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I absolutely crave applications that make my life easier. I mean the goal is to be able to do what we love, for me its filmmaking, from anywhere in the world right? When the post process began for my on my latest film Fiesta Grand, I knew I needed the help of some talented individuals to complete my masterpiece. But what if they weren?t in Los Angeles or even worse across town? What was I to do? Luckily the smart folks at Intelligent Gadgets created a wonder app called syncVue.
What is syncVue?
syncVue allows users to review and annotate video, audio & still graphic media, in sync with anyone and anywhere in the world! Have a deadline but you need a quick approval from the creative director who happens to be in Las Vegas for the weekend? No problem! As long as both parties have Skype (SyncVue uses Skype to provide live voip or instant messaging) you can get your approval fast and easy! For those who are from Mars and don?t know about Skype, it?s a free voip (voice over internet protocol) for Mac and Windows.
What about the assets?
syncVue works with wonderfully with any QuickTime format. I like H.264 myself but you can use any of the formats. It also can load images such as GIF and JPEG. Have a poster of your movie and want to discuss the changes? Easy to do! Also you can have audio files for review! Of course there will not be a picture but this worked wonderfully for me while reviewing my composer?s creations!
Ok there?s got to be a catch right? Well there is but it?s a minor one in my opinion. syncVue synchronizes assets for review, it does not however stream them. No biggie! Just upload them to your server via FTP ( I use SmartFTP), send them a link, the other party can download it and off you go! Of course if the file is small, say fewer than 15 mb or so, you can simply email it. Once all parties have the asset on there machine it?s a simple ?Load Asset? command and the file with time code synch will be ready to go!
Reviewing
Its so simple to operate syncVue! For me, I invited my composer to a session, we both had the audio file on our machines. As I listened I made notes. The notes allowed her to find the exact time code to make changes. I loved it! syncVue also allows for your typical keyboard mapping such as JKL. The fully interactive ?Master/Client? control lets you decide who controls the flow. syncVue allows you to use the embedded time code, frame counter, or the alternate counter of your choice. It?s great!
When reviewing all you need to do is click Add on the bottom right of the screen and this will place a marker at the exact time code. Then click in the text area to add notes. Press enter and it?s complete! Also since its via Skype you can use the voice feature to discuss the session as well!
Another great feature is the ability to work offline on your own time and then simply ?check-in? your notes and markups when you join the session! This worked fantastically recently, as I cut parts of my film and the executive producer wanted to see a snippet (the nerve right?). He was in Florida and I am in California. We would pick a time and when I logged in there were his notes! Of course I ignored them all.
Cool factor
syncVue exports its XML locator annotations to Final Cut Pro! A great time saver when fixes are needed. This is great! Is it free?
Like all great things there is a small price to pay for freedom. syncVue is not free nor did I expect it to be. The good news is their pricing very comfortable in regards to return on investment! For 2-4 licenses it?s $179 per license. This gives you 2-4 licenses for life. You can distribute them as needed and when the jobs over you can remove the users to free up the licenses for the next job. The pricing, of course, goes down with the more licenses you purchase. Now be truthful, you spend more on gas and lunches having to ride across town for project reviews right?
Conclusion
Well let?s see. I get to save on travel time, gas money, reviews content on my own time with anyone, anywhere in the world, and I eliminate having to get dressed (I love working at home, don?t you?). Done deal! It?s a winner. I give syncVue an outstanding 5/5 stars for convenience, innovation and ease of use. Visit their site today for a free demo at www.syncVue.com. syncVue is available for PC and Mac. Also visit www.Skype.com to download Skype free.
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David Basulto is an independent filmmaker in Los Angeles. After 17 plus years, David is well versed in all aspects of filmmaking from development to distribution. He produces, directs, edits, and now is addicted to motion graphics and 3d. His last film, Death Clique is in Blockbusters nationwide. David is also the host of the www.filmmakingcentral.com. In his spare time David is an avid gamer and can be found slaying monsters in the world of Vanguard. For more info visit www.davidbasulto.com Related Sites: Creative Mac , Digital Producer , Hollywood Industry , Audio Video Producer , Corporate Media News , Digital Post Production , Film Imaging , Presentation Master , Oceania , MacVideoPro , BN - Facilities
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