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Filmmaker James Kicklighter Launches First Read Studio, One Mac App From First Draft to Final Release

businesswire.com
AAPL The article mentions that the new app, First Read Studio, is a Mac app and will be available on the Mac App Store. It also mentions optional AI tools through local Apple Intelligence. This indicates a neutral sentiment towards Apple as a platform provider for the new software.

Filmmaker James Kicklighter Launches First Read Studio, One Mac App From First Draft to Final Release WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif--( BUSINESS WIRE)-- JamesWorks Entertainment today announced First Read Studio, a Mac app that runs a film from first draft to final release. The public beta is open, and arrives on the Mac App Store in October.

Most films juggle a writing app, a budget spreadsheet, a folder of release forms and a group text. First Read Studio puts it all in one project, 129 tools across nine areas, where a fact entered once shows up everywhere.

Most films juggle a writing app, a budget spreadsheet, a folder of release forms and a group text. First Read Studio puts it all in one project, 129 tools across nine areas, where a fact entered once shows up everywhere:

“Every project I have made has been assembled twice: once in the field and in the edit, and once inside a pile of software that was never built for what I was doing,” said James Kicklighter, founder of JamesWorks Entertainment. “Documentary makers write the film before they cut it. Actors collect multiple drafts. I couldn’t find software for any of that, so we built it.”

Projects live on the Mac and work offline. AI tools are optional, through local Apple Intelligence or the user’s chosen cloud model, and can be disabled. Nothing is sent without approval.

Pricing and availability

For macOS 15 or later, plans are $19.99 a month or $149.99 a year, each with a 14-day free trial, or $295 once for a Lifetime Unlock. Students, teachers and beta testers get 50% off a year. Watch the introduction at youtube.com/watch?v=DhWNzEGa8zE. Assets are in the press kit.

About JamesWorks Entertainment

JamesWorks Entertainment is an award-winning production company founded by filmmaker James Kicklighter, whose documentary The American Question (2024) was the #1 new release on Apple TV. He is repped by UTA.

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