ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE. CVP
TECH SUPPORT In the era of virtual production, the role of first AC has changed, says Jim McLean. He recounts the exciting challenge of a recent shoot – and the invaluable support of CVP
“I’VE BEEN WORKING on Arri’s volume stage a lot, which is very different to what’s come before from a technical standpoint,” begins Jim McLean, first AC. “My most recent project was for a leading car manufacturer, and we were really trying to push the integration between the real world and our virtual one. “The main creative direction was a presenter talking about new features. They were walking around the stage, interacting with cars and additional digital elements. Utilising a Technodolly to record camera moves and repeat them over and over again, we could overlay content in the foreground, midground and background: all monitored live on-set.” If the complex scene wasn’t challenging enough, McLean was in a tiny camera crew. Though surrounded by volume creatives, the first AC’s team comprised just four.
“The DOP was outright directing, since a lot of the action came down to a question of visual integration. We did a few long days of prep to get the sequence working – and there was an awful lot of gaffer tape used!” he laughs. Through the years – especially of late – McLean’s role has changed significantly. Keeping moving subjects pin-sharp in shallow depth-of-field was as challenging as it was essential. Now, it’s the simplest part of the job. “I’ve moved from film, through this digital revolution into virtual production. Now, it’s less about just keeping an image in focus and more about being a technical guardian,” McLean muses. “You’re the last set of eyes on a shot, to make sure it’s working on a technical level. On a virtual production, that’s amped up, as you’re looking at not only what you’re doing (and maybe set dressing), but also how a whole other world of technology is integrating. “In many ways, you’re there to help join the two sides of production together. All the crew who work with the LED walls come from a totally different world. You’re kind of a translator. Talking to people who have spent their lives in game design, for example, you have to explain what you want without using industry terms. While doing all that, you are also keeping everything in focus during takes. “I feel totally lucky to be of the generation that started on film, then “I’ve moved from film, through this digital revolution into VP”
SAGE ADVICE Bridging the divide between the different arms of production, McLean is well-versed in the latest technology and practices
MADE FOR CREATIVES McLean’s working relationships with both Arri and CVP help drive innovation
76. DEFINITIONMAGAZINE.COM
Powered by FlippingBook