Macs helping behind the scenes at the DNC

This link got sent to me - and it's ridiculous. I was the producer for all the screens graphics content at the DNC, and I can assure you that these guys with laptops were not operating the screens. Playback was through a PC-operated Profile - using the content that our team created - and names that weren't pre-built were done on an Avid Deko. I do think it is funny that whoever took this picture just assumed that the guys sitting there were running the screens, when in actuality all of us were way behind the scenes in TV production trucks. If it makes you feel better, all of the graphics content was created on Macs using After Effects. I do love Macs, but this event was a little too big in scope to be operated by 2 little laptops.

The reason the cords aren't all tidy is that this is a very behind the scenes location - a place for media interviews only, so the general public has no access.

Because of all the security, I just snapped the one "stealth" photo and didn't bother them to ask exactly what software they were using... sorry. ;)

They definitely were controlling (changing, cueing, whatever) the graphics that came up with different speakers, as they continually made changes and stood up to look at the screen for confirmation.

They were located just above the podiums and right at the bottom on the big screens - (look for the silhouettes in the photo to see other folks in the same place)

Anyways, I just thought it was cool to see several Macs in use there. :)

I do the production for a week-long film festival; we use Mac minis for the entire week of shows. All the films are stored as MPEG-4 in high definition, played out using iTunes playlists, and the entire system is automated using iCal for scheduling and Automator scripts to queue up specific shows. No human needs to be around, the Mac turns itself on and off and plays the correct shows at the correct time.
Our entire system uses off-the-shelf Mac minis and the software that came free with it. It's incredible how powerful the built-in stuff is.

Bush 41, Clinton, and Bush 43 have all used Macs. Both parties and several government agencies use Macs.

Also, note the guy on the right with the iPhone in a Marware clip for his slacks.

I tested EasyWorship previously and had used MediaShout instead when we were using PCs. With windows dying 3 times in two months (it was a fresh install with all the updates the last two times). I found myself trying software for my personal mac. I can literally teach someone how to use the software in 30 seconds, even if they are not computer savy. This makes my job so much easier.

The biggest hurdle is using Keynote instead of Powerpoint. Since keynote renders .ppts file a little differently, there is always some fine tuning that needs to be done. While we could use Powerpoint for Mac. We like the Core Animation that Keynote uses much better.

In other news, McCain ordered that there be hand written slides on papyrus...

McCain '08

There is NO way they are running the screens.

The screens are most likely using a media server, and content is probably not coming direct from ANY laptop. Usually the content is downloaded directly to the media server, and run directly off it. You could use a mac to run the server, but that's all the tech would do. run the server.

There is also no external monitors on these macs, and you would need at LEAST 2 monitors, one for "preview", and one for "live".

No Mouse? really? The Director yells Get that Effing video on screen now, and you want to use a touch pad??? I dont think so.

These guys are surfing the net, or watching Star Wars, or editing a script. The REAL set up for the walls are much more impressive than 2 macs.

Those videos of Obama with the Weather Underground terrorist Bill Ayers are done on a mac too. And you can read about how Weather Underground terrorist Bill Ayers funded Obama's first campaigns and gave him a job at the Anneberg Foundation on a mac.

If those guys really are controlling the screens, I would have moved the power cords under the desk and taped down. Some idiot is going to walk by, trip on a cord and unplug the power connection to the big screens' text.

Actually its a pretty common system used in modern churches. It is created by RenewedVision.

http://www.renewedvision.com/

I currently use the ProPresenter software at our Church. And will begin using the other two components next year.

Simply amazing software. And it's all Mac based.