Directors NoteBook 4.5 SA is a digital 'project notebook' for television commercial director's. It organizes all the information a director needs access to during pre-production, production, and post. From imported storyboard images, efx plate images, location and set photos, casting specs, to all shot specific details like; action, camera directions, lenses and frame rates, screen time, blocking, script, color correction info for Telecine. As well as agency and client contact info. Complete redesign, iPhone/iPad compatible, New Full Screen Mode, Auto fill, Create Adobe PDF, Tooltips, Fast Match, Mobile compatibility with iPhone, iPodtouch and iPad ,Work on your shot list on the go, import photos directly in your project from your device, using it's built in camera, or from the picture library. Store for archiving purposes, copies of up to 20 digital files of any format, including: Final Draft documents, Call sheets, budgets and bids, Word files, and any multimedia file format. All fields can now store up to 2 GB of data
It's really the only shot list software for professional directors. I also started teaching a film making class, and it's an invaluable tool for students as well.
Cons
It would be nice if it were a bit cheaper
Summary
Keeps me on point and helps prep my my team!
tvsmashin
Pros
With all the logistics prepared and neatly organized on paper you get the peace of mind that you haven't forgotten anything. For me this means I'm more in the moment and creative on set.
It also helps communicate your vision to your team so that they can be better prepared.
Cons
The only con is that it doesn't telepathically read my mind. I still have to type out my shots, but other than that it works great!
Summary
While it is made for TV Directors, it works great for any kind of production. On one job the producer took a look at my printed out project and said I was the most prepared music video director he has ever worked with... and this guy has worked with some really great music video directors. The program helps you make note of every last detail so that you're prepared to succeed.
Getting better...
Lewis Carnelian 1999
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Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />This suite of Filemaker Pro templates is getting a bit better. There are still major problems with it's functionality. The developer has a good idea, he just needs to find himself an OSX programmer and write it in native code. It would cost a bit but it would make this 'app' absuolutely indespensible. There are still problems with saving, the display, the print dialogue box etc... c'mon man... make this native, make this native, make this native...
Thoughts from someone in the industry...
ContentCreator
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Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />This app really does address the void of useful softeware in this industry. Built off of Filemaker does ensure a level of stability and cross platform user experience. If you are familiar with Filemaker then learning this app is a snap. And if not, just a little extra time and you will have things falling into place nicely. The developer does seem very interested in users feedback and takes suggestions seriously. Which is rare these days. It IS worth checking out, despite some people's obvious misinformation.
Kicks Ass
CGbur
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Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />As a working director in the commercial industry I have found this to be the only software that really does what I need. Again this newest upgrade only makes this product more useful. The developer is fast to respond and has added features that I've requested. Being built on the solid foundation of Filemaker allows me to use the software on my Mac as a stand alone and on Windows machines that have FileMaker with no difference in the way it works. Keep it up.
This is bad...
Lewis Carnelian 1999
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Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />The commercials and film industry is screaming out for a good application to assist directors collect their thoughts and ideas in one place. Directors Notebook is such a good idea that is executed so badly. It's just awful to use. The interface is bad, the type looks bad, the preview pages don't work, it is clunky. It is worse than tedious to use. And it is a complete rip-off! This type of software needs to be written in native code not as a filemaker file. Avoid this at all costs.