New to Final Cut Pro Need some Advice

Hi, I am totally new to Final Cut (never used it before). However, I am deciding wether to take on a video project and this will be based on the expert advise I receive here. The project is to video tape a 2 day conference (14 hrs of taping) and edit it down to about 3 hrs (I have never done any form of video editing before). I did some research and found Final Cut Studio 2 that will do some of things I would like for the editing. However, I have spoken to a couple of people (not experts) and I have been warned to stay away from Final cut. I was told it is not a program I can learn in a month or 2 and I would need extensive experience to use the program effectively. I was told that Imovie would work just as good as Final Cut( I can't see how so). So the questions I have are:
1. Are there any reccommendations for Books that will guide me through the use fo Final Cut
2. Should I heed to the advise of the non-experts?. Thanks!

Nyo
[This book|http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://mymacbuzz.com/media/2007/fcp 6book.png&imgrefurl=http://mymacbuzz.com/2007/06/04/final-cut-pro-6-professional -editing-in-final-cut-studio-2-book/&h=360&w=480&sz=326&hl=en&start=1&um=1&tbnid =Ix6M0QzQeU_bUM:&tbnh=97&tbnw=129&prev=/images%3Fq%3DFinal%2BCut%2BPro%2B6%2BBy% 2BDiana%2BWeynand%26svnum%3D10%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dsafari%26rls%3Den%2 6sa%3DN] by Diana Weynand could certainly be a good investment.
Take into account various point of views and keep in mind especially the advice of experts!
I don't know what exactly you would like FCP to do for you however you need to know how to use it indeed in order to achieve certain goals! if you are really determined and focused AND consistent in learning it you could master the basics in less time than you think.
You gotta believe in your capabilities!
I think you should give particular attention to how shortlist the shots you need and accurately LOG&CAPTURE them. Learn how to edit with simplicity and keeping project tidy both in the browser and in the sequence rather than spending time in fancy transitions etc.
Read a lot about codecs, compression and exports and also storage, data transfer!
You'll need to watch through the 14 hours before even opening FCP or another software and make sure that you select only what you really need. Write down on paper IN and OUT timecode for each shot you want in order to log all the shots after opening your application.
When you are not sure about something there's always a friend that can help you:
SEARCH THE WEB (And the forum, you can always come back with more questions any time)
gig

Similar Messages

Exporting sequence from Final Cut Pro 7, some clips are pixellated and bad quality, does this have anything to do with the fact that I changed those clips speed?

Hello,
Bit of a beginner using Final Cut Pro 7
Am currently trying to export a sequence using quicktime conversion. Sequence has various filters and effects over it and when I export it some of the clips are pixellated and appear to have not exported correctly. From what I can gather the affected clips have either been slowed down or made faster. I am wondering whether this is the reason they have not exported correctly
Any help would be appreciated
Cheers

More information needed.
Codec of material?
Sequence settings? (codec)
fwiw - do not use quicktime conversion. Use Export Quicktime with Current Settings enabled then do any format conversions in Compressor.
x

