Apple Goes Mini
By editor | October 30, 2008
Steven Spielberg’s cinematic dreams began with an 8 mm camera gifted by his father to help the fearful, high-strung, 8-year-old cope with his emotions. Today’s hopeful filmmakers are more likely to skip school with one of the latest mini-dvd recorders and return home to pop their latest vision onto a desktop computer for a quick edit and download on the internet. Granted, the quality of the final product may not be as high as corporate Hollywood, but neither is the cost of equipment.
Today’s independent filmmakers are turning to an increasingly affordable array of computers and software programs to produce films that are giving the big dogs a run for their money. The Apple Mac Mini is a giant advance in tiny technology in the world of laptops. This ultra-small desktop computer measures 6.5 inches wide, 6.5 inches long and 2 inches tall. It weighs in at only 2.9 pounds and does not even ship with a keyboard and mouse.
In fact, this is only one of many moves by Apple to go “mini.” They made a splash recently, for instance, with the ipod mini as well as ipod mini accessories.
Apple introduced the Mac Mini along with the ipod shuffle at the Macworld Conference & Expo on January 11, 2005. Both small products have smaller price points. Industry analysts see this as an effort by Apple to appeal to a broader, lower income market.
The lightweight Mini is heavy on processing speed and software applications. It ships with Apple’s Mac OS X Leopard operating system installed and the iLife suite of Apple applications to allow users the ability to create videos, music and dvds. With a base price of only $599, future filmmakers can stay in touch with their creativity with software products such as Adobe Premiere Pro.
Hollywood make-up artist turned filmmaker, Robert Hall, applied his graphic design experience with Adobe Photoshop to film editing with Adobe Premiere Pro software. The integration between the two programs avoids frustrating format changes and saves money in the editing lab. These user-friendly programs minimize techno interruptions that can inhibit the creative flow.
The new wave of low budget, small size computer equipment is supported by equally easy buying options. Online retailers such as www.superwarehouse.com offer thousands of products such as quality laptops from leading manufacturers, to the ipod mini, and more–along with competitive pricing, immediate shipping and technical support.
The latest advances in laptops may not be able to solve plot or talent issues but the trend goes a long way toward shedding light on independent visions. In a world increasingly controlled by corporate media and popular trends, guerrilla filmmaking may soon have more impact than guerilla warfare.
From the mini camcorders to easy editing tools, You Tube and Video on Demand, tomorrow’s vision may be that of the common man. Quite soon, aspiring filmmakers may find that an “apple a day”, means an all-in-one film studio, tucked neatly away in their backpack.
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