The article explores a peculiar editing choice in Apple TV+'s Severance. Specifically, it highlights how scenes depicting remote desktop software usage were altered, seemingly to avoid showcasing specific brands or potentially revealing internal Apple practices. Instead of realistic depictions of screen sharing or remote access, the show uses stylized and somewhat nonsensical visuals, which the article suggests might stem from Apple's desire to maintain a controlled image and avoid any unintended associations with its own internal tools or workflows. This meticulous control, while potentially preserving Apple's mystique, ends up creating a slightly distracting and unrealistic portrayal of common workplace technology.
The article, "Why Apple's Severance gets edited over remote desktop software," delves into the peculiar and seemingly anachronistic practice employed during the post-production of the Apple TV+ series Severance. The piece highlights the surprising reliance on remote access software, specifically Teradici, for editing the show, rather than more contemporary cloud-based collaborative tools. This unusual methodology requires editors to remotely control high-powered editing workstations located at a central facility, essentially mimicking the experience of physically sitting in front of the machine.
The author posits several potential reasons for this unorthodox workflow. First, it's suggested that the intense secrecy surrounding the show's plot and intricate visual effects necessitates a highly controlled environment. By centralizing the editing process and limiting access to a select group of individuals working through secure remote connections, Apple can more effectively safeguard against leaks and maintain tight control over the creative process. This approach arguably offers a greater degree of security than cloud-based solutions, which, despite encryption, might be perceived as carrying a marginally higher risk of unauthorized access.
Furthermore, the article speculates that the sheer computational demands of processing the show's high-resolution footage, including complex visual effects, may necessitate the horsepower of dedicated workstations. While cloud-based editing platforms are continually evolving, they might not yet fully match the performance capabilities of top-of-the-line local machines, particularly for handling the intensive tasks associated with a visually ambitious production like Severance. The use of Teradici allows editors to leverage the power of these robust workstations without requiring physical presence, offering a compromise between security and performance.
Finally, the piece acknowledges the possibility that this established workflow, potentially predating the widespread adoption of cloud-based editing tools, simply persisted due to inertia. Production pipelines can be complex and deeply ingrained, and shifting to a new system, even one offering potential advantages, can be disruptive and require significant investment in training and infrastructure. Thus, the continued use of Teradici could be a result of sticking with a familiar and functional system, even if seemingly less modern than available alternatives. The article concludes by noting the irony of Apple, a company renowned for its cutting-edge technology, employing a seemingly outdated approach to post-production for its flagship television series, adding a layer of intrigue to the show's already enigmatic nature.
Summary of Comments ( 311 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43517301
HN commenters discuss the plausibility and implications of the remote editing process depicted in Severance. Some doubt the technical feasibility or efficiency of using remote desktop software for high-end video editing, especially given Apple's own ecosystem. Others suggest it's a commentary on corporate surveillance and control, reflecting real-world trends of employee monitoring. A few commenters highlight the show's satirical nature, arguing that the implausibility is intentional and serves to underscore the dystopian themes. The most compelling comments analyze the remote editing as a metaphor for the detachment and alienation of modern work, where employees are increasingly treated as interchangeable cogs. Several also appreciate the attention to detail in the show's depiction of outdated or quirky software, viewing it as a realistic portrayal of how legacy systems persist in large organizations. A minority of comments focus on the legal and ethical questions raised by the severance procedure itself.
The Hacker News post titled "Why Apple's Severance gets edited over remote desktop software" sparked a discussion with several interesting comments. Many commenters focused on the perceived inefficiency and security risks of using remote desktop software like Teradici for high-bandwidth tasks like video editing.
One commenter questioned the logic behind this setup, pointing out the significant latency and bandwidth limitations that come with remote desktop solutions, especially when dealing with large video files. They argued that a local network or a dedicated high-speed connection would be far more efficient and practical for such a demanding workflow. Another commenter echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the decision seemed driven by security concerns rather than technical advantages.
The discussion then delved into the potential security implications. One commenter speculated that the production company might be overly cautious about leaks, opting for remote access to prevent unauthorized copies of the footage from leaving the controlled environment. Another user suggested that this approach might be a way to compartmentalize access, limiting what each editor can see and do within the project. This could be beneficial for managing large teams and protecting sensitive material.
Several comments highlighted the apparent disconnect between Apple's reputation for cutting-edge technology and their choice of a seemingly outdated remote editing solution. They found it ironic that a company known for its focus on user experience and seamless integration would rely on a method that could potentially hinder the creative process.
Some users offered alternative explanations for the setup. One suggested that the remote access might be temporary, used only during certain phases of the production, while others speculated that it could be related to specific software or hardware requirements.
The comments overall reflect a sense of bewilderment and curiosity about the production company's decision. While the reasoning behind it remains unclear, the discussion on Hacker News offered several plausible explanations, ranging from security concerns to logistical constraints. However, the general consensus seems to be that the chosen method is suboptimal for the task at hand, especially considering the technological resources available to a major production.