Advanced Editing and Finishing Techniques in Final Cut Pro 4

by Walter Murch (Foreword)

Final Cut Pro is a serious tool for serious (usually professional) editors--which means that if you're like most users, you already know the software's interface, are well-versed in editing basics, and are interested in just one going as deep as possible with the software's tools and features. This is the book for you. In Apple Pro Training Advanced Editing and Finishing Techniques in Final Cut Pro 4, the post-production and training company, DigtalFilm Tree, provides step-by-step instruction in all of the tasks real filmmakers are most interested using Mattes and filter effects, creating different "film looks," achieving complex transitions, working with video scopes, adjusting contrast, balancing color and luminance, and more. Each chapter in this self-paced, Apple-authorized guide represents a self-contained lesson--with a project to complete, a review section, and bonus exercises to reinforce what you've learned. The accompanying DVD includes lesson files and all the materials you'll need to complete the book's projects for a comprehensive course in Final Cut Pro. DigitalFilm Tree is a West Hollywood-based post-production and design house and authorized training center for both Apple and the Motion Picture Editors Guild. The group, which includes members of the original Final Cut Pro design team, began a revolution in the post-production industry by proving that innovative and affordable systems can produce professional results. For this book, DigitalFilm Tree assembled an unparalleled team of experts, each contributing his or her area of expertise. Join film director and editor Michael Wohl, effects and color correction specialist Andrew Balis, audio pros Martin Sitter and Mary Plummer, type effects wizard Steve Martin, veteran DVD producer Yan Shvalb, and award-winning film editor Daniel Fort as they bring together their decades of experience in this consummate guide to Final Cut Pro's powerful advanced features.

350 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Walter Scott Murch is an American film editor, director, writer and sound designer. His work includes THX 1138, Apocalypse Now, The Godfather I, II, and III, American Graffiti, The Conversation, Ghost and The English Patient, with three Academy Award wins (from nine nominations: six for picture editing and three for sound mixing).
For his work on Apocalypse Now, Murch was the first person to receive a credit as "Sound Designer." Murch was also involved with the editing of Apocalypse Now Redux. In 1998, producer Rick Schmidlin chose Murch as his editor for the restoration of Orson Welles's Touch of Evil. Murch is the author of a popular book on film editing, In the Blink of an Eye, and is the subject of Michael Ondaatje's book The Conversations. Famed movie critic Roger Ebert called Murch "the most respected film editor and sound designer in the modern cinema." David Thomson calls Murch "the scholar, gentleman and superb craftsman of modern film", adding that in sound and editing, "he is now without a peer."