Final Cut Pro - Module I

Introduction: Input

For video producers, the most important part of the production process is starting with good video. Using a video camera, producers can put visuals with sound on tape at the scene of any particular event. What makes it "good" video is measured by the smoothness of the shots, the proper framing of a subject, and attention to background detail - all visual communication concepts that are learned through experience. In addition, it usually means taking more video than what actually will be used in the final project because not all of the video will be perfect.

Once that tape shot, Final Cut Pro helps producers create the best possible video project with that raw material. In this module, users will learn how to digitize video. Included in this module is a discussion of the different types of video that can be used in the program, an explanation of the Final Cut Pro interface, based on version 3, and step-by-step instructions for bringing clips from tape into the program and for bringing in already digitized movie clips.

I.    Getting digital video
II.   The Final Cut interface: Logging
III.  The Final Cut interface: Clip settings
IV. The Final Cut interface: Capture settings
V.  The Scratch disk
VI.  Importing from tapes
VII. Importing from files

This module assumes users already have video shot on digital videotape and are ready to bring it into Final Cut Pro to edit. If this is not the case, users still can follow along and learn about the process. The instructions are necessarily generic, but should be accurate for most Apple computers.

Disclaimer