Final Cut Express 2 Editing Workshop, Second Edition (DV Expert Series) [Paperback]

Tom Wolsky (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1578202566 | ISBN-13: 978-1578202560 | Publication Date: January 20, 2004 | Edition: 2

Nonlinear, or digital, editing involves the manipulation of digitized video. Software applications permit the editor to cut, splice, make transitions, and edit film more precisely than was ever possible with conventional film editing techniques. Final Cut Express 2 is an inexpensive version of Apple's Final Cut Pro software, the leading nonlinear editing program for the Mac platform. In its first year, Final Cut Express proved to be a compelling alternative for hobbyists, students, and professionals who had formerly been limited to iMovie.


Final Cut Express 2 Editing Workshop is a classroom-in-a-book that teaches readers the art and technique of editing with Final Cut Express 2. It features a series of tutorials that cover the complete range of tasks, from installing the application to outputting. All of the necessary materials, including raw video footage and sequences, detailed instructions, and techniques taught in film schools, guide the reader to a working knowledge of Final Cut Express 2. The companion DVD includes a video introduction to Final Cut Express 2 specially designed for iMovie users, as well as tutorial media and plug-ins.

Go beyond the mechanics of Final Cut Express 2?learn how to edit with it! More than a button-pushing manual'this workshop gives you firsthand experience with the art and technique of editing.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Tom helps you make the leap from iMovie to Final Cut Express, and teaches you the art of editing along the way."
--Jim Heid, Avondale Media

About the Author

Tom Wolsky is an honors graduate of the London School of Film Technique with nearly 40 years of professional experience spanning film, tape, and digital production. Tom operates an independent studio, South Coast Productions. He also teaches for Apple Computer and for the Digital Media Academy and serves as a forum leader on creativecow.net

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Focal Press; 2 edition (January 20, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1578202566
• ISBN-13: 978-1578202560
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,827,578 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just what I needed, July 22, 2003

By 

W Glendon (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Final Cut Express Editing Workshop (Paperback)

I'm writing as someone new to Final Cut Express (and a veteran of 4 iMovie blockbusters.) After spending some frustrating time with printed out chapters from the long but not very helpful Apple supplied online manual, the light finally shone when Tom Wolsky's book arrived.

He writes well and organized the rather complicated material clearly and patiently. The included DVD is a great complement to the text, providing material for practice in each chapter. It felt as though I was working alongside Mr. Wolsky. The DVD also contains helpful examples of transitions and effects.

I'm still a beginner but I have completed 2 modest videos and a third is in the works. Final Cut Express Editing Workshop is just what I needed to get started with this fascinating software.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars No need to look any further, July 19, 2003

By 

Bryce Inman (Franklin, TN United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Final Cut Express Editing Workshop (Paperback)

If you're only planning to buy one Final Cut Express (FCE) book, buy Tom Wolsky's "Final Cut Express Editing Worship." If your planning to buy TWO FCE books, buy TWO copies of Mr. Wolsky's book.

Okay, you probably don't need to buy two copies, but once you've read this book and worked your way through the tutorials, you will have mastered FCE and won't need of any other guides for working with this powerful program. If you ARE intent on buying a second book, buy something that deals with the art of film making instead.

I give this book 5 stars for two reasons: First, it covers everything about FCE and is packed full of hints and tricks that will greatly improve your productivity and the quality of your work. Second, Mr. Wolsky covers all of FCE's facets from beginning to end in a manner that's logical, easy to follow, and he writes in a casual prose that gives you the feeling that your best friend (who also happens to be a genius) is sitting next to you, gently guiding you through the entire process.

My only regret is that this book wasn't available BEFORE I worked on my first couple of projects. Take my advice, buy this book and work through it before you take on your first project. You'll be glad you did.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Book on FCE, Without a Doubt!, August 26, 2004

By 

J. Feinberg (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Final Cut Express 2 Editing Workshop, Second Edition (DV Expert Series) (Paperback)

I bought this book recently to supplement my new G5 that was coming pre-loaded with Final Cut Express. I did a lot of homework, reading reviews, looking at discussion forums, and all the signs pointed to this book.. I have to say it lived up to its reputation - it is clear and concise, but goes pretty deep into the program. Some books like this, that try to stay user friendly, often only scratch the surface of a topic. This isn't the case here, however - this book covers everything from the basic to the advanced, and all in a step-by-step fashion that is easy to comprehend.