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The technical VS the creative side of FCP
As I force myself to switch from one edit system to another, I’m glad to discover that they all have many strengths and weaknesses and that knowing these pros and cons really helps to decide which software will be ideal for a specific project.
Now, as I’m getting to know FCP and because of the flexibility it offers for file usage, I have a feeling that I will have to be a bit more tech savvy than usual and set things up right from the beginning to avoid mixing too much troubleshooting while the creative process of editing is in running mode. So, I am searching for information to prepare myself for common technical obstacles in advance versus troubleshooting them while editing since it is very distracting.
Some of you recommended the easy setup and things like that which do help but as we all know by now, there are certain things you have to do on the side and know about them.
So here is my question, is there a good book where somebody takes the time to break down what FCP likes and hates? I heard Larry Jordan speak in a conference and he seems to be very knowledgeable, is he a good reference? Did any of our mentors on this site write a cool memoir about their hate/love relationship with Mr/Mrs FCP?
The very best and thank you for this great source of knowledge,
PC
Standing (literally) Editor
MacBook Pro – 2.16 Ghz intel core duo – 1gb 667mhz ram -
11 Replies
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[pedro casais] “Some of you recommended the easy setup and things like that which do help but as we all know by now, there are certain things you have to do on the side and know about them. “
Not sure what you mean here. We use Easy Setups all day, every day. It’s the easiest way to set up FCP to edit a particular format.
Walter Biscardi, Jr.
Biscardi Creative Media
HD and SD Production for Broadcast and Independent Productions.STOP STARING AND START GRADING WITH APPLE COLOR Apple Color Training DVD available now!
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I recommend checking out some of Larry Jordan’s articles if you’re just getting started with FCP. He has some good suggestions for how to organize your projects and media:
https://www.larryjordan.biz/articles/lj_archive.html
There are more free tutorials on his site, as well.
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Right, I am now using the easy setup as well, but for files that are not ideal for fcp it’s my experience that besides the easy setup you need to learn a few other technical facts to get an ideal work flow.
All I am really saying is that easy set up will get you where you need to be but in some cases especially if you don’t know the technical needs well enough, it’s my humble experience you need learn some facts and prep the files even before you get to the easy setup for an ideal work flow. And that’s what I’m trying to do, learn all the technical facts for today mix formats and file types.
Thank you,
PC -
Thanks Mitch
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The best way to get the most out of FCP is to not be afraid to play around with it, and I mean inside fcp, not fiddling around with the external settings- if you are not comfortable with FCP at this point, I suggest cutting stock media that you can afford to lose, if something happens. As you become more comfortable with the workflow, you can start ingesting more valuable footage.
You are already in one of, if not the best forum for asking questions about FCP. I have had 99.9 % of my questions answered and my problems solved here on this forum over the years.
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No question about that, still I think there’s something about preparing yourself technically in advance before you get to the fun part which is editing.
best,
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[pedro casais] “No question about that, still I think there’s something about preparing yourself technically in advance before you get to the fun part which is editing.
“….but you will only meet those “technical challenges” during a project, so go ahead, the challenges will appear and you will meet and beat them.
On-site learning, it’s the quickest way.Cheers
Alexander -
Thanks for the vote of good will Alexander. It definitely helps to know that we all have to fight the technical battle at some point. I guess the idea is not to be fearful and try to hard to avoid it.
best,
PC -
I have certainly heard good things about this:
https://store.creativecow.net/p/63/getting_organized_in_final_cut_pro
it may be just what you need!!
Jason
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Before you criticise a man, walk a mile in his shoes.
Then when you do criticise him, you’ll be a mile away. And have his shoes.*the artist formally known as Jaymags*
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[Jason Porthouse] “I have certainly heard good things about this:
https://store.creativecow.net/p/63/getting_organized_in_final_cut_pro
it may be just what you need!! “
It should a requirement for anyone purchasing FCP for the first time to get this DVD. I still use it to this day.
Walter Biscardi, Jr.
Biscardi Creative Media
HD and SD Production for Broadcast and Independent Productions.STOP STARING AND START GRADING WITH APPLE COLOR Apple Color Training DVD available now!
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