iPhone Apps For Video Production

I'm an iPhone sucker. They've got me. I can't imagine anything making me switch to an Android unless the price of the contract really becomes a no brainer. Even then, I wouldn't. The apps that are available now help me day in and day out. I wanted share some apps that have really helped my productivity in what I do for a living -- that is -- producing and directing video.

Artemis Director's Viewfinder (see pic above)
Instead of putting my fingers up in a rectangle (though I do look cool doing that) simulating the aspect ratio of a camera lens. Artemis works like a real viewfinder but because it stores pictures on your iphone -- it's a real help when you get home and start to storyboard. I've entered my camera into artemis and the lenses I own so I can quickly toggle between a 25mm and a 100mm lens on a particular setting. Even though this is a $29.95 app, it's worth it!
 
Teleprompt+
With the iPhone app Remote+, you can control the Teleprompter+ app in your iPad. It works pretty well -- you need pretty strong wifi for it to control the speed of the prompter. The next step for me would to build or purchase a prompter system so I could put the iPad under the lens and have it reflect in front of the talent. Right now when I do use it - I have the iPad right next to lens. The talent has to keep looking at the iPad screen to keep the illusion of looking into the camera real. If the talent's eys cross to the lens the take is useless.

Google Maps
More trustworthy than apple maps. Connects through my car's bluetooth so the step-by-step instructions come through my car's speakers. Nice pleasant voice. Tho, Waze is starting to climb up the charts for me. 

Voice Recorder HD by eFusion
I've taken to audio recording pre-production meetings with clients so I can then rewind the meeting later to make sure I've got all the details right. I like it the best because it seems to be dummy proof. Big buttons. Can't make a mistake of not recording.

I've also used the generic voice recorder app that comes with iPhone as a way to record someone's audio for use in a video. Have you ever needed to get someone in a video and they can't come to set? The next best thing is their audio only.

Here's how I've used it. I call the talent up. I ask them to put the land line phone in one hand and their iPhone in another. Before the interview, I ask them to turn on the voice recorder and to keep still as they talk to me. After the interview they need to go into iTunes and download the mp3 file so you need to use it with someone who is knows their way around itunes and their apps. I have to tell you the sound was pretty darn good and mixed well with what I already recorded in the field with professional audio equipment.*

Hightail
Why they changed their name from Yousendit to Hightail, I'll never know and it was a pretty dumb thing to do. I like their app for iPhone so I can see quickly if a client has downloaded a rough cut.

Fed Ex App
Great little app that tells me at glance where my package is and if it's on its way.

Foap
Foap is a user-generated stock photo archive. Pics are taken on the iPhone and then have to pass a test to make into their market.  I find the market (accessible on-line) a good alternative to iStock if I need a stock photo. And, you can't beat the price. $10.00 per picture.

Having a Backup Camera (not an app)
This hasn't happened to me in a while, but cameras do go down just when you need them.  I make sure that - in a worst case scenario - I can record on my iPhone. I carry with me a glif which allows the iphone to be secured to a tripod. And as for audio, I have a MXL USB MicMate Adapter that allows me to hook up my Rhode Shotgun mic to my laptop for recording in Garageband or Quicktime. I hope never to have to use it, but it's there.

*Professional Audio Engineer, Rick Albright just reminded me via email, that an iPhone is no substitute for professional sound recording equipment and personnel.  He's 100% right

Comments

[Jeremy Campbell]

Interesting apps, that eFusion one has my interest, I'm going to look it up! Thanks Christopher!

[Christopher Ming Ryan]

Cool, Jeremy! Thanks for stopping by.

[Andre Raffington]

One app that I am a fan of is SoundBeam. I use it to map audio frequencies in a space and to pinpoint noise artifacts that will drive post-production audio editors crazy (esp. the cooling fan from the RED). It uses a far amount of battery life so you have to make sure to close out the app after using it

[Mediaplayera]

Good lists. Teleprompt+ works well for me. I may try other apps soon. Thanks for sharing.

[Christopher Ming Ryan]

Andre, thanks for letting me know about Soundbeam.

[Christopher Ming Ryan]

Mediapalera, Teleprompt+ is a dandy little app and very well thought out. I just need to make one of those DIY iPad teleprompter cages!

[paul]

Really nice apps for video production.

[Julia Carlson]

These are all really great apps for video production. When I got my fist iPhone, I was really impressed at the quality of pictures I was taking. I didn't think it was possible to get such nice pictures from a phone. I will have to consider these apps when making my next little movie. I think some of them would really help smooth out the process of movie making. Thanks for all these tips! I can't wait to try them. http://www.rowlands.tv/services.php/services

[James Anderson]

Very helpful information. Very helpful, great sharing mate I really like that Foap app but when I search about that app people are saying app needs their Driver and Passport id why is that I am little confused about that but overall supers sharing about video production I would love to give a try to some of those apps.