There aren't many things that I'm absolutely sure about, but the notion that Cloud-based computing and creative collaboration are the future seems almost indisputable at this point. There are a few options already in existence for creative collaboration through the cloud, Adobe's Creative Cloud being the first one to come to mind. However, in terms of tools that are made with filmmakers in mind, the options are even more limited. However, Sony is looking to change all of that with their new interactive cloud-based creative collaboration platform, simply entitled "Ci". Read on to see what it's all about:
First things first: here's the launch video for Sony Ci as well as a more in-depth video about the platform's origins and its features:
There's a lot to be excited about with the Sony Ci platform. Not only is the interface intuitive and fantastic looking (a big plus in my book,) but it has features which should make collaborating on video projects from anywhere in the world easy. Ci is capable of many things. You can review video and audio, with all sorts of tools for annotating and commenting on your media. You can also log footage, sync audio, and make rough cuts that can be exported into an NLE. What's most impressive is that all of this happens in the cloud and through your web browser.
Sony Ci is still in its public beta, but it's almost fully functional at this point (with the exception of the logging and audio sync tools). It's free to sign up, and the basic account gives you 5GB of cloud-based storage for free (apparently a Pro membership is $25/mo. for 100GB and a Pro+ membership is $50/mo. for 200GB.) If you're interested, head on over to the sign-up page for Sony Ci and get started with some of these fantastic tools.
What do you guys think of Sony Ci? Is cloud-based creative collaboration the future of the filmmaking industry? Will tools like Sony Ci help make that future a reality in the present? Let us know in the comments!
