CVP | ADVERTI SEMENT FEATURE
LEFT Windon spent a few weeks working on
season two of Pennyworth, supporting fellow DOP Mark Patten
“Needing an affordable option that could achieve results, I tested out the DJI Ronin 2 there and then in the showroom”
GET LOW With Windon capturing plenty of mice scenes, he needed a gimbal that would help him get low with his camera. Nonetheless, he drew the line at getting as low as a mouse’s POV – that would have been slightly jarring for the audience! “During the shoot, we used Camera Revolution’s Libra remote head with a Panavision Millennium DXL2 8K camera,” he says. “Sometimes, it was employed as a remote head for difficult shots, such as the mice scenes. On other occasions, it was carried – either by myself or two grips – and remotely operated to get dynamic moving shots.” It was also used with the Flowcine Black Arm placed on a dolly. This ensured smooth shots outside the hotel, where the location’s uneven ground didn’t allow for track. Windon and his splinter unit spent one day filming the hotel exteriors at an outdoor set, built at Virginia Water Lake in Surrey. The other scenes were shot at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden. In the studio, three stages were built for the hotel reception, dining room and various guest rooms. “At times, we had to move between the different stages just to capture one scene,” he reveals. While Windon is familiar with using a powerful tool such as the Libra remote head, it was this experience that inspired him to find similar options; albeit more financially viable pieces of equipment.
“Working with Don over the years – either as first AC or DOP for the splinter unit – has opened up a lot of doors for me. Ultimately, getting that experience and receiving credit on The Witches meant I earned Mark’s trust. And, because of that, I got the opportunity to work as a DOP on Pennyworth , while he spent a couple of weeks preparing for future episodes. The whole thing has been a fantastic opportunity,” he concludes.
“The Libra really interested me – I wanted to explore what more I could do with it. Nonetheless, it’s a high-end piece of kit; I needed a more affordable option that could achieve similar results,” he says. “I got in touch with Aaron at CVP. We’ve been friends for a long time – we’re both from Sydney and became acquainted there, before moving to the UK. I visited him at CVP’s Charlotte Street location, where he suggested I give the DJI Ronin 2 a try. I tested it there and then in the showroom.” Though arguably offering less control than a custom-designed system, such as the Libra, the Ronin 2 is versatile. It can be mounted to tripods as a stabilising device, or attached to a jib as an inexpensive stabilised remote head. “It’s simply perfect for my needs,” enthuses Windon. “I purchased it about 18 months ago, between finishing The Witches and starting on Season 2 of Epix’s Pennyworth , where I use the Ronin 2 for everyday dynamic shots.” On Pennyworth , Windon supported fellow DOP Mark Patten on episodes 5 and 6, an opportunity stemming from his work with Burgess on The Witches .
DJI RONIN 2
CVP is home to a full spectrum of production equipment that’s ready to see, combine and evaluate. Its creative and technical staff are committed to finding the right solution for every production need. To arrange an online demo, or book a one-to-one consultation, call 020 8380 7400 or visit cvp.com
APR I L 202 1 | DEF I N I T ION 29
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