Final Cut 5 Books

[Stephen Cross]

Hi Guys,

 

First time post, long time fan.

 

I was wondering if anyone could make some suggestions about the best books published on final cut pro 5. I am not after the basics but something to expand my editing techniques and perhaps learn some new things I thought not possible. I did a quick search on past posts but found nothing. Any input is appreciated.

 

Thanks,

[Boyd McCollum]

I've found some interesting stuff in the Apple Pro Training Series. Check out Advanced Editing Techniques in Final Cut Pro 5 by Michael Wohl. Also, the Alex Van Hurkman books, Advanced Color Correction and Effects in FCP and Encyclopedia of Color Correction/Field Techniques in FCP, are great. I just picked up the latter and it's got a lot of useful, real world stuff.

 

Another book to check out is Larry Jordan's Final Cut Pro 5 Hands-On Training. It has a lot of good information and is presented in a different format that's a nice break from the Apple books. I don't have it in front of me right now, but I recall one thing I liked were the easily identifiable sidebars with tips/tricks and other useful information. He also has a newsletter you can side up for (whether you buy his book or not.)

 

These books are usually available at Barnes & Nobles/Borders/Etc and you might want to check them out before buying them. Often it's a case of "I know that, I know that" then you come across something and go "I did not know that. That's cool." And that pays for the price of the book. Beyond FCP, one book I like to glance through now and again is Bryce Button's Nonlinear Editing: Storytelling, Aesthetics, & Craft.

 

There are also a couple of good on-line forums on FCP that you should check out, including the Creative Cow, LA Final Cut Pro User Group, and 2-pop. Also check out Ken Stone (www.kenstone.net) - lots of indepth articles on specific topics in, and related to, FCP.

 

I'm sure I'm leaving out some excellent resources, but these are the ones I use.

 

Hope it helps!

 

 

 

Boyd McCollum

Documentary Filmmaker/Editor

Boulder, CO

[Stephen Cross]

I've found some interesting stuff in the Apple Pro Training Series. Check out Advanced Editing Techniques in Final Cut Pro 5 by Michael Wohl. Also, the Alex Van Hurkman books, Advanced Color Correction and Effects in FCP and Encyclopedia of Color Correction/Field Techniques in FCP, are great. I just picked up the latter and it's got a lot of useful, real world stuff.

 

Another book to check out is Larry Jordan's Final Cut Pro 5 Hands-On Training. It has a lot of good information and is presented in a different format that's a nice break from the Apple books. I don't have it in front of me right now, but I recall one thing I liked were the easily identifiable sidebars with tips/tricks and other useful information. He also has a newsletter you can side up for (whether you buy his book or not.)

 

These books are usually available at Barnes & Nobles/Borders/Etc and you might want to check them out before buying them. Often it's a case of "I know that, I know that" then you come across something and go "I did not know that. That's cool." And that pays for the price of the book. Beyond FCP, one book I like to glance through now and again is Bryce Button's Nonlinear Editing: Storytelling, Aesthetics, & Craft.

 

There are also a couple of good on-line forums on FCP that you should check out, including the Creative Cow, LA Final Cut Pro User Group, and 2-pop. Also check out Ken Stone (www.kenstone.net) - lots of indepth articles on specific topics in, and related to, FCP.

 

I'm sure I'm leaving out some excellent resources, but these are the ones I use.

 

Hope it helps!

Boyd McCollum

Documentary Filmmaker/Editor

Boulder, CO

 

Hi Boyd,

 

I cannot thank you enough for the information provided by your reply. It is informative and exactly the sort of suggestions I was after. I will be sure to get back to everyone on my choices and what I find most helpful.

 

Thank you again,