mp.lab: Transforming Visual Storytelling with MRMC Bolt
In the fast-paced world of advertising, where visual appeal reigns supreme, mp.lab Visual Engineering stands out for its commitment to innovation and excellence in production. Located in Hangzhou, mp.lab specializes in capturing the essence of consumer products, providing customised TVC shooting solutions that cater to the unique needs of top-tier international brands.
At the helm of this creative powerhouse is mp.lab Owner and Director of Photography Chen Qichao, who shares insights into the studio’s commitment to quality and the transformative impact of the MRMC Bolt High-Speed Cinebot on their work.
“Visual aesthetics and overall image quality are always our clients’ top demand and are key to our survival as a business,” said Chen. For mp.lab, it’s not just about creating stunning pictures; it’s about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in visual storytelling through visual tension and attraction. Precision is another cornerstone of their creative promise, with Chen noting that major brands are particularly attentive to details, whether in high-speed or normal-speed images. The high controllability and reliability of visual elements are a key indicator of the studio’s professionalism.
To meet their clients’ high standards, mp.lab has already invested in state-of-the-art equipment, including a Phantom high-speed camera and a domestically-produced robotic arm. Commenting on the studio’s recent investment in the MRMC Bolt High-Speed cinema robot, Chen said, “As I mentioned, precision is a major factor in our choice of equipment. Our existing, domestic-made cinebot performs more like an advanced tripod that can repeat tracks but is lacking in its performance of more complex operations. The MRMC Bolt, however, is a game-changer.”
With its advanced motion control software Flair, Bolt allows for multiple view and world modes for camera movement, achieving high efficiency in target mode with the focus axis. “When it runs at 100% speed, it will automatically accelerate the camera movement for this extreme speed,” Chen explains. “This explains the name Bolt.” This level of sophistication enables mp.lab to create visuals that are not only captivating but also technically superior.
Having used the Flair software in previous projects, Chen was already familiar with its impressive efficiency and sophistication. “It is no doubt the most advanced system,” he said. The unique technology behind Flair allows for the entire camera trajectory to be manipulated like a three-dimensional object in software, providing unparalleled control over the shooting process.
The ability to adjust camera movement, zoom in and out, and even reverse and copy movements gives mp.lab a creative edge. “The speed is expressed based on the unit of fps, which can achieve the fusion of image under different fps and the presentation of different slow-motion speeds under the same camera movement,” Chen explains. “Of course, there are also external triggering devices based on fps units, which allow for triggering adjustments with an accuracy of 1 fps under high-speed shots at 1000 fps. One can only imagine how precise and controllable the image accuracy can be. I am looking forward to creating more exciting and innovative visuals with Flair.”
This capability significantly expands the visual possibilities, allowing for the creation of dynamic and engaging content that resonates with the audience.
As mp.lab continues to evolve, the Motion Control system is expected to play a pivotal role in its future development. “Given our focus on visual special effects, the moco system is an essential basic productivity tool for us,” said Chen. The studio’s short-term goal is to achieve the storability and reproducibility of special effect lenses, leveraging the Flair system for external trigger control and DMX lighting system integration.
In the longer term, Chen envisions a highly automated shooting integration system with AI functions, built on the foundation of their current technology. He is excited to continue working with the MRMC for future projects.
mp.lab exemplifies the fusion of creativity and technology in visual storytelling. Under Chen’s leadership, the studio has carved a niche for itself by prioritising visual aesthetics, accuracy, and innovation. With cutting-edge equipment like the MRMC Bolt and the Flair control software, mp.lab is not just meeting the demands of its prestigious clientele; it is redefining the standards of excellence in the industry.
About mp.lab Visual Engineering
mp.lab Studio is located in Hangzhou and specializes in capturing visual special effects and visual design. We provide customized photo shooting solutions that utilize industrial engineering machinery control technology in conjunction with top-tier industrial high-speed cameras, creating authentic physical dynamic visual effects that are difficult to achieve in traditional film and television production.
Our professional studio equipment includes 6-axis high-speed robotic arms, Phantom high-speed cameras, pneumatic cylinder prop control systems, and 3D prop production, printing, cutting, and engraving systems. Our services cater to top international beauty, 3C (computer, communication, and consumer electronics) and food brands, offering specialised product advertising shooting services.
With extensive industry experience, mp.lab excels at capturing the uniqueness of products, combining high-speed photography with engineering technology to achieve realistic visual effects akin to CG (computer-generated imagery), effectively telling brand stories through the camera lens.
