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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #620347 in Books
• Published on: 2005-12-11
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 648 pages

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. He has also had success as a director and editor for more than 15 years. His 1993 film 'Theaterreality' won the covered CINE Golden Eagle award and his latest feature film 'Want' played at many film festivals worldwide in 2003. He is currently in development on a new feature film and is directing an original stageplay in Los Angeles. Michael is also the author of the critically acclaimed 'Editing Techniques with Final Cut Pro' published by Peachpit Press.

Customer Reviews

Student
This book was excellent. It thoroughly covered all proponents in what is to be found in FCP 5. There is a whole chapter on multi-cam editing which is a new feature on FCP. The DVD-ROM makes it easy for a reader to do the same excersies talked about in the book. However, this is an advanced editing book so if you are unfamiliar with the basics of FCP then you might want to start on an intermidiate lesson.

highly recommended! more than a how-to manual.
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.

Real Editing Practice
This book is an essential! Numerous projects and plenty of footage so you can
work on actual editing. Chapters cover all types of material. Editing for
dialogue and action. Comedy, interviews, documentaries, and music videos.
Multicamera and audio. Real-world Final Cut shortcuts and workflow. Lessons
are fun and easy to follow.