Looking Back: A journey through past motion rig projects

At EMP Designs, we’ve been feeling a bit nostalgic lately, reminiscing on the incredible motion projects we've had the privilege to bring to life over the years.

We invite you to join us on this little journey through some of our standout projects, where each design brought new challenges, creative rewards, and lessons that continue to inspire our team.

80-tonne platform control

We were entrusted with the smooth, safe control of a 80 ton platform for the special effects sinking of a Venetian building in a final scene for the James Bond movie Casino Royale (2006).

Working with special effects building structures, we designed the systems to allow the precision control and smooth and safe operation of a huge rig that sank giant motion bases into large water tanks, for carefully choreographed sequences.

Candy Boats on Chocolate Rivers

Working on the candy boat for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) was an unforgettable experience! We worked with the special effects team to simulate the thrilling, intense movements of the boat as it navigated waterfalls and turbulent waters, with the actors seated inside, reacting to each twist and turn.

The boat itself was mounted on a three-axis hydraulic platform shown above, allowing it to tilt, drop, and sway to mimic the unpredictable currents of Wonka’s chocolate river. Meanwhile, a scaled model version of the boat operated on the sidelines. Every movement made by this model was mirrored by the full-sized candy boat on set, with the hydraulic rig responding in real time to bring the scene to life. This synchronized system gave us the control needed to create a seamless, realistic experience, letting the actors safely feel—and show—every exhilarating jolt of their chocolate river adventure

Enchanted Rug

This project required an impressive 35 axes to bring the enchanted rug to life! By combining this complex system with a green screen, the CGI team in post-production had the perfect foundation for integrating the flexible substrate seamlessly into the final scenes. Each of the 35 axes allowed the system to make incredibly lifelike movements, from sweeping, graceful arcs to subtle, expressive shifts that gave the enchanted rug its signature charm.

With the systems ability to mimic everything from realistic flight paths to the playful flick of its tassels, the rug took on an almost character-like quality, capturing the imagination of audiences and adding an unforgettable layer of magic to the story.

Do you have a motion rig you would like us to work together on? At EMP Designs, we’re committed to delivering innovative solutions that not only meet but exceed our clients’ expectations.

The team at EMP Designs relish a challenge and have the creativity and expertise in developing precise control solutions. Whatever your lighting, motion or prop requirement, we can find the best solution.