Editorial Reviews
Product Description:In the only Apple-certified guide to advanced video editing techniques, award-winning filmmaker Michael Wohl delivers comprehensive training in the real-world skills that professionals use every day. Working through six hours of superb raw footage on two DVD-9 discs, you’ll learn to cut dialogue, action, comedy, chases, fights, interviews, documentaries, music videos, and multi-camera projects, as well as complete an entire audio mix.
Unlike other software books, Wohl teaches you to use Final Cut Pro’s advanced features while you explore the art of crafting a story on film. So, for example, rather than just learn how dynamic trimming works, you’ll learn why it works and in what situations you’d want to use it. And as you perfect your split edits, you’ll learn to match angles, cut for reactions, and use cutaways and inserts effectively in dialogue. You’ll discover how editing choices make comedy funny, drama moving, or chases suspenseful. Along the way, Wohl shares valuable tips on creating polished transitions, refining rough edits, and fixing screen direction errors. The book also covers audio editing and finishing, managing clips and media, transcoding video, and working with film and 24p—all in the context of making you a better editor and a more effective storyteller.
• DVD-ROM includes lesson and media files for over 40 hours of training
• Focused lessons take you step-by-step through practical, real-world projects
• Accessible writing style puts an expert instructor at your side
• Ample illustrations and keyboard shortcuts help you master techniques fast
• Lesson goals and time estimates help you plan your time
• Chapter review questions summarize what you’ve learned
The Apple Pro Training Series is both a self-paced learning tool and the official curriculum of the Apple Pro Training and Certification Program. Upon completing the course material in this book, you can become a certified Apple Pro by taking the certification exam at an Apple Authorized Training Center. To find an Authorized Training Center near you, go to www.apple.com/software/pro/training.
About the Author
Michael Wohl is best known as one of the principal designers of Final Cut Pro, a role he held for more than five years. As a director and editor, he has won numerous awards including the coveted CINE Golden Eagle award in 1993. Michael’s films have been featured in film festivals worldwide, and his first feature, “WANT,” will be released on DVD in 2006. He has taught classes on editing, directing, and digital filmmaking at institutions including the American Film Institute, UCLA, and Pixar University, and has been a featured speaker at film festivals and conferences including DV Expo, South by Southwest, and Macworld Expo.
Customer Reviews
Average Customer Review
Great learning tool, November 11, 2008
By
Dave Willis-lorenz (Miquon, PA United States)
This book teaches you the art of editing, rather than how to operate FCP. After a concise yet satisfying introduction to the editor's role as a storyteller, it jumps right into editing your first scene. So glad that I chose this book over the many other books available on the subject.
Book looks great, but faulty DVD-ROMs and lousy service, December 24, 2007
By
D. Sinclair (California)
If I ever get working copies of the two DVD-ROMs included with this book, I look forward to actually starting to use it and giving a better rating. But so far, it has taken weeks of emails to receive ONE of the two replacement discs, with no explanation or indication of whether I will be receiving the other one. Apparently there is occasionally a bad batch of discs, so check as soon as you get yours that all the files copy across to your computer correctly.
Variety and quality, March 31, 2007
By
A Penn (Melbourne, Australia)
The book presents a really useful range of techniques structured in an appropriate sequence that builds skills. The overall quality of the book is very good. Highly recommended.
Beyond nuts and bolts, March 21, 2007
By
Charmaine (Tulsa)
This is not just another "how to" book it goes beyond the technical to cover the why of editing. The author uses actual feature film footage to convey the decision process for the art of editing.
highly recommended! more than a how-to manual. , February 16, 2007
By
Studebacher Hoch (Portland, OR)
This extraordinary book/dvd set is much more than a simple "how-to" manual. And, in its own way, it's all really more than a book on editing. It really addresses the entire film making process, albeit from the POV of an editor. Possibly it is most valuable in its emphasis on tone and genre. The exercises are truly instructive, in every sense of the word. My own method of getting through the lessons was to read the chapter all the way through, first. Then go back, at the computer, with the footage loaded and follow, step-by-step. One word of warning - this really is an advanced program. I don't suggest getting this book as a primer for first time users. Get it if you already have some proficiency with the basics of FCP. Otherwise I think it'll be a bit overwhelming. For me, this way actually better than sitting in a classroom learning from a live teacher (something I've done, as well). Highly recommended.
