FlickGym.com

Avid offering crossgrade from FCP for only $995 until June 17 #avidbuzz #fcp

From Avid's website (though it's been buzzing on Twitter for the last day)...

"Many pros in the industry recognize that you can get more work having both Final Cut Pro and Media Composer in your editing arsenal. Not only does Media Composer complement your existing workflow, it opens doors and enables you to do even more—faster.

If you’re not getting what you need to succeed—or you’re a former Avid user who switched (we’d love to have you back)—we want to help make things a little easier. That’s why we’re offering Final Cut Pro users the opportunity to purchase the full, boxed version of Media Composer 5.5 (includes the Production Suite) for just $995 (USD) for a limited time—that’s over 60% off the regular price!

Check out these features:

• AMA Pro Res, QuickTime, RED, XDCAM, P2, work natively fast and immediate
• Integrated with AJA Io Express or Matrox MXO2 Mini
• Professional ACE-certified toolset
• Mix and match formats, frame rates, resolutions, and more—in real time, no rendering
• Edit quickly using drag and drop, or use advanced tools for ultra-precise cutting
• Get the look you want with built-in color, keying, motion tracking, transition, and effects tools
• Polish and deliver productions using high-quality third-party apps in the Production Suite"

Read more here.

To students around the world: Always remember that it's all about story...

I've been so lucky to speak to Universities over the years. I've spoken at USC, De Anza College, Loyola Marymount, and many more.

I've been lucky enough to talk with students about Reality Television Editing, Documentary, and Scripted Motion Pictures.  All have their differences, but all have their common thread in our discussions:  Story...

No matter what genre you work in, no matter what camera you shoot, no matter what editing system you use, no matter what budget level you work at... Story is king.

I love this.

I love the fact that we all manipulate the story that others experience, witness, and share all around the world; and that story connects our common human experience.  When we, as filmmakers, leave in that "little bit" that shows that extra bit of human nature or point of view, people watch, by the millions, and share in that moment.  It's about communicating our experience.

It's also key to student success in entertainment.  The ability to craft or shape story is exactly the bread and butter of filmmakers around the world.  In writing, you craft it from scratch, in directing, you capture it, in editing you shape it.  But in the end, in every debate, the story wins, no matter what.  Story is king.

Everytime I talk with students, I share with them that one fact.  It dictates the camera angles, it shapes the edit, it circumvents the limitations of budget, and time.  If a story needs to be made, it gets made.  If a story is troubled, it's flaws show themselves at a microscopic level, and we all work to fix them.

It's truly amazing.

 

Advice for students:

 Show your script & edit to others.  Get feedback.  Don't explain "why"; just listen.  (I've been in these rooms so I'll repeat, zip it and listen!)  If you get more than a few "bumps" from others on your screenplay/edit, then revise.  You might be holding on to a baby.  Remember "story is king".  Don't get in the way of it, and you won't be getting in the way of yourself.  For some it's the tough choice, we all fall in love with our own stuff.  We like to explain away the faults of a piece.  "'This or that' happened while shooting."  Doesn't matter.  Fix it.  You'll have a better film for it, and over the long haul, will connect deeper with audiences and your future collaborators.  In the words of one of my favorite professors Zaki Lisha (De Anza)... "You must be ruthless with your editing."  Be ruthless, tell great stories.