For over 15 years, the MAX Menace Arm has been the go-to lighting solution for Christopher Probst, ASC—award-nominated cinematographer for David Fincher's Mindhunter and the creative force behind visuals for Taylor Swift, Eminem, Ariana Grande, Justin Timberlake, and Billie Eilish. When precision and efficiency matter, professionals choose MAX Menace.
Why Professionals Choose MAX Menace
- 20-Foot Reach: Position lights in high ceilings, tight corners, and challenging locations without wall rigging or invasive mounting
- 75 to 150-Pound Capacity: Support heavy LED fixtures like ARRI Orbiter, Skypanels, and other professional lighting equipment
- Compact Counterbalance: Revolutionary design eliminates bulky masts and fulcrums—one person can crank lights up or down effortlessly
- LED Volume Stage Ready: Place backlights against LED walls quickly without yanking panels or disrupting virtual production workflows
- Protected Location Friendly: Ideal for mansions, historic buildings, and sensitive environments where wall mounting isn't permitted
- Industry Standard: Manufactured by Matthews Studio Equipment, the trusted name in grip and lighting support since 1968
Real-World Applications
Music Video Production: Used on Jackson Wang's 'Cruel' to position Chimara-softened Skypanels over dynamic dance sequences
Narrative Filmmaking: Featured in Christopher Probst's 'An Ace Up the Sleeve' demo for ARRI Orbiter, recreating authentic western saloon lighting with high-ceiling precision
Commercial Production: Essential for high-end spots for Apple, Nike, Google, BMW, Samsung, Audi, Adidas, and Uber
Virtual Production: Multiple units (2-3) recommended for LED volume stages where speed and flexibility are critical
Technical Advantages
- Compact footprint that fits tight spaces and backs flush against walls
- Wheeled base for quick repositioning without disassembly
- Single-operator friendly—no crew needed for adjustments
- Compatible with all standard lighting fixtures and modifiers
- Durable construction for demanding production environments
Key Features & Benefits
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| 20-Foot Extension | Access high ceilings and difficult positions without scaffolding or rigging |
| 75-150 lb Capacity | Support professional LED fixtures including ARRI, Skypanel, and cinema-grade units |
| Compact Counterbalance | Faster setup, one-person operation, reduced equipment footprint on set |
| Wheeled Mobility | Quick repositioning during shoots without disassembly or heavy lifting |
| Compact Design | Fits against LED walls and in tight spaces—ideal for virtual production stages |
Ideal For
- Cinematographers shooting music videos, narrative films, commercials, and branded content
- Virtual production teams working on LED volume stages
- Gaffers and lighting crews requiring efficient rigging solutions
- Productions in protected locations, historic buildings, or sensitive environments
- Rental houses serving high-end production clients
Professional Endorsement
"I've been using the MAX Menace for over 15 years now—on virtually every project. I could put a 100-pound light on a MAX Menace Arm and crank it up or down myself without any help, and I can put a light 20 feet out, with no fulcrum/counterbalance, right up against the wall. That, for me, is a game changer."
— Christopher Probst, ASC
Cinematographer: Mindhunter, Taylor Swift, Eminem, Ariana Grande
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can one person operate the MAX Menace Arm?
A: Yes. The revolutionary design eliminates counterbalances, allowing a single operator to crank lights up to 20 feet with minimal effort.
Q: What fixtures are compatible?
A: The MAX Menace Arm supports any standard lighting fixture between 75 to 150lbs depending on deployment, positioning, environmental conditions (for professional use only, please follow safety procedures - do not exceed 500lbs on the base of the arm); including ARRI Orbiter, Skypanel, Chimara units, and traditional tungsten lights.
Q: Is it suitable for LED volume stages?
A: Absolutely. Christopher Probst recommends bringing 2-3 units to virtual production stages for maximum flexibility in tight timeframes.
Q: Can it be used in historic buildings?
A: Yes. The wheeled base requires no wall mounting or structural modification, making it ideal for protected locations where traditional rigging is prohibited.
Join the Industry's Best
When Christopher Probst, ASC needs a lighting stand, he chooses MAX Menace Arm.
Order yours today and experience the industry standard in professional lighting support.
