A tool to help camera operators take control of lens functions is being launched by ARRI at IBC 2018. The Operator Control Unit OCU-1 is an addition to the WCU-4 lens control system on ALEXA Mini, and enables operators to over-ride and return focus, zoom, and iris controls at the touch of a button.
“This is a simple device that does exactly what the name implies,” said Christine Ajayi, product manager, PCA Electronic Control System at ARRI. “It gives camera operators full control of their lenses when they want it.”
The OCU-1 will help save precious time while framing shots, as the camera operator will always have the ability to control the lens, even when motors are attached. It allows control of focus, iris, and zoom whenever required for practical or creative reasons. The device enables control of EF lenses mounted on ALEXA Mini and AMIRA cameras without any additional external motors.
The OCU-1 will improve on-set efficiency and control. Small, lightweight, and easy to use, it has the same control wheel, display and LBUS integration as the ARRI Master Grips, and can be easily mounted onto common 15mm or 19mm rods, ARRI Rosette, or 3/8” mounts. The wheel can also be used to control the roll axis of the ARRI Stabilized Remote Head SRH-3. ARRI plans to start shipping the OCU-1 later this year.
Eleanor Adds Director Candice Vernon To Its Roster For Spots and Branded Content
Director Candice Vernon has joined production house Eleanor for U.S. representation spanning commercials and branded content. She has already wrapped several jobs at Eleanor, which waited to announce her until they had a body of work together.
Via Eleanor, Vernon made history as the first Black director on a Febreze commercial. The “Small Spaces” campaign marks a major departure from Febreze’s typical blue-and-white world. The home of the “Revolving Door” commercial is a beautiful array of bold sunset hues, African prints, and African art.
Vernon said, “I asked myself, what feels right to me? What feels new? I wanted to bring an essence of not just Black Americans but the full diaspora. I wanted to make a statement that we’re not a monolith.”
Following the success of the “Small Spaces” campaign, Febreze brought Vernon back for a comedy-infused trifecta exploring the hilarious situations that call for an air freshening hero.
Febreze Brand VP Angelica Matthews said, “About two years ago, we realized the consumers that were the most loyal to Febreze were the African American consumers. And the more we learned, the more we realized the richness that we were really missing. So we said we have to go beyond just Black casting, we need to get Black directors that truly understand the culture that truly understand how to bring authentic performances out on screen. We really looked around the industry and noticed there’s actually a shortage of African American directors who have experience doing commercials. When we all saw Candice’s reel, we could all tell the passion for the craft, passion for really trying to help us from where we are to where we’re trying to go.”
Vernon brings a unique lens to... Read More