Moving from Linux to Final Cut Pro, Need Help Creating Same Mpeg-4 videos

I am seeking to move into Final Cut Pro to develop these types of videos that I have previously been creating in Linux.
How can Final Cut Pro make these videos in the format specified below (OR VERY CLOSE TO IT)?
Please let me know what settings with screenshots, etc. will make final cut pro output in this way.
MINIMUM output requirements Video codec: Mpeg-4 (divx) with 2400 vbitrate, Audio Codec: MP3 and File container .avi
I look forward to your help, below are the details I've used in Linux, so please help me create these videos using Final Cut Pro.
I need this information by the end of the week.
Thanks!
To Convert from a captured uncompressed video to MPEG-4 (Divx) with MP3
audio at 2400 bits using mencoder
http://www.mplayerhq.hu/DOCS/man/en/mplayer.1.html
mencoder -ffourcc divx capture002.avi -oac mp3lame -ovc lavc -lavcopts
vcodec=mpeg4:vbitrate=2400:v4mv:mbd=2:trell:cmp=3:subcmp=3:mbcmp=3:autoaspect:vp ass=1
-vf harddup -noskip -mc 0 -o test.avi
-------------VIDEO ------------
Video Encoded to Codec (MPEG-4) with ffourcc divx (divx4)
Video Bitrate = 2400 (vbitrate=2400),
Allow 4 motion vectors per macroblock (slightly better quality) (v4mv)
Motion estimation=2 (mbd=2)
Trellis searched quantization. This will find the optimal encoding for
each 8x8 block. Trellis searched quantization is quite simply an optimal
quantization in the PSNR versus bitrate sense (Assuming that there would
be no rounding errors introduced by the IDCT, which is obviously not the
case.). It simply finds a block for the minimum of error and lambda*bits.
(trell)
Sets the comparison function for full pel motion estimation (cmp=3)
Sets the comparison function for sub pel motion estimation (subcmp=3)
Motion Search Algorithm (mbcmp=3)
Same as the aspect option, but automatically computes aspect, taking into
account all the adjustments (crop/expand/scale/ etc.) made in the filter
chain. Does not incur a performance penalty, so you can safely leave it
always on. (autoaspect)
Activates internal two (or more) pass mode, only specify if you wish to
use two (or more) pass encoding. (vpass=1)
duplicate frames (harddup)
no skipping (-noskip)
------------- AUDIO ------------
Audio Encoded to Codec (MPEG-3)
------------- FILE CONTAINER ------------
File Container (.avi)
DOCUMENTATION FOR MENCODER
http://www.mplayerhq.hu/DOCS/man/en/mplayer.1.html#GENERAL%20ENCODING%20OPTIONS% 20(MENCODER%20ONLY)

I need this information by the end of the week.< </div>
Not likely.
Easiest solution is to produce your edited material in FCP and then move the fully rendered, self-contained movie, in whatever format you are producing, to your Linux machine and use its encoder/transcoder.
Compressor will do the job for MP3 and MP4 but you will need to purchase the DIVX codec or transport it to your Mac. You need to talk to DiVX and you need to open the manual for Compressor. Compressor is not easy to learn how to use i na day but whatever you were using on your Linux box was much more difficult to learn.
bogiesan

New to Final Cut Pro, but not to Non Linear Editing

Hi my name is Rob and I am going to be a new Final Cut Pro owner here shortly. I have worked with various other Non Linear editing systems like SONY Vegas, AVID and Adobe Premiere Pro. So I am not new to the Non Linear style of editing video.
I got my first glimpse of FCP at my internship and loved it. Now my dream of owning a MAC and FCP are coming true.
I will be purchasing a Mac Pro with...
- One 2.8GHZ Quad-Core Intel Xeon Processor
- 2GB (2x1GB) RAM
- 500GB 7200-rpm Serial ATA 3Gb/s Harddrive
- ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT 256MB Videocard
- Apple Cinema Display (20" flat panel), upgrading later to another 20".
And as you all know I will be getting Final Cut Pro with this purchase as well.
I just thought I would introduce myself to this part of the forum. As I will probably be here all the time. I have purchased the FCP 6 manual to get myself started.

You can call me Rob or S70 or heck even S. LOL, I would like Rob, but whatever.
I am a news editor. I edit Packages sometimes, but mainly VO's, SOT's, NATVO's the normal TV stuff. I edit with Adobe Premiere Pro at work and work from DVC PRO, BETA and even from our DVD archives and of course news wires.
I do not shoot. I may do my own shooting of random stuff, with the help of an old Digital MiniDV JVC camcorder.
I'd like to try and get my FCP skills up and maybe start freelancing and maybe even getting into my own production company or something like that.

I am new to Final Cut Pro, it is day 2. I want to export my project to a DVD I follow the instructions but after preparing the media nothing happens. What might be the problem

This is day 2 for me with Final Cut. I now want to burn my project to a DVD. After preparing the media nothing happens, there is no signal that there is any activity in any way. What might be the problem?

