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Thoughts on Configuring an M4 Mac Studio for Video Editing

The M4 Mac Studio is the ultimate performance tool for video editing. Here are my thoughts on how to maximize performance, without breaking the bank.

The Gear We Used for our 2025 NAB Show Video Interviews

I’m recording 65 video interviews at the 2025 NAB Show in Las Vegas next week. Here’s the gear we are using and why I picked it.

CAUTION: Not All USB-C Cables are Safe for Data

Be careful purchasing a USB-C to USB-C cable. If it says “Charging” on the box, it will not work to send data, connect a monitor, or even connect an iPhone. These are for charging devices only. I’ve already been burned three times. Time I learned my lesson.

CAUTION: Hold Off Upgrading to macOS 15.4 for a Week

Apple just released macOS 15.4. It provides a wealth of bug fixes and significant security updates, along with a few new features. Don’t upgrade quite yet. Here’s why.

Audio Production in the Real World

Back in late, 2022, I asked readers to share how they recorded audio in their productions. Twelve editors responded with photos, gear, and descriptions. Here’s what they reported – photos, gear, and comments.

Better Data Privacy and Better Media Search for Mac Users from Axle AI

Tomorrow, Axle AI will make two important announcements for its multi-user, media asset manager: The first improves data privacy in general and the second improves finding the media you need for Mac-based video editors.

New Features in Apple Final Cut Pro 11.1

Apple released the latest version of Final Cut Pro (11.1) last week, with several helpful new features Here are the details on what they are and how they work.

Larry Jordan’s Interviews at the 2025 NAB Show-Las Vegas

Here’s a list of all scheduled industry and thought leader interviews scheduled for the 2025 NAB Show in Las Vegas, NV.

Apple Updates Final Cut Pro (v11.1), Motion (v5.10) and Compressor (v4.10)

Today, Apple updated Final Cut Pro (v11.1), Motion (v5.10) and Compressor (v4.10). Lots of bugs got fixed, FCP added adjustment layers, and Image Playground is now a feature inside Final Cut and Motion. Here are all the details and related links.

Business Survival for Media Creators: Emphasize Your Unique Strengths

From a recent conversation about radio, I realized there are direct parallels between what is happening in traditional media and the stresses we face as media creators. But, there is also a way for us to successfully compete. Larry Jordan shares his thoughts.

Create an Animated Flashlight Beam that Changes Shape

(Even if you don’t read the tutorial, watch the movie at the end.) Here’s how to create an animated flashlight beam that changes shape as you move it around an image, using Apple Motion.

Ever Wonder What a 17K Camera Can Do?

If you, like me, scoffed when Blackmagic Design introduced their URSA Cine 17K 65 digital film camera, well, Blackmagic just published two Behind-the-Scenes video showing the camera in use. (The filmmaker quotes below are from BMD’s press release.) Now, there …

2025 NAB Show Preview with Michael Kammes & Larry Jordan

Nothing better defines the current state of the video industry like the annual NAB Show. In this short conversation, Larry Jordan and Michael Kammes, Senior Director of Innovation at Key Code Media, preview what they expect to see.

Key Features of Axle AI – Media Asset Management Software [v]

Axle AI is a media asset manager (MAM) that runs on Mac, Windows and Linux computers. In this short video, Larry Jordan showcases the features of Axle AI and how a MAM can extend the power of video editing software like Apple Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro, or DaVinci Resolve.

Send Media Files Directly From Axle AI to Clients, Final Cut, Resolve or Premiere [v]

Finding the exact media clip that you need is only the first step. Now, you need to get that clip loaded into your video editor from wherever it’s stored. In this short video, Larry Jordan, shows exactly how to transfer files from Axle AI directly to remote clients, or into Apple Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Premiere Pro.

Finding that Precise Needle in a Very Large Haystack – Searching for Media [v]

Axle AI, a multi-platform media asset manager, provides fast and efficient searches through tens of thousands of clips to find exactly the video that you need. Here, Larry Jordan how how to do searches in Axle AI.

Questions to Consider When Buying Media Asset Management Software [v]

You buy Media Asset Management (MAM) software to extend how your current video editing tool finds and tracks media. But there are a lot of options in the market today. Here, Larry Jordan presents some key questions you need to ask when deciding what to get.

If You Can’t Find It, You Don’t Have It [v]

This short video, presented by Larry Jordan, describes what Media Asset Management (MAM) software does, how Apple Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve currently handle media, and how a MAM can extend what they do.

Review: Aiarty Image Matting – AI-based Background Removal & Up-Scaling for Stills

Aiarty Image Matting is an AI-powered image background remover for natural blending with new backgrounds. It excels at matting complex images with hair, fur, semi-transparency, indistinct edges, or low light. Here’s Larry Jordan’s review.

Review: YAM Display – A Fast Way to Create an External Monitor

YAM Display is a fast, simple, easy-to-use utility that allows you to extend or mirror any Mac desktop to a second Mac, iPad or iPhone. This is a great way to repurpose an older iMac, use an iPad as a teleprompter monitor, or display Mac images on your iPhone.