Hey guys,

I'm about to start shooting a film project which requires a bunch of computer/phone interface insert shots scattered throughout. Basic stuff like smart phone calls/SMSs. Some operating system stuff on a laptop (engaging a proxy/VPN, for example) as well as some basic web browsing.

Since I'm aiming to treat the film-world as realistically as (dramatically) possible, that rules out Mark Coleran-esque stuff, as cool as it is. And since I'm not going to be getting the sign off from Apple/MS/whoever else, I don't think I can get away with using real stuff since it's too much of a legal minefield.

Ideally, I'd just reconstruct the OSX interface in After Effects, replace any overtly notable elements (logos, icons, aqua-bubble progress and scroll bars) and animate the specific events and cursor activity. The only problem is, I'm not sure how far I'd need to take it, to not be considered an infringement. Likewise for the Google search results page.

I was thinking... all I want, is to have a computer (and phone) interface that resembles what we're used to, but doesn't contravene copyright. And then it occurred to me, does perhaps something like this already exist - an open source skin for Linux or the Android OS, or even something like Windowblinds that I can use and shoot a real machine?

Or alternatively, does there exist pre-made generic OS interfaces (like people use for iphone app design) in PSD form which could be animated from as a base, without right restrictions?

Sorry for the ramble but I just thought I'd throw this out there and see if anyone here has encountered and dealt with something like this!