To edit our litter documentary, we needed to use the Final Cut Pro software. This has changed since when we did our AS media project as it has been updated which meant we had to under go training on how to use the new FCP X. This post is going to show you the process of how we edited together our documentary and showing you the ins and outs of FCP X.
The main FCP X window
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| The complete main window of FCP X |
Final Cut Pro X is way better than the last Final Cut Pro we used last year in my opinion as it allows us to edit all of audio and the video in the same software, instead of like last year where we had to use two pieces of software: Soundtrack Pro and Final Cut, to do the editing separate and then j#combining them after. This new aspect allows us less hassle as we don't need to keep exporting and importing our film between software, it can be kept together which allows it to be quicker and easier to do. Another great element of this new version is that is saves your work instantly, so you don't need to panic so much if you forget to save. Each media production group gets their own library too, which is much better for organising your work.
The imported files window
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| The imported audio and video file window that we are working with. |
The window above is set in the top left of the main window in the previous image. This is where all of the audio files and the footage we film go once we import it into FCP X. This section is much better than the previous Final Cut as it now allows you to see a small image of the clips instead of just theirs names, and also able to 'in' and 'out' the clips before you put them into your timeline at the bottom of the window. You are also able to create folders and tag each clip or audio piece to go into the ideal folder, which keeps your work neater and much easier to find; saving plenty of time.
The timeline
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| This part is called the timeline, and is where post of the editing of our films is done. |
The timeline is probably the most important section of Final Cut Pro X. It shows you both the footage and the soundtrack (green) beneath it, and this where the imported files from the top left corner (previous image) is dragged into place, moved around and clipped to literally create your film. The soundtrack beneath is gone about exactly the same, sound volume and effects can be changed here as well as all of the tool required are ready for use. You can put numerous amounts of audio onto the timeline, some overlapping build up your films soundtrack and same goes the video footage, however this is sightly more limited as you probably won't need three or so layers of film.
The viewing window
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| This window shows your the on-screen video of the product being created |
This was were we were able to view what exactly we were doing and where we were able to play our film through to see if there was any mistakes that needed altering. The particular image in this picture was a photo we took to use as B-roll over the top of Mrs Kearsey speaking (shown in the first image at the top of the post). This particular window simply has a rewind, fast-forward and play/pause button - no other tools are much needed due to the majority of editing being done within the timeline window at the bottom of the Final Cut Pro X Screen.
