REVEW: STEVE JOBS BY WALTER ISAACSON

“My passion has been to build an enduring company where people were motivated to make great products.  Everything else was secondary.  Sure, it was great to make a profit, because that was what allowed you to make great products.  But the products, not the profits, were the motivation…

‘Give the customers what they want.’ But that’s not my approach.  Our job is to figure out what they’re going to want before they do.” (Steve Jobs p567)

I’m an Apple fan.  For years I resisted because I felt Windows based PCs offered more of what I was looking for.  Of course, my theory was proven wrong the day I got my iMac with Final Cut Pro.  Since that day, the Apple brand has been a vital part of my creative life.

The combination of my iMac, iPhone and iPad keeps me connected to whatever project I’m working on at all times.  I write screenplays, I write blogs, I create graphics, I edit movies.  I create…  I create every day thanks to the creativity of Steve Jobs and the talented designers and engineers at Apple.

XTRA | Why the iPad 2 is the center of my creative universe.

Creative people are fueled by the creativity of others.  This is especially true when it comes to the marriage of creativity and technology.  Steve Jobs believed this to be a fundamental component of innovation.

“What drove me?  I think most creative people want to express appreciation for being able to take advantage of the work that’s been done by others before us.” (Steve Jobs p570)

When I opened the cover of Steve Jobs b Walter Isaacson, I was excited to find out more behind the iCEO himself.  When Steve Jobs passed away, the world lost a true visionary and his story fascinated me.  The book itself is absolutely incredible as it describes each and every triumph and defeat Jobs experienced.

But something interesting happened as I turned the pages…  I started relating Steve’s passion and innovation to the world of screenwriting.  Once that happened, I couldn’t put the book down.

Inspiration.  Motivation. Innovation.  Creativity.  Passion.  Dedication.  Commitment.  Sound familiar?

These are the common themes throughout the book but they are also present in the hearts of creative people around the world every day.  In this way, Steve Jobs’ story goes beyond the story of a man who changed the world.  It’s about the very essence of creativity and the quest for perfection.

In my own life, I associate these themes with Screenwriting.

“We try to use the talents we do have to express our deep feelings.” (Steve Jobs p570)

If Steve Jobs was a screenwriter, he would have scrutinized every word.  Every character would be constantly tested.  Each and every description would be reworked until the image was perfected in the reader’s minds.  Steve would have paid extra close attention to the amount of white space he used.  He would have agonized over names and locations.  He would have poured his heart into every scene.  Every moment.

If Steve Jobs was a screenwriter, he would have been tireless and relentless on his quests to get his scripts produced.  If a script wasn’t successful, he would have been angry at first but then he would break it down and find ways to make it better.  He would analyze every single detail and demand better of himself.  Steve Jobs would have believed in his vision.  He wouldn’t have quit until he succeeded.  The story had to come first.

If Steve Jobs was a screenwriter he would have been passionate.  He would have been dedicated, innovative and precise.  Most of all, he would have cared immensely about the audience and how his screenplays would make them feel.

It’s an inspiring thing to read about somebody who cared so deeply about his craft.   Even better, he surrounded himself with remarkable and talented individuals.  People who made him better.  Take Jony Ive for example.  This is a designer responsible for many of Apple’s defining innovations and a visionary in his own right.

“Simplicity isn’t just a visual style.  It’s not just minimalism or the absence of clutter.  It involves digging through the depth of the complexity.  To be truly simple, you have to go really deep.” (Jony Ive p343)

It’s an interesting quote when you apply it to screenplays.  Especially during the rewrite process.  People like Jony Ive were crucial components in the execution of Steve’s ambition.  Of course, film is also a collaborative medium and while crafting a screenplay is a solo effort, a script destined for bigger things.  Steve Jobs would have not only understood this.  He would have embraced it.

Beyond anything else, Steve was never satisfied.  If he created a product that changed the world he set out to create something better or entirely new.  To me, that’s the most exciting aspect of screenwriting.  Every time you begin a new story it’s a new adventure.  A new world.  A new you.

