I remember a long time ago when we cursed Apple for abandoning FCP 7 and foisting FCP X upon us. I can't remember exactly why since I never used FCP X but it seemed the right thing to do once Apple decided not to support FCP 7 anymore and a bunch of editors and writers called FCP X a glorified iMovie... (And I really hate iMovie) so I joined the mob and cursed Apple as we ran FCP X out of town. I continued to cut on regular ol' FCP, and forget all about FCP X. Lo and behold, a year and 3+ updates later, I stumble across David Leitner at Filmmaker magazine this month who really, really likes FCP X and thinks that one day we will learn to love it.
His argument:
A big advantage of conjoined operating systems is that user-interface breakthroughs on mobile devices such as the iPad can readily migrate to Mac apps like FCP X — for instance, use of animation, multitouch, auto-saving, full screen display, Retina display, integration with flash architecture — all of which in turn optimize FCP X for use on portable MacBook Pros with trackpads. On the latest MacBook Pro with Retina display, for example, you can view full 1080p in FCP X’s small Viewer window.
Of particular significance: the 64-bit AV Foundation found in OSX supplants the now legacy 32-bit QuickTime framework (video files will continue to sport QuickTime extensions). AV Foundation brings, at last, multi-core and GPU-assisted speed to Final Cut Pro rendering tasks (using OS X’s Grand Central Dispatch and OpenCL), as well as full color management from input to output and finer time accuracy for subframe events.
In addition to incorporating OS innovations and building out extensive control of metadata and media management, the FCP X team sought to directly address several prominent trends in production: Digital cameras generate endlessly more footage than film cameras ever did, which must be readily reviewable and searchable. Multiple cameras are now common and often wild (no sync). Democratization encourages many to edit regardless of experience; at the same time, audiences expect perfect finished quality regardless of budget.
FCP X’s solutions, in order: fast Skimming with pitch-corrected audio, Keywords & Smart Collections, Multicam (introduced in January in FCP X’s third upgrade in a year), and a friendlier, less cluttered interface for those with less experience, with deep controls located just below the surface for experienced editors.
A big plus for Leitner is that it allows him a new conceptual approach to editing:
FCP X has no tracks. It adopts a different metaphor, one that Aeschylus would recognize. Instead of a timeline with tracks above and below, FCP X provides a single “primary storyline” that serves as a narrative spine, with a beginning, middle and end. Individual clips are “connected” at points along the storyline, floating on, just above (video) or below (audio) the storyline. A complex stack or sequence of clips can be collapsed and nested into a simple “compound clip” that can be edited like a single clip or momentarily reopened into its own storyline for internal editing.
The editor, free from worry about accidentally knocking clips or complex sequences out of sync, can playfully shuffle clips and sequences, focusing entirely on story structure.
Dispensing with the clutter of conventional tracks also favors use of FCP X on mobile devices and compact laptops with smaller screens — a clear nod to the future.
I like my timeline and I hate the iMovie timeline but I won't lie... I'm not hating on FCP X that much now. Maybe Apple was on to something from the get-go but messed up the rollout when they released an incomplete FCP X and abruptly shut down FCP 7.
Also, check out 7 pro editors on their experiences using FCP X.
The magnetic timeline can be hated. The fact you can only open one single sized keyword collection can be hated. We used to have many FCP bins open at one showing hundreds of clips. now we constantly scroll around to find clips. I hate that. Animating keyframes right in the FCPX timeline can be hated. It worked well in the FCP7 Viewer,
ReplyDeleteThose are some valid hates and it really seems like it will take a while to get used to because there's no denying that with the constant updates and improvements FCPX is getting we will have to start using it eventually. However, I do hope the FCP people realize that we still like our old timelines and ways of doing things so that they can find a happy medium with the new ways. I hope it's not just wishful thinking... change is hard.
DeleteWhy will we have to use it eventually? Change is fine if it's for the better. Magnetic timeline not for the better. Don't drink Apple kool-aid, it blinds you to everything else.
DeletePerhaps it's more of a case of Stockholm Syndrome. Next thing we know, we'll be robbing a bank in San Francisco for FCP X.
ReplyDeletelol... it's funny how we as a group of people can change our opinions en masse over time. Happens to artists, historical figures, books, fashions, etc... once reviled only to be later loved (or vice versa). We are a fickle people, aren't we.
DeleteMaybe that's a good thing... a Darwinian characteristic trait to help us survive over time.
"The editor, free from worry about accidentally knocking clips or complex sequences out of sync" maybe an in experienced editor or a fool. I don't need the NLE to do that for me. Don't get me started on the magnetic timeline bullshit or the fact that media management is STILL non existent and project sharing is a joke. SOMEDAY is not good enough for those of us who make or living as professional editors. SOMEDAY cars will not use gas but right now an electric car will only take you 30 miles on a charge. Does that make it better? Doesn't do you much good if you need to drive across country. FCPX has some great features but at this point in time, like the electric car its not there and we don't have the luxury of waiting for Apple to deliver SOMEDAY
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, Ron, an experienced editor doesn't need to be freed from a worry she won't experience because she knows what she's doing or her timeline being changed (which, btw, is one thing I still don't like about FCP X - I can't say it enough, I hate the iMovie timeline). I still use FCP 6 and 7 and only rethinking FCP X now after the upgrades and stuff. Although I plan to keep using them for the timebeing, some day I will have to use FCP X. And even though SOMEDAY is still far away, SOMEDAY will come.
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