Apple’s iPhone is an amazing piece of technology and in the previous parts of this series (part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4) I highlighted apps from depth-of-field calculators to camera reports that make it a must-have tool on set. So, let’s take a look at five more apps that stand to turn the phone in your pocket into a hard-working piece of gear.
LVRUSA
Price: Free
Download in Apple App Store
This app comes recommended by reader Patrick King and is chock full of useful information. The biggest feature in this app is its gathering of digital camera manuals. From RED to Alexa to 7D, the app puts the PDF’s into your hands without having to load them manually.
While LVRUSA provides pure information — it’s not a calculator of any sort — it does contain a lot of it. It shows how much time can be recorded on popular media types as well as the estimates on how long different batteries will hold a charge. It truly is a great resource and the best part is that it’s free.
Gobo (Filmmakers Dictionary)
Price: Free
Download in Apple App Store
The Filmmakers Dictionary, renamed simply to “Gobo,” is an app that takes production slang and organizes it into an easy to navigate glossary. I was sold on this app once I saw that it defined specific equipment, but also common phrases like “Greek it out” that you see in the screenshots below.
It’s also great that the app divides the glossary into different departments which have their own set of terms and nicknames. If you’re new to the filmmaking game and don’t want to be caught on set not knowing what something is, download Gobo.
Clinometer
Price: $1.99
Download in Apple App Store
In my article on matching shots, I noted that a level or clinometer is necessary to do the job properly. On my iPhone I have a level app, but once I saw Clinometer in the app store, I ponied up the $1.00 for it (it now costs $1.99). After seeing the beautiful screenshots, I couldn’t help but give it a shot.
You’ll find that Clinometer pulls no punches on its specificity and usefulness. It strives to be the ONLY level/clinometer app that you want to use. It calibrates seamlessly, launches quickly and works effectively.
KeeMe
Price: Free
Download in Apple App Store
These days, many film professionals will end up working on visual effects heavy shoots. KeeMe serves a very specific responsibility on these types of shoots, but one that I think is inventive and necessary. Basically, KeeMe will display a chosen color on an iPhone along with tracking markers to later overlay whatever you want onto the phone’s screen.
Again this app serves a very specific purpose, but for the instances in which it is used, it will help the visual effects artists’ job tremendously. Or if you’re shooting a project yourself, it might be worth the buck to make your After Effects session a bit shorter.
Wrap Time
Price: $1.99
Download in Apple App Store
Making money and getting paid are all results of working in this industry. Keeping track of that can get confusing, but with this app, it makes calculating your day rate and the amount of work hours a lot easier.
After you input your rate, the overtime stipulations and other job specific details, Wrap Time Lite just needs you to note the times at which certain events like lunch happen and it’ll calculate the rest. When you’re done you can email it to a producer, an assistant director, or whoever is cutting the checks. Not cinematography related, but will help you save some time at the end of the day.
A Filmmakers iPhone
With the launch of the iPad 2, Apple doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon, but it’s their phone that has exploded within the filmmaking industry. From grips to gaffers, the iPhone has shown that it’s versatility makes it a tool worth keeping in your kit — unless you’re working with Android.
Find more Useful Cinematography iPhone Apps from this series of posts.
