FinalCut+notes

Final Cut Express

Great Keystrokes To Learn

Control-V Split clips in timeline right where the Time-marker is at. Same as using the Blade tool, but less clicks Control-G when Time marker is in between two clips, it will close the gaps between them. A Selects the Arrow tool. Command -S SAVE project. when in doubt about what to do next, do this. Make it a habit. Command = or - Zoom in/out on timeline. Down Arrow jump to next edge (beginning or end of clip) that is farther down the timeline Up Arrow jump to previous edge (beginning or end of clip) that is farther up the timeline Left Arrow Go back 1 frame (shift-left arrow goes 10 frames) Right Arrow Go forward 1 frame (shift-right arrow goes 10 frames) Option Right Arrow nudge the selected clip(s) to the right 1 frame (+ shift = 10 frames) Option Left Arrow nudge the selected clip(s) to the left 1 frame (+ shift = 10 frames) Option Command W Toggles whether Audio waveforms are shown in the timeline. I sets in point O sets out point Command R renders what is selected or what is in-between the in/out points Option R renders everything in the timeline. Is ok to stop a render in progress, will not hurt anything. M Sets a marker on the clip that is selected, if nothing then sets it on the timeline. Great for music.

Shooting Tips: Use A Tripod!!!!! Don't zoom too much. This is 70% of pro-looking video. maybe more. If handheld: Zoom your lens wide, leave it there. You move closer to your subject. This helps hide the shakes. better yet, Use a Tripod!! Get "cover" footage. Something generic that you can use to "cover" when Murphy's law messes up your main shot. Or, cover footage can be used to hide "jump cuts" Use a Tripod!!!! Reflective sounding rooms sound 5 times as bad on camera. Try to interview somewhere else if this matters. Bring more tape. Bring a head cleaner tape too. One day you WILL be very, very, very glad you did. Overcast days, Gentle light under trees outside show off your subject. Fluorescent lights, blaring midday sun flatter no-one. Avoid both when you can.

Editing Tips: Plan your video, get people to say and spell their names on tape. Surprisingly handy sometimes. Avoid "jump cuts." If it looks even REMOTELY like when Barbara Eden does the "Genie Blink" then that is a jump cut. When changing settings on layers/text/effects double click the clip/layer you are thinking about. Then the program fer-shure knows which clip you are talking about. It may not otherwise. Copy ALL footage/music/pics to your hard drive. THEN import to Final Cut. Save often. Like scissors/knives and razor blades, put away the blade tool as soon as you are done with it. Hit Keystroke A Keep font away from the far edges of the screen, On cheap tv's " State of Florida " could become " tate of Florid " Chek yure spellingk tu wile U R at it. When capturing footage, name the footage something related to the project, and use reel names that refer to specific tapes, so you can ferret-out/delete the ooooodles of footage off your drives when you are done. Keep the project. It is tiny and can rebuild itself if you name things well. Transitions can be cheesy or classy, do no evil. But have fun too! Edit your own shooting, then edit someone else's footage, this will make you a better editor & shooter. Use a tripod! You will want to after doing the step above. Editing always takes longer than you think it will. Stop and remind yourself what the sun looks like.

Your video may very well be the ONLY record of this event / person / place that exists in five years. You are the storyteller. Run with it. It is an honor.