MRMC's industry-standard software for motion-control programming – enables intuitive movement planning, target tracking, and integration with 3D applications.
What is Flair?
Flair is the motion control software from Mark Roberts Motion Control (MRMC). It is the industry standard for programming Bolt, Milo, and other MRMC systems – featuring an intuitive user interface, powerful features, and seamless integration into VFX workflows.
Technical Definition
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Mark Roberts Motion Control |
| Type | Motion Control Software |
| Compatibility | All MRMC Systems |
| Platform | Dedicated Hardware |
Core Features
Motion Programming
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Keyframe Animation | Intuitive point-to-point |
| Curve Editor | Smooth Transitions |
| Hand Control | Record manual input |
| Teach-In | Save physical guidance |
Visualization
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| 3D Preview | See move before execution |
| Timeline | Temporal overview |
| Camera View | Simulated camera view |
| Collision Detection | Detect obstacles |
Target Tracking
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Single Target | One target point |
| Multi-Target | Switch between targets |
| Dynamic Target | Moving targets |
| Offset | Target not centered |
Workflow in Flair
Creating a Move
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Setup | Calibrate system |
| 2. Keyframes | Set points |
| 3. Timing | Adjust speed |
| 4. Preview | Visualize |
| 5. Test | Slow run-through |
| 6. Record | Start recording |
Using Target Tracking
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Define Target | Enter 3D position |
| Create Path | Camera route |
| Automatic | Pan/Tilt calculated |
Advanced Features
Speed Control
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Speed Ramping | Variable speed |
| Ease In/Out | Smooth start/stop |
| Time Remapping | Time manipulation |
Data Export
| Format | Usage |
|---|---|
| FBX | 3D software |
| Alembic | Animation |
| CSV | Raw data |
| Custom | Specific formats |
Multi-Pass Support
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Save Move | For identical repetition |
| Variations | Speed variations |
| Timecode Sync | Precise synchronization |
Integration
With VFX Software
| Software | Integration |
|---|---|
| Maya | Import camera data |
| Cinema 4D | Motion data |
| Nuke | For compositing |
| Unreal | Real-time preview |
With Hardware
| System | Support |
|---|---|
| Bolt Family | Full |
| Milo | Full |
| Other MRMC | Full |
| Third-Party | Limited |
Interface
Main Areas
| Area | Function |
|---|---|
| 3D Viewport | Visualization |
| Timeline | Temporal control |
| Controls | Axis control |
| Properties | Settings |
Operation
| Input | Function |
|---|---|
| Mouse | Navigation, keyframes |
| Keyboard | Shortcuts |
| Hand Controller | Direct axis control |
| Touch | On newer versions |
Best Practices
Before the Shoot
| Practice | Description |
|---|---|
| Pre-visualization | Plan move in Flair |
| Time Estimate | Calculate duration |
| Safety Check | Check for collisions |
On Set
| Practice | Description |
|---|---|
| Start Slow | Test at 10% speed |
| Incrementally | Increase speed |
| Backup | Save moves |
Training
| Level | Scope |
|---|---|
| Basics | 1-2 days |
| Advanced | 3-5 days |
| Expert | On-the-job |
The Legacy
History
- Developed with MRMC hardware
- Continuous improvement
- Today: Industry standard
Impact
Flair has standardized and simplified motion control programming – from cryptic code to intuitive visualization.
Today
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Status | Industry standard for MRMC |
| Updates | Regularly |
| Training | By MRMC and partners |
| Alternatives | System-specific |
Modern Development
Flair is continuously evolving – better integration with real-time engines, AI-assisted features, and more intuitive operation.