
Casino Royale James Bond, The Sinking Building Motion Control Rig
Have you ever seen Casino Royale, the last James Bond 007 film, and wondered how on earth they filmed the special effects bit at the end where the building sinks into the water in Venice? Well look no further - EMP Designs Ltd controlled the 80 ton (really!) platform using their industrial control and motion control expertise.
The sinking building was part of one of the final scenes in the film and required two different camera angles - an external scale model shot against a blue screen to show the building sinking into one of the Venetian canals and a full-scale internal model used to film the actors inside the actual sinking building.
The structures themselves, developed under the auspices of special effects supervisor Chris Corbould, had to be controlled extremely precisely so carefully choreographed stunts and action sequences could be filmed. Corbould’s special effects team built the structures and EMP Designs developed the control systems, to ensure the smooth and safe operation of a huge rig that had to sink one of three motion bases (the largest weighing 80.000kg) into the large water tanks at Pinewood Studios just outside London.
For further information on our motion control platforms and film sfx equipment please email us or call us on 0845 6033181.
Various press releases have been published and we thought we would produce a list of them here:
Press Releases - Casino Royale
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3D Printing Services
We are a Hampshire & Surrey based rapid prototyping company with in house 3D printing facilities. and we’ve just added 3D printing details to our website.
3D Printing
We are a rapid prototyping company who offer an affordable 3D printing service - we can produce 3D physical components and prototypes in house using our 3D printer. We take your CAD file and turn it into a model, providing you with affordable prototypes for early conceptual design, and as a communication tool for customers.
- Produces components in ABS
- Colours available are black, red, blue, green, yellow, grey and white
- Maximum component size is 8″ x 8″ x 12″ (200mmx200mmx300mm)
- Has a layer resolution of 0.25 mm
Can be used for:
- Film SFX Model Making
- Product Testing
- Conceptual Design
3D Printing Quote
For a free quote to produce your component please email us your STL file. We are always happy to sign a non disclosure agreement if your design is confidential. If you do not have a 3D CAD file already we can produce the necessary files for you from your drawings. Contact us for details.
No commentsEMP Designs Film Credits - Film SFX And Motion Control Rigs
We design and build film motion control platforms and special effects equipment for sequencing, firing and control, and have recently updated our list of film credits. Our programmable sequence controllers, pyrotechnic firing controllers, and body hit packs have been used on more TV and Film projects than it is possible to mention, along with our battery boxes, breakout boxes, switch boxes and sequence boxes. Contact us to discuss your requirements.
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Film Credits
Harry Potter
Control of a multi axis motion control platform for filming on the broom.
Golden Compass
Motion control of a hydraulic platform for the airship. Designed and built the controls for the compass needle movement.
Sweeney Todd
Motion control of the chair.
Casino Royale
Control of an 80 ton platform for the sinking building scene in Casino Royale.
Charlie & The Chocolate Factory
Remote Control of the boat on the chocolate river and control of the toothpaste robot arm.
Thunderbirds
Automation of the control room and all the led consoles.
Die Another Day
Control of the car mounted guns.
Striker : Pyrotechnic Sequence Controller
Our pyrotechnic manual firing controller allows special effects supervisors full manual control over sequence timings and duration.
- Up to 32 output channels
- Each unit is linkable to allow unlimited output channels
- Can trigger valves, lights, relays, pyrotechnics
Contact us for full details and availability. No comments
