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.