Amazon.co.uk Review
Since the cost of entry into the world of filmmaking has plummeted with the introduction of such technologies as the DV camera, Apple's Firewire protocol and the ever-increasing speed of desktop computers, there are more people than ever creating high quality independent films.
Final Cut Pro 3 and The Art of Filmmaking teaches these new filmmakers the necessary basic skills for taking their work from elementary to polished.
The authors begin their approach with an introduction to the necessary hardware and software, installing Final Cut Pro, and a tour of the interface. They focus on editing and adding transitions, then take a look at adding titles and filters. You'll learn about compositing, keying and using Final Cut Pro's motion controls, as well as fine tuning audio tracks. The last part of their book discusses what to do with your film after the editing is done: compressing for DVDs and the Web, archiving the project, and printing to video.
It's worth noting that this book does not come with a CD. Instead, the authors have included a DVD full of project files, raw footage, and a short but complete documentary. This offers an editor an excellent opportunity to look over the shoulder of a working professional, discovering how and why something is cut the way it is. The DVD also contains the project files and source clips needed for most of the chapters throughout the book, giving the reader a chance to work along with each chapter using the exact same footage.
Final Cut Pro 3 and The Art of Filmmaking offers a sound introduction to editing in general and using Final Cut Pro in particular. Each chapter is well illustrated and written, and almost every feature of Final Cut is explained. While this book lacks the depth sought by more advanced users, it presents a friendly and informative approach for the new user. Through a tutorial-based approach and supplied material, the features of this powerful editing tool become accessible and familiar, making this book a worthy asset to any beginning Final Cut Pro editor. --Mike Caputo
Product Description
Despite its intuitive interface, Final Cut Pro still requires craft and skill to use well.
This full–color book provides a hands–on, practical guide to all aspects of editing digital movies, with an emphasis on the kinds of tips, tricks, and shortcuts that professionals rely on to quickly get polished results.
Whether you′re approaching Final Cut Pro from a purely creative angle or from a more corporate perspective, whether you′re an emerging filmmaker or a seasoned vet, Final Cut Pro 3 and the Art of Filmmaking gives you the insights, information, and lessons you′ll need to complete tasks that film editors face every day, including:
∗ Mastering Final Cut Pro 3′s new features, such as Voice Over, G4 Real–Time Effects, Titling, QuickView, and more
∗ Editing clips in the Timeline
∗ Creating transitions and complex overlays
∗ Adding effects, applying filters, and working with text
∗ Using the audio tools to make your film sound as good as it looks
∗ Readying your finished product for delivery––on the Internet, on videotape, or on DVD
In the course of this book, you′ll learn shooting tips designed to help later in the edit room. You′ll also hear from experienced editors on how they′re using Final Cut Pro to capture the immediacy that digital video makes possible, while meeting the twin challenges of limited time and money.
Note: Our thanks to Ken Stone for his Final Cut Pro expertise. Ken has an excellent online resource center that we encourage you to visit: www.kenstone.net/fcp—homepage/fcp—homepage—index.html
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