Intelligent linear rig

Thanks to clever design using a HepcoMotion linear actuation system, production of the stop/motion animated film Glendogie Bogey was a slick operation.

The film was made by Edinburgh-based, Ko Lik Films. The company specialises in stop frame animation, a method that involves clay models being moved, frame by frame, to create a sequence.

This is time consuming work as typically 25 camera shots are required to complete one second of film.

The system used comprises two HepcoMotion PDU profile driven units with a SmartDrive stepper motor and controller. Key to the success of the rig is its controllability - it is able to move the camera a set distance to within 0.1mm accuracy and importantly provide a datum.

If part of a shot needs to be re-taken, it is easy for the production team to re-shoot, for example from frame 10 - 20 in a 100-frame sequence.

This is because the exact camera position is now known.