Did you open the background rendering HUD? Cmd-9.

New to Web Design/Development - Need some advice

I have decided to start doing some web work w/ a startup company a buddy is running. The site is currently set up in Expression Engine and I personally do not like the look of it. I am a creative cloud subscriber and currently use AE, PP, Photoshop etc for some design work. I just started with this and I am really enjoying it. I love Adobe products and was thinking that I could redo the site in Edge Animate, Dreamweaver and/or even Muse. The goal is to have a paid site, general content and also a member’s area w/ paid content. I have some experience in programming from my Computer Science days but it has been a long long time. I was just looking for some help to see if this is doable and possible get some help on a good approach to learning and doing this. Thanks for your time.
Mark

Expression Engine is a content management system, somewhat like Wordpress. That means several things:
1. The "content" of the site is stored in a database, and pulled from that database as needed
2. That being the case, there is really ever only 1 page on the site which is given different content to display based on which navigation element you select.
3. That being the case, the single page of the site draws its 'boilerplate' elements (header, footer, etc.) from code fragments (used as includes) that allow that page to be built from the pieces (boilerplate and content) on demand.
Doing any modifications to the "look" of the site would require that you become familiar with how EE puts all of those pieces together. It goes way beyond just HTML and CSS into the world of server scripting to achieve this functionality. As a result I'm afraid that your choices are:
Acquire the knowledge to work within the EE environment
Completely redo the site as a static (i.e., not dynamic) site thereby eliminating EE altogether
Hire someone already familiar with EE to implement a new look leaving the content and functionality in place
Your choice.
Can you give us a link to the site so that we can get an idea of the scope of this job? It may be that EE is being used in an "overkill" fashion.
As far as "working with Expression Engine", normally you don't use something like Dreamweaver at all, rather using the built-in and online tools of the CMS for your page layout and content editing. There is a convenience to doing it this way that offsets the disadvantage of working outside of DW.

Am going to get a new iPhone, my first and need some advice...

Hello-
I have been looking at getting an iPhone 4. I currently am with Verizon but both contracts (cell and data) are up so I was thinking about their iPhone 4. I have no idea if there is a difference between the way ATT deals with the calls, texts, internet and a carrier like Verizon. I am assuming the phone is the same and the OS will be the latest and the same. I did read that Verizon uses the CDMA network not the network 4GLTE. I guess when the 4G network is more of a network they might offer the option to choose.
Does anybody know if tethering is available with any of the carriers yet or is that what either 3G or 4G should help with? If so, since 3G has been a network for sometime, and a darn good one at Verizon, what is the deal with tethering. I remember going with my friend when the iPhone first came out and ATT told them that a "concept" called tethering will be out in about a few months. I do not think after 5 years it has been out.
I am open to all kinds of advice, cautions, suggestions, etc. as I embark on this new endeavor. being a tech nerd (in a negative way) I am nervous about how to deal with all of the functions without ruining the p[hone, which is what I usually do to the computers. I would like a super heavy duty case with a covering for the display (that allows the touch function to work). If there are choices with the iPhone 4, I would like to hear people's opinion of certain ones. Even apps. is it OK to get them on the apple website or iTunes or both? Are there apps that have been checked by Apple and are like Apple certified?
I would like (but not sure if it is possible) to be able to travel and use the internet out in the desert, for example. I have a Verizon MiFi2200 and I use that for my MacBook and it works great. Do they have something like that for the iPhone.
OK, that should be enough for now. OH, one more thing. Does it matter if I get applecare right of or wait until the initial warranty is about to expire before I purchase Applecare. I realize the phone sup[port will not be available to me if I wait but the genius bar and sending the camera in will be.
Thanks a lot!

Read here: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2109.

Brand New To Final Cut Pro...

I was wondering why whenever I drag a clip to the timeline that it will have the red (unrendered) bar above it... If anybody can please explain to me. I would greatly appreciate your time and effort to help. Thanks very much in advance..

