Introduction to Final Cut Pro
 

Final Cut Pro is the industry standard for video editing and this is the program that we will be using for all of our projects. In this exercise you will explore the basic layout of FCP.

  1. Open FCP. If this is the first time you have opened the program it will not have any clips or videos to look at but you can still explore the interface to learn the different windows of the program. Be sure you learn these quickly because after this lesson it will be assumed you know the differnt windows.
  2. In the upper left hand side of the window is the Event Library. This is where you organize all of the files you will be using to create your video. This can include video clips, audio files, still images or even graphics.
  3. In the middle of the screen are small filmstrip views of your media. Move your mouse over a clip and it automatically appears in the viewer and plays as you move your mouse through the clip.
  4. To the right hand side of the window is the Viewer. If you take your mouse and move it across any of the clips shown in the filmstrip view you will see and hear that clip play in the viewer.
  5. At the bottom of the screen is the timeline. This is where your entire video can be seen from beginning to end. To play your video just hit the spacebar to start the playhead and press it again to stop it. You can also use the Home key to move to the start of your video or the end key to move to the end of the video.
  6. In the center of your screen is the is the toolbar.

fcpX

7. The process of creating your own movie involves several steps. With FCP open go to Help > Final Cut Pro X Help and click on Final Cut Pro Basics. Click on Workflow overview and answer the following questions based on this section.

Questions (based on Final Cut Pro X Help page - Final Cut Pro Basics)

  1. What is the first step in the workflow process?
  2. Where does FCP automatically place all of your imported clips?
  3. What is meant by "nondestructive editing"?
  4. Where do you go to arrange your sequence of clips into a movie?
  5. What is the last step in the workflow process?

Once you have completed these questions obtain a FCP labeling handout and label each component in the FCP window. Once you have completed your labeling show your handout to your instructor for teacher check.