Final Cut Express 2 Editing Workshop [With DVD]

I bought this book recently to supplement my new G5 that was coming pre-loaded with Final Cut Express. I did a lot of homework, reading reviews, looking at discussion forums, and all the signs pointed to this book.. I have to say it lived up to its reputation - it is clear and concise, but goes pretty deep into the program. Some books like this, that try to stay user friendly, often only scratch the surface of a topic. This isn't the case here, however - this book covers everything from the basic to the advanced, and all in a step-by-step fashion that is easy to comprehend.

I purchased the first version of this book along with other books on FCE. I found that as I was learning the software, I kept returning to this book over and over. After the upgrade to FCE2, I hesitated to purchase the new version of the book but I realized that if I really wanted to understand the new FCE2, I had to get the new version of the book. The way the book flows makes it seem like the author is right there with you explaining each lesson. The lessons are clear but take some practice and it is easy to apply the lessons to your own work. If you want to learn FCE2, you must get Tom Wolsy's book. You can't go wrong.

I made the switch from iMovie3 to FCE. I was very happy with iMovie2; but upgraded to enjoy the added features. I became very frustrated with the bugs. I now realize that I was expecting too much-my projects were becoming more complex than iMovie3 could manage. The power of FCE is far far far superior to iMovie. I realized that I had not made an "upgrade"; I had changed to a very different application. The learning curve was steep. I needed a private tutor. Once this book (with DVD / DVD ROM) had arrived, I felt like I had that private tutor AND a reference.If you're moving up to Final Cut Express: (1) order Tom Wolsky's Book, Final Cut Express Editing Workshop when you order FCE. (2) Watch the DVD where Tom tells us iMovie users what we need to know. (3) Read the first 2 lessons before you install FCE. (4) Be prepared to say, "I can't believe this Final Cut is so powerful" every time Tom teaches you something new as you go through his very well written tutorial.

I'm writing as someone new to Final Cut Express (and a veteran of 4 iMovie blockbusters.) After spending some frustrating time with printed out chapters from the long but not very helpful Apple supplied online manual, the light finally shone when Tom Wolsky's book arrived.He writes well and organized the rather complicated material clearly and patiently. The included DVD is a great complement to the text, providing material for practice in each chapter. It felt as though I was working alongside Mr. Wolsky. The DVD also contains helpful examples of transitions and effects.I'm still a beginner but I have completed 2 modest videos and a third is in the works. Final Cut Express Editing Workshop is just what I needed to get started with this fascinating software.

If you're only planning to buy one Final Cut Express (FCE) book, buy Tom Wolsky's "Final Cut Express Editing Worship." If your planning to buy TWO FCE books, buy TWO copies of Mr. Wolsky's book.Okay, you probably don't need to buy two copies, but once you've read this book and worked your way through the tutorials, you will have mastered FCE and won't need of any other guides for working with this powerful program. If you ARE intent on buying a second book, buy something that deals with the art of film making instead.I give this book 5 stars for two reasons: First, it covers everything about FCE and is packed full of hints and tricks that will greatly improve your productivity and the quality of your work. Second, Mr. Wolsky covers all of FCE's facets from beginning to end in a manner that's logical, easy to follow, and he writes in a casual prose that gives you the feeling that your best friend (who also happens to be a genius) is sitting next to you, gently guiding you through the entire process.My only regret is that this book wasn't available BEFORE I worked on my first couple of projects. Take my advice, buy this book and work through it before you take on your first project. You'll be glad you did.