Week by Week

Week One: Editing theory and Final Cut Pro 7

We’ll introduce the core concepts of film editing with Final Cut Pro 7, still a relevant and highly-used industry program.  In addition, we’ll explore the history of editing theory from early silent films of Edison and Melies, through Griffith and Eisenstein, up to the most current editing techniques of the modern masters of cinema.

Week Two: FCPX and cutting Short-Form

Class will focus on a real world exercise, taking a short project from dailies to delivery, while learning all of the new features in Apple's bold new FCPX.  We also look at techniques of short-form editing in music videos, film trailers, promos and 30-second spots.

To download a Final Cut Pro 7 course outline for week one, please click here.

To download an FCPX course outline for week two, please click here.

Week Three: Avid Basics

We’ll introduce you to editing with the Avid Media Composer, and analyze the difference and similarities between the two systems. We’ll also look at the challenge of cutting comedy and deconstruct some of the funniest examples in film history – from Chaplin and Keaton to Allen and Coen.

Week Four: Workflow with Avid

We’ll apply week three’s Avid concepts to a start-to-finish exercise in non-fiction editing.  Looking at the history and technique behind Documentary, we’ll study the genre from the earliest examples of Robert Flaherty and Leni Riefenstahl, to more modern movements like Cinema Verite.  In addition, we’ll visit Splash Studios and learn about the intricacies of sound design for film.

To download an Avid course outline of weeks Three and Four, please click here.

After Effects Weekend

Tackle the basics of After Effects with an Adobe Certified Instructor.  You’ll cover the most popular techniques used by film editors outside of traditional tools like Avid and FCP.

Week Five: Scene Work

As you develop and edit your reel, you’ll meet with our Artist in Residence for a discussion about their work and a career in editing.  The class and resident artist will also screen and critique the week’s work-in-progress. We’ll also take trip to Outpost Digital, the largest Final Cut Pro facility in the country, where Evan Schechtman talks getting started in the industry.

Week Six: Scene Work & Finishing Your Reel

The Artist in Residence returns for an additional in-class screening and discussion.  We’ll screen our work again as we finalize changes for picture-lock.  Finally, we’ll take you through the process of compressing a final output, building your own website, and posting your reels on-line for potential employers to see with a single click.

Class ends with a student screening and class lunch where we discuss how to find work and get the right start in the industry.

* Field trips and Artists in Residence subject to availability.
**The After Effects training takes place on the weekend between week four or week five of the class.  Class will run Saturday & Sunday 10am - 5pm.