Guide: Implementing Hollywood-style Production Techniques in Local Television News Programs
MRMC's Robotics Revolutionise Local Newscasts with Cinematic Camera Moves
Robotics technology, such as the MRMC StudioBot multi-axis robotic arms, is transforming local newscasts by delivering cinematic camera moves with the range and fluidity similar to Steadicam rigs, while being cost-effective and reducing labor costs.
The MRMC StudioBot LT, a compact, multi-axis robotic arm designed for broadcast workflows, offers highly precise, fluid, and repeatable camera movements that mimic Steadicam’s dynamic shots but with robotic stability and programmability. This robotic arm can perform intricate, smooth, and repeatable moves, delivering the cinematic quality expected in newscasts and commercial video production, without the need for a dedicated camera operator to physically carry and steer a Steadicam rig.
Integrating MRMC’s StudioBot arms into local news studios provides several benefits:
- Range and fluidity: The robotic arms offer multiple axes of movement, mimicking or exceeding the range of Steadicam rigs, with smoother, programmable moves that ensure consistent cinematic quality.
- Cost-effectiveness: By replacing manual operators with robotic arms, local stations can reduce staffing and operational costs associated with Steadicam operation, training, and setup.
- Streamlined labor: Automation lowers dependency on specialized operators, accelerates setup times, and minimizes human error or fatigue during live broadcasts.
- Compact footprint: StudioBot LT is designed for smaller studios or tighter production environments, making it practical for local newsrooms with space constraints.
- Integration with broadcast workflows: MRMC robotic systems are compatible with robotic heads (like the MRMC SR-1) and camera rigs for ease of use and interoperability with broadcast cameras and lenses, supporting automation and precision.
- Enhancement of production value: The robotics enable repeatable, complex shot sequences for story packages, interviews, or dynamic studio setups, elevating the visual presentation without heavy manual labor.
Incorporating MRMC’s StudioBot arms into local news studios involves installing the robotic arm alongside traditional camera mounts and programming it for desired moves either live or pre-recorded. The system can be operated via software interfaces, allowing producers or technical directors to design shots that traditionally would require a Steadicam operator, but with repeatability and reliability suitable for live news environments.
In summary, MRMC StudioBot arms provide a robotic alternative to Steadicam rigs that maintain cinematic smoothness and range of motion, while cutting down operational costs and labor complexity in local newscasts, facilitating high-quality production within tighter budgets and workflows.
MRMC Broadcast, a leading provider of camera robotics systems built on intelligent automation for virtual production and remote acquisition, has developed a range of technology solutions for local TV, including the StudioBot XL, StudioBot LT, Prompter support, Robokam control/automation software, Track Robotic Head (TRH), Rail Lift Systems (RLS), and Polymotion Chat. Furthermore, MRMC’s technology has been used by SpaceX and Boeing for automated docking with the International Space Station, showcasing the versatility and innovation of their robotics solutions.
- The digitally operated MRMC StudioBot multi-axis robotic arms, like the StudioBot LT, are revolutionizing local newscasts, offering cinematic camera moves similar to Steadicam rigs.
- These robotic arms, designed for live production and broadcast workflows, provide highly precise, fluid, and repeatable camera movements, making Steadicam operations redundant.
- With such robotics, the need for dedicated camera operators to carry and steer Steadicam rigs is eliminated, offering a more cost-effective and less labor-intensive solution for newscasts.
- Integrating MRMC’s StudioBot arms into local news studios can streamline labor, lower dependency on specialized operators, and minimize human error or fatigue during live broadcasts.
- Virtual production benefits as well, with the robotic arms offering a smaller footprint, making them practical for local newsrooms with space constraints.
- The system can be integrated with various gadgets and technology, such as robotic heads and camera rigs, for ease of use and interoperability with broadcast cameras and lenses.
- MRMC’s technology, beyond facilitating high-quality production in local news, has expanded to other industries, demonstrated by its use in automated docking with the International Space Station by SpaceX and Boeing.