I actually just transferred the actual files. Here's the story. I have been filming my sons football games on the Sony camera. after each game I would transfer the files from the camera to my WD Passport drive to ensure I would have ample space on the camera. I have been editing on Sony Vegas which is a very very good program. I own several Macs and thought it might be a good idea to give FCP a try. So here I am with a new dual 3.2 8 core 4 gb ram 2 huge drives and a ton of files that I can't do anything with. Is there any way to utilize the files I have in FCP maintaining the HD quality? Any type of conversion software? I think I tried Streamclip and it didn't recognize the native MT2S format. Worst case scenario, I can install Windows XP Pro and Vegas via Boot Camp, but I really wanted to give FCP a try. I appreciate all help and suggestions. Thanks

Rendering After Effects to Final Cut Pro

I'm very new to Final Cut Pro and After Effects. I've managed to learn the basics for FCP on Lynda.com and I can create a basic video. What I'd like to do now is create text intro that I can apply to the beginning of all my videos. I learned about the text effects in After Effects. From with After Effects I can open a text effect and create the text that I want. My question is, what settings should I use to export this to a format that I can then import into my movie timeline in FCP?
I'm creating HD videos in YouTube at 720p.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Captain Mench wrote:
Now -- if you need to export an alpha channel out of AE then you'll need some specific formats.
Good luck,
CaptM
Welcome home, Mench!
To maintain the alpha channel from AE, the OP will want to look up how to be using two codecs, Animation and ProRes 4444. Both are extensively described in the help system for FCP and After Effects or just google them for several hours of interesting reading. The OP will also need to understand the concept of an alpha channel which, come to think of it, was difficult for me.
bogiesan

Whenever I press spacebar to playback my video project in final cut pro X, the color wheel pops up and freezes the computer. Doesn't matter what computer I use. Why and how do I fix this?

Like I said, I'm doing a simple video and have finally made some progress in editing. All of a sudden, when I try to replay the video the color wheel pops up and nothing works. It just keeps spinning and spinning with no end. I end up having to force quit the program. When I restart it the same thing happens. I've tried it on 3 different computers and the results have been the same. I've read that perhaps the software needs to be updated through the mac store, I did that to no avail. I also read that perhaps the preferences for the project/final cut pro need to be reset. I downloaded a program that is supposed to do this for me but it didn't work I also went into Preferences in Final Cut and hit reset under editing tab which also did not work. I"m really frustrated about this and I"m getting paid for this video. This needs to be resolved ASAP. Thanks in advance for the help: ask any questions.

Please give complete details of your system and the media and the project properties.

How do I overlap audio in Final Cut Pro X?

Sorry, I'm totally new with Final Cut Pro X and need to do one specific thing. I'm probably missing something blatantly obvious but I've looked around on the web and inside obvious placed in FCP and haven't found it.
I need to do this: http://support.apple.com/kb/PH2260?viewlocale=en_US
I've looked in the precision editor, however the audio just doesn't extend. I'm hoping that I can get answers here.

Double click the audio portion to expand the clip. Drag the audio to create the split edit. Double click the audio to collapse it.

Are the Apple ProRes Codec's already installed in Final Cut Pro X or do I have to download them separately

I am new to Final Cut Pro. I recently bought Final Cut Pro X. Enjoying it. I cannot seem to find anywhere if the Apple ProRes family of codec come included in Final Cut Pro X or do I have to buy and download them separately?
I have 10.08.5 operating system

That it works in iMovie is irrelevant to FCP. Has nothing to do with ProRes codecs. Absolute crap web site. Zero information about the media these things shoot. Absolute incompetence.
From their web site:
Depending on what computer system you are operating on - Mac or PC, we can suggest a few video editing software packages:
If you're taking your first steps in video editing, iMovie (iOS) or Sony MoviEZ (windows), will be good options. Both are fairly simple to use, don't require you to convert your files, and are either free or very affordable.
Windows Movie Maker is another free option, but requires you to convert your files to a different format, such as .wmv.
Quicktime pro is the next step, and although it isn't free, it's very affordable.
Sony Vegas Pro (windows), and Adobe Final Cut Pro/Premiere (iOS/windows) are great options at the more professional end of the spectrum. These are fairly expensive, and are most suitable for users with a reasonable level of editing experience.
Say what? Adobe Final Cut Pro?
Maybe if you can open one of these files in the QT player you could get some real information about this media.

