This looks awesome!

actionLog Pro.

Occasionally I’m a Script Supervisor on productions. It’s a really good fit for me because they’re basically the intermediary between the Director and the Editor.  It’s like spying on the set and taking detailed copious notes for myself later!  Script Supervisors keep track of everything and everyone throughout the day of shooting: Keeping a log of the shots with timecode, f-stop, lenses, focus length, motion of cameras, for ALL cameras, action of actors including continuity of their physical movements as well as their lines and how they emphasize them and the list goes on. At the end of the day, all the notes from the Script Supervisor as well as their marked up script of changes go to the editor for reference in the cut.

ActionLog Pro is an application that does A BUNCH of that for you! It’s a huge pain in the ass to get the correct timecode written down when at the start of the shot there’s a million other things to be looking for as well.  It would be GREAT if something did that automatically.  Plus, phone apps usually get programs down to their most efficient and speedy form, considering the limitations of the medium: battery life, small scale, usability for touchpad and so forth.  According to its description, “At the touch of a button the logging system keeps track of all reel names and timecodes for each recorded piece of action.”

Features
? Unlimited number of projects
? Up to 25 virtual recording devices
? Synchronize devices that use time of day or free running timecode
? Quick to use logging system
? Incremental slate and take fields
? Easy construction of clip names from predefined lists
? Logging continues without the application running
? View and delete logged clips
? Built in SMTP email client
? Export to Avid ALE files, Final Cut Pro XML and to a printable log sheet

I’m not so sure about the annotating part of it. I can at least still hand write much faster than I can text-type. I suppose you could shorthand, but  I wouldn’t want to get notes that said “K8 X’s L 2 R 2 Jack and sez “U want 2 go bck 2 island? WTF!?”

Anyway, I hope it comes out for the Blackberry Storm because paying $30 to occasionally swipe David’s iPhone to try it out won’t cut it! Or, I guess hopefully the iPhone gets released to other cellphone companies one day. Either way, this looks good enough pay for, an app first for me!

Al Franken predicting the future of gear.

I just came across a post in a forum (cinema5d.com – guess what I am shopping for?) and found a crazy, effective, and hilarious use for what could only be called a ‘novelty technology.’ That’s right, VR-goggles are being used for camera monitors! Now I can walk around with my Fig Rig, with the mic and video light mounted on it, and some Geordi LaForge apparatus giving me stereoscopic 720x480p displays simulating a 62″ screen! I think the only way to get funnier looks is if I go to shoots wearing a silver jumpsuit and green facepaint.

This model offers a fully adaptable VGA connection, but what I would like to see is an HDMI model that offers audio as well. The camera I am currently looking at (Canon EOS 5D Mark 2) lacks some style for audio out, and solving my monitor / audio monitor problems while re-enacting the Lawnmower Man absolutely makes any brick walls I blindly crash into totally worthwhile.

Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Camera-Men!

Below, take a look at this demonstration of the VR920 goggles in action on a steadicam and on a trusty steering wheel Fig Rig. With an MSRP of $399, they’re much cheaper than many low-end monitors. While they lack most of the same pro calibration features, this is a device that changes your entire perspective on shooting.

Current Firmware is having problems outputting enough of a signal to support the HDMI, but the AV Out allows for I believe either audio OR video. In order to look like proper, self-contained fools, we’ll need both! Anyway, I can’t wait to get back out in the field with all this craziness. I feel like I would add to the flavor of New York.