Motion Base in Virtual Production

Motion Base is a VFX term in filmmaking. In virtual production, the nuances of this term take on special meaning. Here, we break down the definition to give you a starting point.

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Basic Definition:

What is Motion Base in virtual production?

A motion base is a physical platform used to move an object in three dimensions – such as a camera or body of an actor – typically driven by manual input or motion control. In virtual production, motion bases are extremely important for creating realistic scenes with lifelike movements and effects. They can have capabilities described in axes of motion, such as a 6-axis motion base. 

In virtual production, motion bases offer filmmakers great flexibility when shooting their projects. With its ability to accurately track and record movement and force, they provide directors with tools to get creative and break away from traditional filming techniques. This allows them to shoot more ambitious scenes without compromising on realism. Additionally, they can be controlled either manually or through motion capture software, giving filmmakers even greater freedom over how they want to create their productions. 

The most common motion bases currently available for virtual production include 3D Robotics Drones, MoovLabs' Motion Capture Suit, OptiTrack's ActivePXS Tracking System, and The Foundry's NUKE Studio Motion Blur Tool. Each has different capabilities, but all provide an excellent way for creators to add extra layers of detail and accuracy to their work. 

Finally, who is in control of the motion bases? Ultimately, this depends on the project and budget. If you're working on a larger-scale production, you'll likely need a professional operator to manage the controls and ensure smooth transitions between shots. For smaller projects, it may be feasible to do everything yourself with the right equipment and training.