Chapter: CGI Motion¶
Overview¶
This chapter covers exporting camera motion data from Flair to 3D applications (Maya, Blender, Houdini, C4D, 3ds Max) via FBX, and outputting real-time camera tracking data to virtual production systems (Unreal Engine, Aximmetry, Disguise) via the FreeD and OSC protocols.
The two main workflows are distinct:
- FBX Export — records a complete programmed move to file for offline playback in a 3D application
- FreeD / OSC — streams live camera position data in real-time during a take for use in a virtual production (VP) stage
FBX Export¶
FBX export requires three prerequisites: an MRMC FBX licence, the *FilmBox: True flag in flair.ini, and the correct Transfer Speed in File -> CGI Export / Move Export (project playback fps, not capture fps). Without all three, the export dialog will be greyed out or will produce incorrectly timed moves.
The choice of node type (1-node, 2-node, or 3-node) must match the roll mode the move was programmed in:
| Roll mode | Node type |
|---|---|
| Roll Level / Roll Relative | 2-node |
| Roll Up | 3-node |
| Pan/Tilt tracking only | 1-node (unreliable — prefer 2-node) |
2-node is the standard for almost all moves. 3-node is required only when Roll Up mode was used.
FreeD / OSC Real-Time Output¶
FreeD and OSC output are configured in Setups -> External Devices in Flair. Both protocols send data over the InTime network subnet (192.168.1.xxx). Key points:
- Select "FreeD" (not "FreeD Mover") in the External Devices dialog for camera tracking
- FreeD has a hard ±180° pan angle limit — moves exceeding this range will cause the VP virtual camera to flip; use OSC instead for wide or continuous pan moves
- All VP traffic must route through the InTime NIC, not the office/internet NIC
Issue Index¶
| Issue | Status | First Seen |
|---|---|---|
| FBX Licence, flair.ini Flag, and Transfer Speed Setup | RESOLVED | 2021 |
| FBX Export Crashes or Hangs Flair Classic | RESOLVED | 2021 |
| FBX Node Types — 1-Node vs 2-Node vs 3-Node | RESOLVED | 2021 |
| FBX Invalid Job Error — Roll Mode Mismatch | RESOLVED | 2022 |
| FreeD Output All Zeros — Wrong Device Type | RESOLVED | 2023 |
| FreeD ±180° Pan Angle Hard Limit | OPEN | 2023 |
| Simul8 Maya Import Error - CSV Header Row Count | Field Guidance | 2025-01-26 |
Official Documentation References¶
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Bolt Quick Start Guide — p.41: network layout / transfer context | FBX setup and Transfer Speed |
| Flair to Unreal | Full VP / FreeD setup guide |
| QTAKE and Flair | QTAKE integration |