Final Cut Pro
Official Final Cut resources
• Final Cut Pro Web site
• Final Cut Express Web site
Duke labs with Audacity
• CIT Lab (for faculty projects)
• OIT Multimedia Project Studio
Overview
What is it?
Final Cut Express, Final Cut Pro and Final Cut Studio are advanced digital video editing software applications from Apple Inc. These programs allow you to import video from various sources and then insert titles, add effects and trim and combine shots. Completed movies can be exported to videotape or to QuickTime or MPEG files for distribution on the Web or CD. Final Cut Express is aimed at corporate, educational and professional users. Final Cut Pro includes additional features suitable for filmmakers and broadcasters, including advanced color controls and the ability to work with high-definition video. Final Cut Studio combines these features with helper applications for a variety of high-end filmmaking tasks in animation, soundtrack creation, color grading and file exports.
Key features
- Advanced features for manipulating color
- Ability to add multiple audio, video, image and text resources to the project timeline
- Multiple options for export formats and settings
- High-end animation tools (Final Cut Studio)
Who uses it?
Final Cut Pro is for home and educational users who need more advanced and flexible ways to combine media into a timeline or who want to use batch processing to export a number of separate clips from a set of footage. Final Cut Studio is typically used by educational users and professional designers and media producers who make more sophisticated and complex films and videos that include soundtracks, animation and graphics.
How does it work?
The user is presented with a screen that includes: a project timeline, a "bin" for unedited clips and a preview window that displays video from an attached camcorder or VCR. A video clip is captured (digitized) by pressing an “import” button on the screen; the clip is transferred to the bin where it can be trimmed and then dragged to an appropriate point on the timeline. Other menus on the program allow you to add titles, stills, effects and transitions between clips.
Things to consider before using Final Cut Pro
- Final Cut applications are recommended for more advanced users who are already familiar with the basic processes of video editing. We recommend the iMovie application for users who are just getting started or who have a simple video project in mind.
- Third party applications are needed to produce a DVD from movies you create in Final Cut Express or Final Cut Pro.
- Video editing projects typically require at least several gigabytes of storage space during the editing process. You should plan for this need before you begin your project.
- To be able to re-edit a digital video project at a later time, you need to save a full archive copy of your Final Cut Pro project workspace in addition to the final video file you export from Final Cut Pro. This may require several gigabytes of storage.
- Additional hardware may be needed to import video from a VHS tape or DVD.
Uses as an Instructional Technology
- Batch processing of multiple video segments from a single long recording, such as a long interview or series of presentations
- Adding subtitles or text tracks
- Exploring more sophisticated video editing techniques in documentary or multimedia-focused courses
Resources at Duke
- Final Cut Pro is available in the CIT Lab for faculty projects; use of this software is available by advance appointment only.
- Final Cut Studio is available in OIT's Multimedia Project Studios, with locations on West and East campuses.
