Remote Legacy 4+

I’ve used Filmic Pro for a few years now and as great as it is, this remote app failed on me which meant I needed to reshoot what was a great take. I had my iPhone up high on a jib, so couldn’t see its screen at all, which is why I got this remote app. It’s great for using another iPhone or iPad as a monitor and setting up focus points, ISO etc, but when you press record, you’d better check that it is actually recording, as when we went to look at the take on the phone, it was nowhere to be seen. Great idea, but poorly executed. I paid £3 for this as I already had Filmic Pro, but still feel robbed. I’m just glad I didn’t pay the full price…

Filmic Remote is extremely cool & recommended (and seemingly misunderstood) as it *clearly* mentions in all associated guides, manuals etc; that which connection protocol you choose to use (yes there are indeed options) and consequently; how those connections are setup, naturally has an impact upon how fast, responsive and stable the resulting production environment is (which needs evaluating based upon individual requirements).

There’s Bluetooth, WiFi (both established and NON-established network) and LAN (direct peer to peer via Ethernet) naturally with Ethernet being the ultimate for speed & reliability (at the cost of the necessity to tether and power devices - which is possible even remotely and in terms of professional production - recommended.

Naturally electromagnetic interference can affect WiFi usage, and firewalls (packet interference via examination etc) can introduce latency or other issues; whilst not to mention the device you’re using (new/old) and the speed it can maintain (2.4 GHz 5 GHz +) and the quality of the Ethernet cables used and their CAT SPEC).

My head nearly exploded when I discovered the ‘Ethernet’ option, and the latest round of Apple devices take WiFi speeds even higher, add to that the extended creative possibilities using Apple’s adapters (such as LAN, HDMI and third party hardware switchers etc) and you begin to appreciate the exciting possibilities ahead!

I felt compelled to write a review because of I took the chance, despite the negative reviews, and was glad I did.

My use (for context):
Recording of music performances or lessons, using the rear camera of my iPhone on a tripod (just much better quality than the selfie camera). I often need multiple takes, because as soon as a camera is recording by brain just forgets how to play!

I have tried mirroring programs like AirPower mirror and also a Bluetooth shutter release - which are great for what they do BUT don’t help with self recording (AirPower mirror) or I just don’t TRUST them enough to work for that ONE take that’s the keeper (Bluetooth snapper thingy).

I use filmic remote on my watch iPad to compose my shot etc and it is so much easier just pressing the iPad to start new takes, rather than having to go back and forth to the phone (put down guitar, faff with tripod, lean over to short cut and knock everything over, swear, etc).

Yes, the latency is....significant! But I’m only using it to compose the shot and then press record. For that, it’s working brilliantly so far.

4* as fees like a steep add on the filmic pro. I didn’t shell out for the bundle, so paid for both apps separately.

Summary
IF YOU ISE FILMIC PRO AND NEED MULTIPLE TAKES OF SOMETHING USING YOUR REAR FACING CAMERA, and you are in your own, THIS IS REALLY USEFUL