VMI News March 2025

VMI Welcomes Claudio Cadman as Deputy Head of Drama

We’re excited to welcome Claudio Cadman as Deputy Head of Drama at VMI. An award-winning Director of Photography, Claudio brings over a decade of experience across film, TV, and commercials.

His deep industry knowledge and passion for cinematography will be invaluable in expanding VMI’s drama division.

Ronford 3' Lightweight Slider

A portable lightweight version of the popular Ronford Baker precision 3ft slider.

This version is well suited for travel productions and is supplied as standard with a 100mm bowl which features a 25kg payload but weighs just 5.4kg.

James Cameron Makes Bold Anti-AI Statement in New Film

James Cameron has taken a bold step making a public announcement against generative artificial intelligence (AI) in filmmaking. The renowned director announced that Avatar 3: Fire and Ash will open with a title card explicitly stating, "No generative AI was used in the making of this movie.", which has ignited industry-wide discussions about AI’s expanding role in cinema.

Cooke SP3 Set Now Includes 18mm as Standard

Inspired by the Cooke Speed Panchro look, the Cooke SP3 full-frame primes are lightweight, designed for mirrorless cameras. The native Sony E-mount suits FX-6, FX-9, Burano, and Venice, delivering the legendary "Cooke Look" in a compact 500g form. Our SP3 sets now includes the 18mm as standard.

Look Unique 3.1 Hazer

DMX-controlled portable haze/smoke machine with a 60-second warm-up, minimal noise, internal timer, and haze-density control, makes it ideal for TV productions, enhancing light and laser effects. Up to 50 hours of continuous output from a 2-litre canister.

Aputure MC Pro 8 LED Kit

The Pro series is four times brighter than the MC but instead of a 12 lights, this kit has 8 miniature Aputure MC RGBWW film heads.

These feature full HSI colour control but with a footprint roughly the size of a credit card.

DJI RS4 Gimbal

The latest compact DJI Ronin RS4 Gimbal with 4.5kg (10lb) payload capacity increases motor torque by 20%. This package includes the Expansion Base 2 kit. Suits FX6, C70, Pocket 6K & KOMODO.

Successful London ARRI Mini LF Workshops held

VMI recently held workshops on getting the most from the ARRI Mini LF, a compact, full-frame 4K Netflix-approved camera.

Cinematographer Rob Wilton shared insights from years of experience using it for commercials, scripted drama and feature films.

Ronin 4D Workshop announced for April

Netflix's Adolescence skillfully shot very long scenes with the Ronin 4D. Want to know more?

Anticipating more interest in these incredible 6k/8k cameras with built-in 4-axis gimbals, VMI has announced workshops to be held in April (final date to be finalised).

30 year history of VMI Websites

Few will realise that VMI’s website is now on its 5th version and thanks to Google’s cache facility, we can share some of these versions with you to show you how our website has evolved.

Our V1.0 site, created in 1995 by Clare Vandyne, was basic and short-lived and sadly, no images survive.

Midsomers S25 Testing

Bentley Productions have been in testing for series 25 of Midsomer Murders in March.

You may not realise that since 2013, VMI have supplied 12 series of Midsomers – I’m surprised that they have found anyone else left to murder!

Electronic Signboard on Camera Test Rooms

It's a really small touch, but one that our clients seem to like!

We have fitted our test rooms with Tribe 7 Blackslate electronic clapper boards and Mike Rosario always ensures that we install a production's logo to greet the crew!

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