Final Cut Pro X: First Impressions From Russell Johnson
CrewsControl by Tony Muzzatti
I had the chance to sit down with seasoned video editor Russ Johnson and discuss his initial reactions from working on his first project in Apple’s Final Cut Pro X. Over the last 14 months there have been many discussions around FCPX and the direction Apple is taking its post-production software. As an experienced Final Cut Pro 7 editor, I still had a few lingering questions that needed answers. So I sought out Russ Johnson, served up an unhealthy batch of banana pancakes, and started rapidly firing questions at him.
How long have you been an editor and where did you get your start? What is your experience with Final Cut software?
I started my career in editorial working at a post house in Burbank that produced promos and syndicated cut downs. Back then we were still using 3/4 inch machines and doing online offsite. Obviously I've witnessed a lot of change over the years. Being an avid Mac enthusiast I purchased the very first version Final Cut Pro and have used subsequent releases pretty much exclusively over the course of my life as an editor.
Talk to me about your first impression of Final Cut Pro X. What stood out to you?
I know it's been said by many other editors before me, but I was initially struck by the radical changes in the interface, and was left with a feeling of disappointment that the software seemed to devolving towards something in the iMovie family rather that ground up rebuild of a professional editing tool. That being said, I work primarily in a tapeless workflow world at present, and there was a part of me that respected the fact this seemed to be a forward facing product designed to stay ahead of where the production industry was headed. Granted, that may have been a little short sited for loyal FCP users who still shoot on tape, but or me the fact that X seems build to cater to a tapeless world was intriguing. read more...
I had the chance to sit down with seasoned video editor Russ Johnson and discuss his initial reactions from working on his first project in Apple’s Final Cut Pro X. Over the last 14 months there have been many discussions around FCPX and the direction Apple is taking its post-production software. As an experienced Final Cut Pro 7 editor, I still had a few lingering questions that needed answers. So I sought out Russ Johnson, served up an unhealthy batch of banana pancakes, and started rapidly firing questions at him.
How long have you been an editor and where did you get your start? What is your experience with Final Cut software?
I started my career in editorial working at a post house in Burbank that produced promos and syndicated cut downs. Back then we were still using 3/4 inch machines and doing online offsite. Obviously I've witnessed a lot of change over the years. Being an avid Mac enthusiast I purchased the very first version Final Cut Pro and have used subsequent releases pretty much exclusively over the course of my life as an editor.
Talk to me about your first impression of Final Cut Pro X. What stood out to you?
I know it's been said by many other editors before me, but I was initially struck by the radical changes in the interface, and was left with a feeling of disappointment that the software seemed to devolving towards something in the iMovie family rather that ground up rebuild of a professional editing tool. That being said, I work primarily in a tapeless workflow world at present, and there was a part of me that respected the fact this seemed to be a forward facing product designed to stay ahead of where the production industry was headed. Granted, that may have been a little short sited for loyal FCP users who still shoot on tape, but or me the fact that X seems build to cater to a tapeless world was intriguing. read more...
Leave a comment