Here are some widgets for filmmakers running Mac OS 10.4. Two caveats: First, I’ve only tested some of these. If something doesn’t work, post a comment. Secondly, this list (probably) isn’t comprehensive. If you know of one I should add, post a comment or email me. I’ll add it.
If you’re using a Mac with 10.3.9 you don’t have to feel left out. Get Amnesty Widget Browser, which lets you partake in the Dashboard experience.
Film Tools:
- Aspect: For computing aspect ratios, naturally.
Depth of Field: Seems a little buggy to me, but this one will be nice to have if I can get it to work.
Sol: A sunrise and sunset calculator.
TimeCalc: A timecode calculator.
TV Safe: Shows TV-safe areas on QuickTime movies.
Video Space: Calculates drive space for digital video. (Thanks for the tip, Giles.)
VLC Widget: This widget controls the ever-useful VLC media player when in fullscreen mode.
Carpenter’s Level: Let’s you use PowerBooks with motion-sensor detection as a level. I’m sure someone can think of a way to use this.
Film-related News:
- OnSuper8: News about Super-8 film stuff. Cool!
DVD and Moviegoing:
- Dashflix: Netflix widget. Comes in two sizes.Tuesday’s Coming: A DVD release widget. I’ve not tested this, so I don’t know if it covers anything off the beaten path.
Movie Trailers: Lets you view movie trailers from the Apple QuickTime Movie Trailers site.
Research:
- Wikipedia Search: Just like it says. Useful for researching.
Generally useful:
- PackageTracker: Self explanatory.WikityWidget: Described as “sticky notes on steroids.” Useful for note-taking.
MakeZine: If, like a lot of people, you first discovered this blog through Make Magazine’s blog, this widget is for you.
Einstein: Searches for the nearest Apple support center near you. Mariposa Software, the developer, also offers a widget called MacGyverisms. Not the most useful widget you’ll find, but pretty amusing.
Last of all, if you’re interested in developing some widgets, this article is a good place to start.
