Apple's Mini Maximizes Indie Dreams by Deborah Wolfe

Steven Spielberg’s cinematic dreams began with an 8 mm camera gifted by his father to help the fearful, high-strung, 8-year-old cope with his emotions. Today’s hopeful filmmakers are more likely to skip school with one of the latest mini-dvd recorders and return home to pop their latest vision in a desktop computer for a quick edit and download to the internet. Granted, the quality of the final product may not be as high as corporate Hollywood, but neither is the cost of equipment.

Today’s independent filmmakers are turning to an increasingly affordable array of computers and software programs to produce films that are giving the big dogs a run for their money. The Apple Mac Mini is a giant advance in tiny technology. This ultra-small desktop computer measures 6.5 inches wide, 6.5 inches long and 2 inches tall. It weighs in at only 2.9 pounds and does not even ship with a keyboard and mouse.

Apple introduced the Mac Mini along with the iPod shuffle at the Macworld Conference & Expo on January 11, 2005. Both small products have smaller price points. Industry analysts see this as an effort by Apple to appeal to a broader, lower income market.

The light-weight Mini is a heavy hitter when it comes to processing speed and software applications. It ships with Apple’s Mac OS X Leopard operating system installed and the iLife suite of Apple applications to allow users the ability to create videos, music and dvds. With a base price of only $599, future filmmakers can stay in touch with their creativity with software products such as Adobe Premiere Pro and Adobe Photoshop.

Hollywood make-up artist, Robert Hall, applied his graphic design experience with Adobe Photoshop to film editing with Adobe Premiere Pro software. The integration between the two programs avoids frustrating format changes and saves money in the editing lab. The synergy between these user-friendly programs minimizes techno interruptions that can inhibit the creative flow.

The new wave of low budget, small size computer equipment may not be able to solve plot or talent issues but the trend goes a long way toward shedding light on independent visions. In a world increasingly controlled by corporate media and popular trends, guerrilla filmmaking may soon have more impact than guerilla warfare.

From mini camcorders to easy editing tools, You Tube and Video on Demand, tomorrow’s vision may be that of today's common man. Quite soon, aspiring filmmakers may find that an “apple a day”, means an all-in-one film studio, tucked neatly away in their backpack.