Introduction

Apple Final Cut Pro is a tool we use to tell stories with moving pictures. But owning a tool is not the same as knowing how to use that tool. Video editing is the last step in the long process of visual story creation—the last step before sharing that story with an audience. Deadlines are short, budgets are tight, and everyone is stressed. Anything that saves time, simplifies a process, or improves results is a good thing.

That’s what this book is about. These 500+ tips, techniques, shortcuts, and hidden gems that will turn you into an editing powerhouse. This book can’t teach you how to edit, but it can teach you how to edit more effectively.

I’ve worked in media as an on-camera host, producer, director, and editor for more than 50 years. Over that time, I’ve learned that one of the worst mistakes an editor can make is to do something “because you can.” Technical ability is never a good reason to do anything. Instead, focus your editing on the story you are telling. Then, you’ll find yourself doing something “because you should.” Because it benefits the story. Because it enables understanding. Because it improves communication.

I have used, studied, taught, and written about Final Cut Pro since 2003; almost 20 years. This book is a collection of the best of what I’ve learned. During that time, much of our industry has changed, yet much also remains the same. Like all creative arts, editing has styles. Not just styles in genre but styles in clip duration, transitions, titles, effects, color grading…the list is lengthy. Some styles are worth keeping, others not so much.

This book isn’t a textbook. I don’t cover all the features in Final Cut. This is a book for someone with a specific question who needs an accurate answer right now. I take you deep into the application to tap the hidden power of the program.

The printed version of this book is organized into nine chapters, plus an online chapter, each grouped by subject. (The digital version contains all ten chapters.) Within each chapter, related tips are gathered into sections so you can quickly skim to find the information you need. You can dip into a single tip for a fast answer or read an entire chapter to further your understanding.

One other thing I need to mention. In today’s highly monetized, advertising-driven world, no one paid me to mention any products in this book. All my recommendations are tools that I purchased and use every day in my own projects.

I used Apple Final Cut Pro 10.6.3 for all screen shots and tips. If I forgot your favorite or there’s a mistake, send me an email and let me know. We will fix it in the next edition. In the meantime, edit well.

Larry Jordan
Andover, MA
July 2022
[email protected]