“If you want to live your life in a  creative way, as an artist, you have to not look back too much.  You have to be willing to take whatever you’ve done and whoever you were and throw them away.” (Steve Jobs p190)

Each new story represents an evolution of your creativity.  A chance to really say something.  It’s a freedom that screenwriters crave.  It’s an addiction that takes a hold of you.

STEVE JOBS WOULD HAVE CALLED IT MAGIC

I finally got some time to check out the official unveiling of the brand new Final Cut Pro X! I still consider myself new to the Final Cut world as I’ve only been using the software for about 3 years now.  However, I think finally getting my own copy of FCP was one of the coolest and nerdiest days of my life.

I walked into the Apple store that day with a massive grin on my face.  A half hour later, I walked out with a brand new iMac and Final Cut Studio 2.  I took the next day off work.  If you’re an editor, a nerd or both you’ll agree that launching shiny new software is a fantastic experience.

Once I got the studio installed I spent weeks exploring all the wonderful new features I had access too.  This led right into the post production of our short film Playing Through which I used to fully immerse myself in Final Cut.  I’ve been addicted ever since.

That experience led me to follow the development of major editing applications simply for the sheer joy of being an editing geek.  I love this stuff.

At work, where I edit for a living, we use Quantel and I’m all over those updates as well.  Between the two, I’m still learning new techniques and work flows every day.  I can’t get enough.

The newest version of Final Cut Pro looks awesome. You know you love editing when a statement like ’64 Bit Support that allows the software to use MORE than 4GB of RAM’ makes you smile.  Many people have expressed concern that the program looks a lot like iMovie but I think it looks pretty sweet.  Personally, I can’t wait to take advantage of the new background rendering!

I’m honestly going to watch the entire hour again at some point.  Videos like these make me want NEED to edit something.  Following the launches of new software like Final Cut Pro is nothing short of inspiring to me.

I’m so thankful I’ve got a short film to edit right now.  Not only that, it’s the busiest time of the year at work with the NHL & NBA playoffs in full swing.  Not to mention broadcasting every single Jays game this year.  I love being an editor.

Click here for a breakdown of the new Final Cut Pro X features over at CNET.

At $299 you really can’t go wrong with the new version.  I’m so excited to learn more about it.  I’m not sure if I’ll upgrade yet but the new organizational features might just push me over the edge.

If you haven’t seen the announcement check out the entire keynote below.

XTRA: Head over to ART OF THE GUILLOTINE as well for tons of editing posts and resources.

Click here for more posts on editing.

I highly enjoy perusing Apple’s App Store for new ways to pass the time.  Recently,  came across an app they featured called:

8MM Vintage Camera.

My iPhone has been shooting 8MM movies since.

The App itself is easy enough to use.  In less than two minutes, I was cycling through all the different filters and settings.  I spent a couple bus rides experimenting with it while envisioning screenplays I could write that would require that ‘vintage’ look.

Sadly, I haven’t come up with much yet except for the following film I call: Dog Walking.

Note: This footage was shot with a 3GS.  I’m skipping iPhone 4 and waiting for this year’s model.

The footage itself looks pretty sweet. I love having the ability to control the jitter and the variety of options the app provides to make your masterpiece.  For $1.99 you get a super simple app that does exactly what it promises.

However, when it comes to editing, I’m a perfectionist.  I suppose I should be as I’m an editor by trade.  I’ve looked up a few other apps and some of them give you the chance to customize the overall look of your videos.

For example, Super 8 (which sells for .99) lets you record your videos first and then add effects to them.  This type of control may not be useful to many but I think it’s an better option instead of having to make each shot perfect.  I’d rather get multiple takes and effect the one I like best.

For the record, I’d rather do the effects in Final Cut Pro for complete control but lets not get carried away.

I’m also not a fan of how your videos aren’t saved in your iPhone’s library.  You have to launch the 8MM app and share them from there.  It’s a minor complaint but I enjoy the little details.

Regardless, the app achieves a variety of sweet 8MM looks effortlessly and I had a blast.

It’s a fantastic way to pass the time on the bus.

XTRA: Top 6 iPhone Apps For Movie News

A little while before we shot The Climb, I wrote about my NEED to edit a short film.

