A Review of Tom Wolsky

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	Jerry Hofmann jlh productions Denver, Colorado USA ©2002 Jerry Hofmann and CreativeCOW.net. All rights reserved.

Article Focus: Jerry Hofmann takes a look at Tom Wolsky's Final Cut Pro 3 Editing Workshop published by CMP Books. This book is totally updated to include the new features in Final Cut Pro 3. It looks to be everything that was promised.

Tom Wolsky has updated his excellent book/tutorial for Final Cut Pro. This 2nd edition titled Final Cut Pro 3 Editing Workshop is a wonderful addition to any editor’s bookshelf. Again Tom combs the depths of Final Cut Pro with aplomb adding about 100 pages to his first addition. A CD with the media and project files needed for the many exercises puts you well on the way to understanding. Included with the CD are some goodies as well. There are new extras this time. Notably, Loren Miller's ScanGuide, and a Timecode calculator are included with the files you need to follow along with the revamped exercises. Totally updated to include the new features in Final Cut Pro 3, this book is a fun and easy way to learn Final Cut Pro. Tom’s obvious love of the medium comes through in a very thorough explanation of almost every feature of the software, and you follow along with exercises that teach you to use FCP in a “hands-on” approach (my personal favorite, and probably yours too). I’ve been using Tom’s previous effort Final Cut Pro 2 Editing Workshop in my classrooms, and look forward to using this new edition this fall as we have upgraded to FCP 3 in the school (CFVI Studios) here in Denver. It allows readers to learn at their own pace, and repeatedly points out different ways to work with Final Cut Pro, never overlooking the keyboard shortcuts as well as menu commands. Each of us learns differently, and if you like to learn in a “hands-on environment” this book is most complete tutorial out there for FCP, bar none. Tom’s persona and guiding hand comes through as he explains technical terms, jargon, as well as what button or command does what in this very sophisticated piece of hit editing software. Trust me, you’ll gain the knowledge of more than just the software from Tom. More than just a rehash of the owner’s manual, this book not only teaches what the buttons do, but often when to use them and why. You could start as a total novice to Final Cut Pro, and after spending time with Tom’s book; you will be well on your way to understanding what you need to know to use Final Cut Pro 3 and edit professional quality projects. Chapters include setting up your system, understanding the basics of OS X, working with effects, sound, titles, the new color correction tools and more. Final Cut Pro 3 Editing Workshop covers the bases as you follow along and goes from input to output. Completely new, this 2nd edition from Tom is a wonderful addition to any FCP editor’s bookshelf and in my opinion is actually a better effort than his first edition. Usually sequels are not as satisfying, but this one delivers. This very reasonably priced book is available now through the COW in the Dairy Store. This one is a worthy rewrite, and I heartily recommend this book to any user of Final Cut Pro 3. I give it 4.5 COWS. Moo baby, Moooooo. Being chosen as leader of the COW’s FCP forum, and a newly designated “Helper” at Apple’s own discussion group, Tom has shown for years that he cares about helping and teaching bringing his many years of broadcast television experience to the public. Not often in our society can you find the teacher/writer of any book and talk to him directly, but Tom’s presence is pervasive right here at the COW and it’s unusual and a definite treat to have him at the ready as you learn. You really can’t learn a sophisticated piece of software by just reading the manuals; you need to follow along with an expert. Tom is an expert, make no mistake. ---Jerry Hofmann

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