Modular Anyone?

[Scott Sheriff]

[Jamal Watts] “I’ve been thinking about this since FCPX was released last week. Wouldn’t it have been nice if FCPX was modular so that the user can pick the features that they need for their particular workflow?”

We already have that. It’s called Final Cut Studio.

Scott Sheriff
Director
https://www.sstdigitalmedia.com

I have a system, it has stuff in it, and stuff hooked to it. I have a camera, it can record stuff. I read the manuals, and know how to use this stuff and lots of other stuff too.
You should be suitably impressed…

“If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur.” —Red Adair

[Jonathan Dortch]

[Jamal Watts] “I’ve been thinking about this since FCPX was released last week. Wouldn’t it have been nice if FCPX was modular so that the user can pick the features that they need for their particular workflow? That way the app can be as simple or complex as the user needs.”

I’ve been thinking about that, too. I’m totally not opposed to that structure, if indeed that’s the plan. I’d pay willingly for anything that can return functionality to the platform for those of us who need it. It would really require a flexible API to accommodate this type of structure.

It would also allow a pretty cool system to allow growth for all of the new people to NLE’s in general. Pay for what you need today at a crazy low price for a NLE, install the additional paid features when you’re ready.

If this was the plan all along though, Apple gains nothing by hiding their cards on it.

JONATHAN DORTCH
BLACK WOLF CREATIVE

[Craig Seeman]

I think this is why Apple is still working on the API. Since the API is the hook to all things it must be thoroughly developed and vetted first. Changing something in the API could break anything that hooks into it. Judging from the FAQ the API is still in development or at least further behind the relational database parts of FCPX.

[J Hussar]

I would love that – I’m not against a new paradigm, I like all sorts of paradigms – but forcing one way as the only way is what gets me cranky!

[Andrew Richards]

My hope is this is exactly the plan. Apple builds the platform and the % everyone needs, and leave the other % to third parties. That way Apple gets to market to a wider audience and the high end can still build out a tool that suits their workflows. Time will tell.

Best,
Andy Richards

VP of Product Development
Keeper Technology

[Jamal Watts]

Yeah, I hope this is grand idea. However, I would not want all the modules to be 3rd party. Apple has features that were in Color and STP that I would like back. I especially want my Color back because the only feature I can see that was brought in from Color is the shape but you only adjust the inside.

[Misha Aranyshev]

Can I buy non-magnetic timeline module?

[Andrew Richards]

[Michael Aranyshev] “Can I buy non-magnetic timeline module?”

Sure.

Sorry if that is a bit pithy, but you’re asking for an entirely different UI metaphor.

[Andrew Richards]

Apple is probably happy to leave the grading market to Resolve and Nuke.

Best,
Andy Richards

VP of Product Development
Keeper Technology

[Adam Mccune]

I’ve been thinking about this modular concept the past couple of days, and I’m wondering if it is even further reaching.

Is it possible Apple is hoping this new Thunderbolt allows them the flexibility to create more modular computers?

Try not to laugh at this – but what about running FCPx on a future Macbook air? Plugging it into a hard drive via thunderbolt and going from there? It would make sense that they have made this interface really only inclusive to one person editing a project.

Any thoughts on that?

Writer/Radio host/Community Media Advocate