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)

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

• 6 March 2008 – Connecting Industry
• 21 February 2008  – Engineering Talk
• 21 February 2008  – Electrical Review
• 18 February 2008 – Machine Building
• 15 February 2008 – Moog Industrial Controls
• 7 Feb 2008 – Direct Industry
• 6 September 2007 – Power In Motion
• 11 July 2007 – Connecting Industry

• 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.