Rumors are flying that Apple will be using the Vegas Supermeet to announce the next version of Final Cut Pro. Supposedly, Apple will be taking over the entire event for their announcement, canceling all other sponsors, including AJA, Avid, Canon, BlackMagic, Autodesk and others, who were set to give presentations.
I am waiting for some confirmations from inside sources at various companies but some of the “proof” that is public so far:
Daniel Berube, a co-producer of the event with Michael Horton, has rushed back to Vegas early from LA due to changes at Supermeet.
UPDATE: Philip Bloom just confirmed with me that Canon has canceled his appearance at the Supermeet, though he still may present (possibly as a guest of Apple.) At present he doesn’t know if he will speak or not. Canon was told last night that Apple has demanded ALL “lecturn” or stage time exclusively. Some sponsors who were not using presenters may continue to sponsor the Vegas event, but none of them will be presenting on the stage. I can’t imagine any news that would warrant this kind of “take-over” other than to announce and demonstrate the next full version of Final Cut Pro and possibly an entirely newly designed FCS4.
Frank Capria mentioned on the Avid-L2 that Avid would find another venue to present director Kevin Smith, who was scheduled to present at Supermeet.
(UPDATE: Avid confirmed that Supermeet (Michael Horton) told them last night that their sponsorship had been canceled. According to Avid, “Apple doesn’t want anyone to have stage time but them.”)
(UPDATE: Avid will be hosting Kevin Smith at other venues during NAB, for more information:
http://community.avid.com/forums/p/95640/547333.aspx#547333)
AJA offered a “no comment” on their Supermeet sponsorship and referred all questions to Michael Horton (who runs Supermeet). AJA has their own party that night at a different location, so it probably doesn’t affect their plans too much.
Black Magic also gave me a no comment, though they acknowledged that something was happening with their Supermeet sponsorship.
I’m still waiting to hear from Michael Horton and Black Magic.
UPDATE: 8:44pm, April 5th) The Supermeet website recently changed, dropping all previously mentioned presenters and mentioning a “very special guest” with a “sneak peak at something very special.” This basically confirms most of the rumors. (http://www.supermeet.com/)
UPDATE: Here is the statement I just received from Autodesk (6:15pm Central time, April 5):
Autodesk will not be presenting on the main stage at Las Vegas SuperMeet during NAB, but will be participating in the SuperMeet Digital Showcase. For more information on the SuperMeet event, please contact the FCPUG organizers. During NAB, there will be numerous opportunities to see Smoke in action, both through customers presentations and Autodesk demonstrations on the Autodesk tradeshow booth SL2120. We are also providing free hands-on Smoke training in the North Hall on Monday & Tuesday.
UPDATE: Black Magic Design has confirmed that they – and actually most of the sponsors – are STILL sponsors of the Supermeet. The main thing that changed with the addition of the Apple announcements is that the STAGE presenters have been changed. BMD is excited to be giving away over $20,000 of prizes at the event.
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