Apple Pro Training Series: Advanced Editing and Finishing Techniques in Final Cut Pro HD (2nd Edition) [Paperback]

DigitalFilm Tree (Author), Michael Wohl (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0321256085 | ISBN-13: 978-0321256089 | Publication Date: December 20, 2004 | Edition: 2

Final Cut Pro is a serious tool for serious (usually professional) editors-which means that if you're like most users, you already know the software's interface, are well-versed in editing basics, and are interested in just one thing: going as deep as possible with the software's tools and features. In Apple Pro Training Series: Advanced Editing and Finishing Techniques in Final Cut Pro HD 2ed, the post-production and training company, DigtalFilm Tree and award winning video editor Michael Wohl provide you with step-by-step instruction in all of the tasks real filmmakers are most interested in: color correction, advanced editing and effects, offline and online workflows, working with HD and more.

Each chapter in this self-paced, Apple-authorized guide represents a self-contained lesson-with a project to complete, a review section, and bonus exercises to reinforce what you've learned. The accompanying DVD includes lesson files and all the materials you'll need to complete the book's projects for a comprehensive course in Final Cut Pro.

Product Details

• Paperback: 880 pages
• Publisher: Peachpit Press; 2 edition (December 20, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0321256085
• ISBN-13: 978-0321256089
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.3 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,204,062 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #84 in Books > Computers & Technology > Apple > Final Cut

More About the Author

Michael Wohl is an award-winning filmmaker and author of twelve books on storytelling and post-production with Final Cut Studio. He currently teaches at UCLA and has also taught and designed curricula at AFI and San Francisco State. He has taught more than 300 seminars and sessions at film festivals and tradeshows around the world including Sundance, SXSW, DV Expo, NAB, IBC, Interbee Japan, MacWorld Paris, and many others.

Michael is well-known as one of the original designers of Apple's Emmy Award-winning Final Cut Pro software. As a member of the original team, he worked alongside the engineering team providing the perspective of the real-world editor, focusing on workflow, usability, and interaction design. He produced the original training and demo materials used for the first several Final Cut Pro releases, administered the original beta program, and initiated the in-house editor program.

In addition to the many books you can buy here at Amazon, you can download and watch extensive training videos on Final Cut Pro, Motion, Color and Compressor at http://www.MacProVideo.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars By and For Professionals, January 22, 2005

By 

John Matlock "Gunny" (Winnemucca, NV) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Apple Pro Training Series: Advanced Editing and Finishing Techniques in Final Cut Pro HD (2nd Edition) (Paperback)

Note the words in the title Advanced Editing. This is a book written by professional video editors for professionals or at least advanced amateurs. This is actually the same as the book Advanced Editing and Finishing Techniques in Final Cut Pro 4. If you purchased the earlier book, you don't need this one.

This book is the official advanced training course for Final Cut Pro HD. It is a detailed guide to advanced editing and finishing techniques using Final Cut Pro, as well as the three programs that come bundled with it: Soundtrack, LiveType and Compressor. The premise of this book is to build upon the base of knowledge that the reader has by providing practical, professional techniques that will be used on a daily basis.

5.0 out of 5 stars Apple Pro Training that Doesn't Disappoint, September 12, 2006

By 

Pi Ware (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Apple Pro Training Series: Advanced Editing and Finishing Techniques in Final Cut Pro HD (2nd Edition) (Paperback)

DigitalFilm Tree's text, "Advanced Editing and Finishing Techniques in Final Cut Pro HD", is part of the Apple Pro Training Series--the curriculum for professionals studying to become an Apple Certified Pro. And that makes perfect sense, since the book mimics Apple's famous dedication to user-friendliness. The text is clear and concise, and the pages are filled with full color photos that mirror your computer screen. In fact, the learning process glides so seamlessly that the advanced techniques you learn feel like kid stuff.

You don't just read about how to edit, you cut and modify and apply effects to the footage supplied on the DVD-ROM included with the book. You actually key out a green screen, you actually color correct poorly-lit shots to match, you actually create a piece of music with Soundtrack and animate titles with LiveType. And in the bonus lessons included exclusively on the DVD-ROM, you actually perform a batch reverse telecine with Cinema Tools and output cut lists so that if you ever edit a project that was shot on film, you're fully prepared.

What's more, the book doesn't just teach you the how, it teaches you the why. You don't just learn the 3 way color corrector filter, you learn about the basics of color itself, how the color wheel works, how hue is different than saturation, and what complementary colors are. And then you take this knowledge into various primary and secondary color correction exercises. The book even teaches you how to calibrate your monitor.

Within the steps of the longer lessons, the book also interjects small, time-saving tricks and alternate ways of performing simple tasks. So while you're discovering new and advanced techniques, you're also honing your speed and comfort with the techniques you already know.

Because of its depth of knowledge and superb presentation, "Advanced Editing and Finishing Techniques in Final Cut Pro HD" is an essential book for any self-taught editor wanting to take his or her editing to the next level.