We have tried quite a few asset management systems here at FCP.co and they all have one thing in common, they are complicated. Axle Video may have the answer to individuals and companies who want a simple way to share assets.
With internet speeds increasing, collaborative workflow from remote locations has become viable. But how do you share out large files from your shared storage so that they can be viewed remotely? This would have been achieved by installing a complicated and pricey data asset manager that would sit on your shared storage and would become the gateway for all users.
Axle Video have taken a different and a lot simpler approach by running their software on a Mac Mini that connects to the shared storage and makes a 'proxy mirror'. This allows users to organise, annotate, search and comment on their media through a simple web interface. No more 'checking in' or 'checking out' - the system runs automatically in the background updating to reflect the main high resolution storage.
It strikes us that this is probably the fastest way to get your shared storage available so that remote clients can view clips online. We can think of a couple of uses for this technology right away. A Hybrid Cloud option will become available too so that if your Mac Mini & connection struggles under the workload, the cloud will take the strain. No word yet on speeds of proxy creation or how many users the system will usefully support.
"As we talked to video producers, we were struck by the lack of a simple and inexpensive media management tool in the market, and the false debate between local and cloud." notes Sam Bogoch, axle video's CEO, "Existing solutions are either aimed at large enterprise accounts, too expensive, or not available to be run directly on your existing media drive or SAN. We were inspired to make a tool that offers the simplicity of an iPad app - but provides all the functionality that a small team would need to organize their footage for a film project, manage their video library, or exchange media with suppliers and clients. We're able to optimize the experience for the platform they're on, whether local or cloud."
"Axle is the piece that has been missing from the production puzzle" said Colin Brougham of Brougham Media in Michigan. "While media production tools have become more affordable and more accessible, the ability to access and organize media has been out of reach for small teams like mine. axle finally changes that. I get the power I need, the simplicity I want, at a price that's realistic - and my clients benefit, as well."
Cost for the software start at $1295 each for 5 users, $295 for each additional 5 users and $295 for the cloud option which is currently in Beta.
We have filed the story in the 'Very interesting must take another look at IBC' folder.
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!
