Final Gather and Mental Ray black splotches in animation

[veiledsongbird]

I am trying to render an animation that is 2350 frames. There is one model (a physical therapy table) with Blinn materials in the scene. The table is animated throughout most of the animation. The camera rotates around the model to show the different positions.

I have uploaded an image of the worst problem area.

Whenever the table animates, especially when the camera is close to the model (such as in the image I uploaded) black splotches appear and flicker.

I'm using two half spheres, one above the model, one below the model as light sources.

I have been reading about Final Gather maps, creating them every nth frame. I don't really understand it. Is that what I need to use with this animation?

Thank for any help you can provide!! :o)