Apple MacBook Neo Launch Video Relies on Handmade Props and Practical Effects

Apple's launch video for the low-cost MacBook Neo, unveiled in early March, combines CGI with extensive practical effects, as revealed in a new behind-the-scenes video. The $599 notebook became a smash hit, with outgoing CEO Tim Cook calling its launch period "best launch week ever for first-time Mac customers." The BTS YouTube Short shows Apple's team building a simulated trackpad, shooting a stop-motion fireworks sequence, using LED strip lights, and deploying confetti cannons. The video emphasizes handcrafted materials and clever shooting techniques over generative AI, reflecting Apple's preference for in-camera effects, as seen previously with its Apple TV logo splash screen. Shipping estimates for various configurations remain weeks out.