Focal Point Systems, Inc. has been acquired by Apple. The company makes an editing tool for independent filmmakers called FilmLogic. Dependent on QuickTime, FilmLogic enables filmmakers who are working with 35mm or 16mm film to electronically edit their work on a Macintosh while finishing on film.
Independent filmmakers with experience editing using digital systems know what a pain the process of transferring from film to video and then editing back to film can be. Computer-based systems are much faster, but unless you’re using really expensive, high-end equipment, it’s really easy to make mistakes that you can’t easily fix when you go to edit your negative — telecine transfers, cut lists, and other problems can all affect your ability to produce usable edit info when it comes time to make the final product.
FilmLogic helps filmmakers solve these problems. It isn’t a non-linear video editing system itself, however. Instead, it interacts with editing systems, like Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere, EditDV, Media 100 and Avid. FilmLogic is essentially an electronic film code book. The software tracks edit decisions produced using the Mac-based editing system into instructions to use to create a conformed negative and soundtrack.
So, with FilmLogic, Apple has added yet another interesting aspect to its growing video editing catalog. iMovie is available for consumers and hobbyists that want to edit digital video on their Macs; and Final Cut Pro exists for video pros who need more high-end features and capabilities. Now Apple has gained technology that’s useful to independent filmmakers who want to edit their works digitally, but finish on film.
Information on the official FilmLogic Web site is sparse, but the company indicates it was acquired by Apple, and suggests that folks interested in more info return in the coming weeks. MacCentral spoke with an Apple representative late yesterday, who confirmed the news.