What is your role at CVP?
I’m a demonstration technician at our Midlands office.
What does that involve?
My role as a demonstration technician involves a broad range of responsibilities. A large part of the job is providing integral technical advice to clients on choosing the right equipment for them and their specific project. This can vary from simply talking over email or on the phone, through to the customer coming in for a live demo where I can go through a specific piece of kit with them in person. I truly believe the benefits of demos shouldn’t be underestimated, as you definitely need some hands-on time if you’re deciding which camera to purchase and discover which set-up will work best for you. A lot of us on the team have real world experience as camera operators so we can give practical advice you won’t find just anywhere. This kind of knowledge is really helpful for those that know what they want to achieve but aren’t quite sure how to achieve it.
As of recently, my colleague Melissa and I have been organising roadshows to existing events such as MCM Comic Con, film festivals and YouTube events around the UK. The aim is to spread awareness of CVP and the wide range of equipment available. We want to show that we offer not just the high-end solutions, but consumer kit as well. You may well see us around in our so called “party van”.
How long have you been there / What did you do before?
I’m still quite fresh to CVP. I started at the end of February this year, so it’s been nearly nine months. Prior to CVP I had a short period where I worked as a freelance camera operator and before that I’d spent around four years at a local rental company called Panny Hire. Coincidentally, I always end up in a place where I can play around with kit!
What does a typical day look like for you?
For me, this is actually a really exciting time as I’m currently in the process of making my demo wish list a concrete reality. This involved me looking at completely refreshing the technology in the Midlands office, with a host of new kit in situ ready for potential customer to come and view. We’re now going to be able to invite more clients to have hands-on experience in the Midlands office as we relaunch the new and refreshed demo facility, which I’m really looking forward to. Aside from that, planning the technical aspect of our future roadshows takes up the majority of my day and in the meantime, I’m responding to requests for demos and technical advice. This involves me speccing and kitting out our mobile exhibition stand, which we take to customers to experience the equipment. Thus, allowing them to ask to see and experience their chosen kit, hands-on.
I always make a conscious effort to keep up to date with all the latest releases as I think it’s important to be clued up on what’s new in the industry. In summary, my days are really varied which makes each one diverse and interesting.
What is a common theme you come up against (most asked questions)?
I have to say we get a wide range of questions and they tend to be very specific to the equipment. They can vary from compatibility of camera accessories to be the shipment date of Blackmagic cameras. Because of my experience as a freelancer I’m able to help out with lots of difference queries, which is great because prospective and current clients ask all sorts of questions. Working with so much kit means that there isn’t necessarily a common theme.
What are the hot topics in the industry at the moment?
I think the FX9 and C500 II seem to be on everyone’s lips at the moment, so I’d say that’s a pretty hot topic, specifically a discussion on which is the better camera. I have always been a fan of C300 II colour science, but in general I prefer the ergonomics of an FS7. Each to their own, I suppose.
What are you most excited for coming from some of the manufacturers?
There is so much to choose from, but my top five would have to be the Sigma Classics, the Aputure Nova 300C, the RED Komodo, the FX9 and the C500 II.