Description:
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 polishing their elementary work.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-ROM. The authors have included instead a DVD full of project files, raw footage, and a short but complete documentary. This offers an editor the 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 very 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 Pro is explained. While this book lacks the depth sought by more advanced users, it presents a friendly and informative approach for the new one. 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
| 
