Final Cut Pro 6

After struggling for a few weeks trying to learn Final Cut Pro from the 4 volume set of books that came with the software, I was almost ready to call it quits and dump $900(USD) into one of the 3 day Final Cut Pro certification courses. After learning that this is the book that is used with those courses, and having heard Great things about Peach Pit Press, and after reading the reviews here, I decided to get this book and give it a go.First let me say that I am not a typical 'learn from the books' kind of learner. I usually (especially with software) just hack around and figure things out. Final Cut is pretty complicated, and I need to know how to operate it pretty quickly (changing computers and software for editing, Win->Mac). I have learned most of what I need to get going on some projects after just going through the first 4 lessons! I am not going to stop there, I plan to finish this book, and probably look into additional volumes from this series for things like Soundtrack Pro and Motion.Sure the Sea World footage and especially the music is cheesy, but you are encouraged to do additional work at the end of each lesson, to reinforce what you were just taught. This is where it gets fun! I found myself taking some music from my collection and replacing the awful Sea World song, and cutting footage to that instead.I did not experience any problem with any of the projects opening (I took a peek).If you are wanting to get to know this software, this is a great book to start with!

I bought this book for a video editing class I am taking. It has very good tutorials (this book is mostly tutorials) and I feel this is giving me a solid learning experience. I did not end up using the CD as all the lessons were already stored on our class computers. I wish it had a pull out cheat guide for all the short cuts. Sometimes I have a hard time remembering them and it is hard to find them going back.I was a little annoyed that I paid for two day shipping but it took five business days instead. I did get an email saying that it would be later (no clear explanation why) but I feel they should have refunded the extra money spent for faster shipping.

As first tutorials go, what I like about this book is that you can start from scratch and learn most all of the details you need to become a certified user of Final Cut Pro. One of the best features about this book, is that it includes a DVD containing footage applicable to every lesson. This means, that you can not only follow the tutorial step-by-step with the examples in the book, but you have some really nice imagery to work with -- and you don't have to go out and shoot a lot of stuff yourself just to get started. The documentation included with the software might be even more comprehensive, but just lifting it is pretty intimidating -- so I didn't even want to think about slogging through it piece by piece.

This book is essential for learning FCP. Make sure you take full advantage of time code (mini DV tapes) to speed up your time at the computer. Here is a tip though, if you are using the DVD at a class outside of the home, make a copy to take to class. I left mine behind and some other student did not turn it in (I think this is called stealing) and I no longer have the excellent clips to continue learning with. You can use the book to just learn the basics or dive in deeper to take it to the next level. I see digital video editing as one of those life time learning skills that you can develop from now until you release your final DVD.Happy editing!

This is a Great Book. I am a First time User learning final Cut Pro 6. I give the book 5 stars due to the ease of teaching and the detailed methods and shortcuts. A must buy is keyboard shortcuts for final cut pro 6. This book will take you threw chapters step by step. You will have trouble using dvd only if you version FCP is below, 6.0.4. You must update first before use of dvd. If you have any trouble email me for further details. This book has images that co-exist with dvd. You will love this book and learn FCP like a pro. You will learn software according to how many hours you put in. This book is a full view of FCP, This is a must buy.

When I first purchased this book for a video class in my college, I thought it was going to be boring and something I was not interested in at all. However, after many weeks of going through that class reading this book and practicing each lesson, this greatly changed my outlook in creativity. Each lesson in the book was well-informed and helpful in the career I am going for. Now, I'm very fond of making videos for myself and others. This book has not let me down and I intend on using it to further my knowledge in video editing.

When it comes to learn how to use an editing software, the most important thing you need is... footages! And that's where the DVD included in the book comes handy. For each lesson there is a project to load in FCP. The project lessons and the book together make the learning experience fun and, most importantly, very efficient.This book is the one you need if you are very serious about editing.A last word: I believe you need a little software editing experience prior to start this book otherwise it will be a little hard and discouraging.

This is a great training book for the beginner and the experienced. As a longtime editor on Windows based editors, I found the basic language of navigating Mac systems helpful. I also found their depth of detail of the edit system very thorough. The video supplied in the DVD makes it worth the $50.The book can be used as a straight read, or a quick reference book. This is topnotch.

Before final cut was destroyed buy FCPX, FCP 6 and 7 were perfect editing tools. In fact they still are as I use them on a daily basis and work as a full time film editor.I've purchased numerous copies of the books Diane Weynard has written over the years, for people getting into editing as the way the books are written is excellent and very easy to follow and understand. This was a purchase for a school project and they are all editing there own short films now and becoming very competent in using FCP 6.

The book is very well written, and moves at a good pace. It's not boring or patronising like some books can be. The footage included is typically American, but the SeaWorld stuff is fascinating, and actually helps hold your attention to the course. If you read through the book and do the exercises from cover to cover, you'll be fully prepared to sit the FCP exam and become a qualified video editor. The price of this book + Exam = Far cheaper than paying £1200 to do an instructor led course. Fully recommended.

Teaches you what you need to know!

To add to my original Review - I have had a replacement from Amazon and the corrupted files are now all working. I can only assume that as between myself and my colleague getting through 3 faulty DVD's that the first run must have been faulty.It seems I cannot change my original star rating within the amazon review system - so I would now give it 4 as this DVD now works.