The Final Cut Pro X ecosystem grows again with new workflow extensions. They are similar, one for SNS storage systems to browse content and another for Cantemo Portal, the shared storage Media Asset Manager.
SNS
Studio Network Solutions, or SNS for short has released a workflow extension for Final Cut Pro X. You will have to have an SNS storage system for it to run, but really worth installing if you do.
Not only can you search for media, log media and bring the selected media into an FCPX library from within the app, but SNS also offers a unique way of teams sharing Libraries over shared storage.
If you take a look a the specific webpage on their site, they are targeting FCPX users with the workflow extension, teams using Libraries and the interoperability of the storage with keywords in their browser app.
SNS has released a short promo about the new extension:
They have also released a much more detailed walk though of how FCPX works with the extension. Even if you don't have an SNS server, it is still worth a watch to see how the two interact with ease.
Cantemo Portal
We have covered this excellent Media Asset Management application (MAM) before on FCP.co. So it is good to see that a new Cantemo workflow extension has been developed especially for FCPX. Although some of the features and operation look similar to other MAMs, Cantemo can work with most shared storage systems, large or small. In fact some installs have seat numbers in the 100's.
View all of FCP.co's coverage of Cantemo Portal here. (13 articles)
With the Cantemo Workflow extension, editors can access their media without leaving the FCPX workspace.
- Preview, add metadata and drag media into a timeline.
- Drag assets into the workflow extension to upload them to Portal through the Cantemo Agent.
- This extension also allows you to drag XML data into any 3rd party tool that supports Final Cut Pro X XML.
This is really good news for FCPX editors who work with Cantemo as their MAM. Before the workflow extension, you had to search for footage in a web browser. Now with a click (or even a custom workspace with a keyboard shortcut) an editor can search, browse and even drag media into their Library.
Just before you head off to the Mac App Store to download the extension, we believe this is just an announcement of upcoming features in the 4.1 release. Well, that and we can't find it on the MAS! Also the website looks like it needs a bit of an update as it still has uses the 10.2 GUI.
One to watch though and if you end up working FCPX in a big broadcast or shared environment, then you just might be using Cantemo and the workflow extension.
I am the Editor-in-Chief of FCP.co and have run the website since its inception ten years ago.
I have also worked as a broadcast and corporate editor for over 30 years, starting on one inch tape, working through many formats, right up to today's NLEs.
Under the name Idustrial Revolution, I have written and sold plugins for Final Cut Pro for 13 years.
I was made a Freeman of Lichfield through The Worshipful Company of Smiths (established 1601). Though I haven't yet tried to herd a flock of sheep through the city centre!
Current Editing
2020 has been busy, the beginning of the year was finishing off a new property series (cut on FCP) for Channel 4 called The Great House Giveaway. I also designed and built the majority of the graphics as Motion templates. It has been a great success and the shows grabbed more viewers in the 4pm weekday slot than any previous strand. It has been recommissioned by C4 for 60 episodes, including prime-time versions and five themed programmes. The shows have also been nominated for a 2021 BAFTA.
Although both were postponed to later in the year, I worked again on ITV's coverage of the Tour de France and La Vuelta. 2020 was my 25th year of editing the TdF and my 20th year as lead editor. The Tour was the first broadcast show to adopt FCPX working for multiple editors on shared storage.
BBC's Snooker has played a big part in my life, I've been editing tournament coverage since 1997. I'm proud to be part of a very creative team that has pioneered many new ideas and workflows that are now industry standard in sports' production. This is currently an Adobe Premiere edit.
Covid cancelled some of the regular corporate events that I edit such as trade shows & events. I was lucky however to edit, from home, on projects for Amazon Kindle, Amazon Black Friday, Mastercard and very proud to have helped local charitable trust Kendall & Wall secure lottery funding.
As for software, my weapon of choice is Final Cut Pro and Motion, but I also have a good knowledge and broadcast credits with Adobe Premiere Pro, MOGRT design and Photoshop.
Plugin Design & Development
I'm the creative force behind Idustrial Revolution, one of the oldest Final Cut Pro plugin developers. It hosts a range of commercial and free plugins on the site. One free plugin was downloaded over a thousand times within 24 hours of release.
I also take on custom work, whether it is adapting an existing plugin for a special use or designing new plugins for clients from scratch. Having a good knowledge of editing allows me to build-in flexibility and more importantly, usability.
FCP.co
Now in its 10th year and 4th redesign, running FCP.co has given me knowledge on how to run a large CMS- you are currently reading my bio from the database! Although it sounds corny, I am pretty well up on social media trends & techniques, especially in the video sector. The recent Covid restrictions has enabled live FCP.co shows online. This involves managing a Zoom Webinar through Restream.io to YouTube and Facebook.
The Future
I'm always open to new ideas and opportunities, so please get in touch at editor (at) fcp.co. I've judged film competitions, presented workflow techniques to international audiences and come up with ideas for TV shows and software programs!