It’s a craving that’s been getting stronger since the day I finished editing Playing Through nearly 2 years ago.

Happily, I still get to edit full time in a live television environment but there is something calming and inspiring about slowing things down and building a story.

And now I have new footage to work with!

There’s something incredibly exciting about having 6 hours of brand new footage to mold into a short film.  Editing has always been a passion of mine and I’ve been pumped about editing something new for far too long.

The next step for me is to continue catching up on my writing, blogging and graphic design responsibilities.  I think it’s important to wrap up as many projects as you can before tackling another one.  I’m also delaying the beginning of post production to give myself time to distance myself from the footage.

I wrote, produced and directed this short film.  It’s based on a script I wrote almost 5 years ago so it’s safe to assume I’m the right guy to edit the movie.  Having said that, we just finished shooting and I want to give myself a week or so to recharge before delving into the footage.

Until then, I’ll be bouncing up and down thinking about dropping our company’s opening animation on a timeline and editing a new short film.

Click here for more editing posts

Finally, the mysterious device has a name:

iPad

I’m not a massive fan of the name but I’m a huge fan of what I’ll be using it for when I get my hands on one.

Before I get to that, here are some terrific links and information I’ve collected for those who aren’t up to date on the new device.

Just make sure you come back to read the rest.

• Apple (of course) for complete details on the iPad.
• CNN has video of the actual announcement from Steve Jobs himself. (I’m looking for a link to the full presentation.)
• Here is a complete minute by minute blog on the event including images and opinions.
• Hands on video with the device.
• A pretty nice recap over at IGN.

Update: You can now watch the entire event on Apple’s site.

All caught up?  I’m pretty pumped about it.

I’ve never owned a laptop.  I’ve always been more of a desktop kind of guy.  When it comes to writing, there’s nothing better than sitting at a desk and working on a screenplay.  I couldn’t even imagine ever being productive anywhere else.

Until I got my iPhone.

Now I can write notes, outlines and entire screenplays with my phone no matter how far away from my desk I am.  I can research, blog and market my projects from a single tiny device.  I’ve written a lot about the idea of Portable Writing.  I’ve posted articles about my favorite apps and how I use my iPhone on-the-go to stay ahead on my work load.

The iPhone opened my eyes and I realized that I have to break away from my desk and enjoy the freedom to write wherever I want. It got me thinking about the next logical step.  Laptop? Netbook?

Apple’s timing couldn’t have been any better. The correct answer is iPad!

• Screenwriting: One of my favorite aspects is how the apps on my phone will work on the iPad.  This means that as a screenwriter, I can pull out this device and type on a BIG keyboard.  Black Mana’s Screenplay app will be glorious on the iPad.
• Blogging: Updating my blog will be easier than ever with the bigger display and easier navigation.
• Research: The iPad will make researching faster and more efficient with full screen internet access at super fast speeds.
• Social Networking: Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and more…  Social marketing is huge and 17 West is right there with the newest trends.
• Email: Yet another way to stay in contact and up to date on all of 17 West’s upcoming productions.
• Business: Budgets, Contracts, Paperwork and more will be even easier to manage.
• 17 West Productions: More connectivity, more productivity and more creativity.  I’m very excited about the possibilities. (All of which rhyme by the way.)
• Cost: The iPad starts at $499!  I want the 3G so it’ll be and extra $130 but even then, it’s cheaper than a laptop.

I do a lot of development work in the library.  It’s my quiet place to plot out my scripts.  I’ve always wanted a laptop with screenwriting software loaded and ready to fire off the pages but it’s never really been in the budget.  Finally, I’ve got an affordable alternative to the laptop that just happens to be a super cool technology as well.

I suppose my only questions relate to the absense of a webcam and whether or not the device will work with my existing data package.  I have no intention of adding another 30 bucks a month when I already have 6GB’s of data on my account…  We’ll have to see.

Regardless, I love new gadgets and Apple definitely creates cool gadgets.  The iPad presents me with yet another option to work on my number 1 passion in life.  Screenwriting.

I want one.

The countdown begins!