The beginning of this series is Drama Tech 101.

To create a video backdrop or main sequence, a title page or a music video, one needs the proper tools. As my Granddad always said, “You’ve got to have the right tools for the job.”

With a beginning budget, I needed an entry level software program reasonable enough in price to be obtainable but effective enough to be useful. Was there some kind of middle ground where this was possible? I needed a software program that could combine music with still shots and video clips. It needed to be able to have the ability to make titles and a few “tricks” as well, but mostly to make DVD’s.

So here is my quick review of the software: Final Cut Pro

The industry standard was and is Apple’s Final Cut Pro running about 1299.00. This software is used by many professionals and it produces professional results. It runs on the Macs only, so that eliminated me right there. But the praises for the abilities of this program are often sung loudly, as in this review: MacWorld.com.

Final Cut Pro has everything you could want, and things you could probably never imagine. An opening line from the Wikipedia entry pretty much says it all: Final Cut Pro is a professional non-linear editing system developed by Apple Inc. that has found popularity amongst independent filmmakers and Hollywood film editors alike

Here is a short list of features:

  1. Capture & edit video, version 6 has High Definition Support

  2. Filters for color and other effects

  3. Can process Mattes, Grading and Effects

  4. A selection of generators for keying or Green Screening

  5. Efficient with Quicklime video conversion

  6. Can create DVD’s

fcpb1.jpgWhile that is a very short list, it is enough to show you the power of this software. Yet, these three things keep me from going to Final Cut Pro:

  • Computer System- it’s a Mac and I’m a PC…my son is the Mac-Snob in my family…..so I would have to purchase a whole new computer and trash every purchase I have ever made….or would I? See my discussion on Macs vs PC s

  • Sophistication - Simply put? It is overwhelming. Too much to learn in a short time period for a seasonal production. If you have no prior experience, chose another system.

  • Price – 1200.00 plus…..I haven’t got that much money to buy the hardware let alone the software!!!!

Have no doubt this is the ultimate editing software that my limited experience has allowed me to be in contact with and it is the top tier. But for the entry level video editor I think it is too much of an investment and too much of a learning curve for someone to use it quickly.  I find no fault though if someone is already using it, quite the contrary – hats off to you.

But here is my final grade: So Final Cut Pro for me at this time is a NO.

With a church budget below the minimum wage, and the investment it would take to set this up, Final Cut Pro is too much for an entry level software for most church programs.

But it is an incredible program.

Next my choice for video editing