TIVA's program on "The Killer App for Video," got a late start when two presenters experienced vehicle troubles, but that didn't make the evening any less informative for the 25 professionals who gathered on October 4th at of Boston University's Center for Digital Imaging Arts (CDIA) in Georgetown.
It soon became apparent that there was way too much information for such a format, but a lot of us got some great ideas Highlights are listed below, but we encourage everyone to offer comments and suggestions.
Director of Photography Alex Ibrahim and Director Ishu Krishna shared some of their personal favorites and professional stock photographer Robert Giroux demonstrated easy release, an app he wrote to streamline the process of obtaining appearance and location releases.
While there are a lot of free apps to choose from, there is a real advantage to many of the paid products.
Here's a brief summary of the apps presented. Most are available through the iTunes store or Google Play. Please feel free to comment and add your own suggestions.
App
|
Description
|
Price
|
Photographers Ephemeris
|
GPS sun and moon calculator with GPS overlay. Shows angle of sun and other factors for any time and location,
|
8.99
|
Sunrays
|
Shows position of sun and angle above ground for any time and place
|
3.99
|
Sunseeker Lite
|
Solar compass – different interface sun position and elevation above horizon
|
Free
|
Sunseeker 3D Augmented reality
|
Allows you to look at a location and see 3d image of where sun will be at given time.
|
8.99
|
Easy Release
|
Customizable model release software. Allows signatures on iPads and emailing releases.
|
$9.99
|
Artemis
|
Detailed director's viewfinder - shows aspect ratios and framing
|
$29.99
|
LVR USA
|
Equipment manuals and lens information for many cameras and situations
|
Free
|
Barbizon
|
Detailed electrical calculations and guides for grips. Allows you to order from Barbizon on line.
|
Free
|
The Grip App
|
From Michael Uva, author of the grip book. Detailed info on any equipment or situation a grip is likely to encounter.
|
9.99
|
Set Lighting
|
Detailed information and calculations on almost all professional lighting equipment. Allows you to estimate light levels in advance.
|
9.99
|
Pocket Light Meter
|
A surprisingly accurate reflective spot meter
|
Free
|
AJA Data Calc
|
Calculate storage rates, and other information for video files.
|
Free
|
Celtx Script
|
Syncs and updates popular free Celtx scriptwriting software
|
4.99
|
Celtx Scout
|
Location scouting and sharing software
|
Free
|
Celtx Shots
|
Powerful location stroyboarding and blocking application
|
1.99
|
Elite Prompter
|
Teleprompter with fixed speeds. Compatible with Adobe story. Controllable via Bluetooth
|
Free
|
Teleprompt+
|
Teleprompter with mirror imaging. Playback can be controlled from separate iPhone. One of best promoter software packages out there.
|
$14.99
|
Hukilau slate
|
Simple slate app
|
Free
|
Scripts Pro
|
Script writing & Updating
|
7.99
|
MovieMagic Scheduling
|
Scheduling and shot lists for large productions, similar to production boards
|
29.99
|
Parkopedia Parking
|
Directory to parking lots & spaces around the country. Updates on number of spaces available from participating lots.
|
1.99
|
Goodreader
|
Reading and markup for PDF and other files. Great for annotating scripts and other documents
|
4.99
|
Sketchbook
|
Drawing application – good for blocking
|
Free
|
Pocket Call Sheet
|
Generate detailed call sheets for cast & crew
|
6.99
|
KeeMe
|
Puts green screen and registration marks on your phone for keying and motion tracking.
|
.99
|
Panascout
|
Scouting and director’s viewfinder. Shoots locations in correct aspect ratio and records location and compass direction camera is pointing. (Lite version is free)
|
9.99
|
Shot Lister
|
Professional shot listing application
|
13.99
|
Kata Data
|
Data rate and storage calculator
|
4.99
|
PCam
|
Detailed and very intuitive depth of field calculator
|
$29.99
|
Movie Slate
|
High end slate
|
$29.99
|
Kessler
|
Time lapse calculations
|
Free
|
Log Me In
|
Remote access to and control of your desktop PC or Mac
|
Free
|
Drop Box
|
File Transfer – on line transfer
|
Free
|
Cut Notes
|
Make time code synced notes as you edit. Compatible with FCP
|
$7.99
|
Edit Calc
|
Fast and easy time code calculations
|
.99
|
TCoder
|
Time code based logging and notes
|
$3.99
|
Toland ASC
|
Powerful calculations and resources for cinematographers
|
$39.99
|