Apple's Tim Cook, Film Industry Urge for Final Cut Pro Upgrades
In an open letter signed by over 100 film and TV industry professionals, a call for improvements to Apple's editing software, Final Cut Pro, has been made. The letter, initiated by professionals in the industry, was addressed to Apple and Tim Cook, specifically requesting their attention to enhance the software.
Knut Hake, editor for Netflix's Blood Red Sky, suggests that Apple could make Final Cut Pro more reliable by implementing practices already used in iOS, macOS, and Safari. Hake emphasizes the need for collaboration in the software, advocating for simultaneous access to libraries by multiple users.
Steven Sanders, editor of War of the Worlds season 3, shares similar sentiments, highlighting the importance of collaboration in Final Cut Pro. Sanders also requests that Apple starts certifying and supporting third-party product integration to improve the software's functionality.
The letter mentions that some filmmakers cannot choose Final Cut Pro for their work, which could include productions for Apple TV+. There is a stigma against Final Cut Pro, with some regarding it as "iMovie Pro." To address this, the filmmakers are asking for Final Cut Pro to be made available through regular TV industry suppliers.
Galliano Olivier, editor of French TV drama Marianne, finds it difficult to use Final Cut Pro without facing resistance from producers, directors, and other stakeholders. Vanessa Brogna, assistant editor of Bridgerton, considers Final Cut Pro a powerful, work-use software, but highlights the issue of access. Brogna also notes the lack of training resources available for Final Apple's response to Gizmodo's request for comment regarding the open letter was not available at the time of writing.
Some editors who have worked on major projects using Final Cut complain about the absence of a current beta program for the software. The open letter suggests that some of the requested changes might be challenging for Apple to implement. However, with the availability of good, cheap movie-making alternatives, Tim Cook might consider the movie industry's concerns.
The open letter can be found on GoPetition, and it is currently gaining traction within the industry. The focus of industry discussions is currently more on camera and hardware choices rather than editing software preferences. Nevertheless, the letter serves as a reminder to Apple and Tim Cook of the need for improvements in Final Cut Pro to better serve the needs of the film and TV industry professionals.
