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“With CVP, I know if something goes wrong, someone will help”
had to transition to digital,” he continues. “Through that early period, the way you got all your gigs was by knowing what was going to be a problem – because all technology is a problem – ahead of time. I’ve kept that going forward. My mentality is to keep on top of current tech.” Surprisingly, either inside the volume or on a more tangible location, McLean’s modern tools remain the same. “I use the Arri Hi-5 system, which I’ve been developing with Arri since the release. I pair that with a Focusbug Cine RT, which is an ultrasonic distance measurer, so I can get live focus readouts from set. Then I use a good-quality monitor. I’ve got SmallHD 17in for studio work – that’s important for viewing any issue as it’s popping up. “Through development with Arri, I can stay even slightly further ahead of the curve, seeing where those inevitable problems are going to be. Having CVP in the UK to back them up is even better. If something really does blow up, there’s likely a spare sitting somewhere in London, which can be anywhere in a few hours. It’s an incredible support network.” Much of McLean’s everyday kit came directly from CVP, but his vision was even grander on this particular shoot. With a second handset generously provided by CVP, McLean was able to collect data with a potentially significant impact. “We were using that second device for testing, to get data out of it and into Unreal Engine, which I could then feed back to Arri. CVP opened up an opportunity for us to try something new. Hopefully, all the logs and
BUILD THE LIBRARY In the fast-changing world of virtual production, gathering data to aid development is fundamental to evolution – CVP helps facilitate this growth of knowledge
information generated from that handset – all those real-world test results – will translate into a future update for every virtual production to benefit from. “This is not an unusual level of service for CVP. On every shoot I’ve done, whenever I’ve needed kit the next day, I call them up and it’ll be in a van in an hour. You can’t knock that,” McLean adds. Coming full circle – back to the unparalleled value a first AC places in knowing their technology – McLean has saved his fondest CVP service for last. “For me, I view the added support CVP provides as even more important than the tools themselves. You can buy most kit from anyone, but afterwards, are you going to get looked after if there’s a problem? With CVP, I know if something goes wrong, someone will either be able to help me or tell me exactly how long I’ve got to wait. And it’s truthful. “If I’m doing prep for a job, knowing that I can call up the tech team and get a question answered is the most useful tool I have. I’ve been doing this for a long time and I know my stuff, but there’s always something that will catch you out. Thankfully, I’m always sure one of CVP’s technical wizards can get me an answer to anything. If they don’t have it themselves, they’ll get in touch with the manufacturer to find information for you. There’s nowhere else you can get that kind of access to information and expertise.”
CVP | ARRI Creative Space 81 CHARLOTTE STREET
Designed as an exclusive space for networking, workshops and events, this exciting collaboration between CVP and Arri presents the latest in Arri technology – including the Alexa 35 and Signature lenses. To book a demo, talk to one of our experts and explore the CVP | Arri Creative Space or Newman House showroom, call +44 (0) 208 380 7400 , email demo@cvp.com or visit cvp.com
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