Final Cut Pro won't open windows

Hi
I'm pretty new to FInal Cut Pro, and am still getting used to it, so forgive me if this question has a blindingly simple or obvious solution, as I'm reasonably sure it has.
For some reason, FCP is not wanting to open certain windows. More specifically in this instance the Tool Bench option under the Windows menu is greyed out, and won't let me open the window.
I've had problems previously where FCP would refuse to allow me to open the timeline window too. Is there something obvious I'm missing?
Thanks in advance.

the tool bench window would only be an option if you actually had a tool bench hosted tool open (ie those tools listed under the tools menu) without a tool open then the tool bench window would just be a big grey empty square ... hence the option is disabled until you open a tool.
similarly the timeline and canvas window would be disabled if you did not actually have a sequence open else they would have nothing to show ... same rules apply
cheers
Andy

Merging Logic and Final Cut Pro

I'm a long time Logic user but new to Final Cut Pro. The perspective of a convergence between those two applications boggles my mind. Just would like to know whether there is a forum where I can discuss about this topic.
Have a nice day

Assuming you talk about Final Cut Pro X, it provides a new way of handling audio, based on Metadata (i.e. Roles). However it still misses some tight integration with an audio post production app (like Soundtracks Pro before).
I wouldn't be surprised if the rumored Logic X will provide that integration and a shift to "metadata based mixing". That for sure would stir up the DAW playing field a bit.
A tighter video integration on the Logic side is long overdue and they have to do something about it anyway. Not only is video export not possible in 64bit mode, Cubase allows mutliple video clips on a Project and ProTools has now an even tighter integration with Avid, so Logic is falling way behind in that sector.
Hope that helps
Edgar Rothermich
http://DingDingMusic.com/Manuals
'I may receive some form of compensation, financial or otherwise, from my recommendation or link.'

Final Cut Pro Settings For AVCHD Canon HFS100

Hi friends,
I am new to Final cut pro and digital video. I just purchased a Canon HFS 100 and am shooting in 30p and am going to be editing on FCP 6.0.1. From Easy Setup on FCP I have changed the FORMAT to HD, RATE to 29.97 and USE to DVCPRO HD -1080p30. Will this be the most favorable settings if I want to make high quality HD videos for the web. Or should I leave it on FCP Easy Setup default which is FORMAT: all formats, RATE: all rates and USE: Custom Setup.
Thanks.

Hi Khorsani,
welcome to the arena.
Your version of FCP was the [first one|http://www.apple.com/support/releasenotes/en/FinalCut_Pro_6.0_rn/index.html#appleref%3Adoc%3Auid%3ATempBookID-ReplacedWhenAssociatingWithMessierRevision-CH1-SW59 ] to offer some support for AVCHD.
You want to use Log&Transfer (FCP main menu>File or ShiftCommand8)to convert your footage to ProRes or AIC, which are editable formats that FCP likes.
http://www.apple.com/support/releasenotes/en/FinalCut_Pro_6.0rn/
Also [Read this|http://documentation.apple.com/en/finalcutpro/professionalformatsandworkfl ows/index.html#chapter=6%26section=2%26tasks=true] for more general info.
Connect your camera to your machine, then try to Log&Transfer.
Please note that AVCHD support was improved with following FCP 6.0.x versions so you may want to update your current version if something does not work.
To update just click on the Blue Apple of the OS top menu and look for software updates.

New to Final Cut Pro Need some Advice

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for