Video Editing Books

This is an excellent book and helped me when I started out in digital video a few years back.

Pros:
* Succinct and clear explanations of basic concepts in digital video.
* Very nice section on editing video
* Written in a very easy to understand format.

Great book, just go get it today.

I just started getting involved with Digital Video after I recieved a new Digital VideoCam few months ago.

I was seeking a good book for tips and techniques. Your book was well written and helped me understand 'how to do' and create great videos.

This book is a must from beginners to intermediate users. It explains the full process of digital video production. I enjoy the 'tips' and 'try this' features. It is easy enought for everyone to understand and start creating good videos.

i take videos, tons of them and i can honestly say that "faster smarter digital video" by jason dunn has helped me get better results on what i've needed to do. if you have a video camera and have been putting off doing something with all that footage, this is a great book to get going quickly...makes a great holiday present as well. nice work jason!

Whether you want to learn how to record better video tape, copy VHS tape to a DVD or view home movies on your handheld, you'll find lots of useful information in this book. It's clearly written with well thought-out examples and tips.

This book is VERY basic. I learned pretty much everything the book told me by doing my own research on digital camcorders, buying one (the JVC GR-D70U), and installing and running Pinnacle Studio 8. The book would not have helped me with my camcorder purchase decision, nor does its constant references to doing tasks running Windows XP help (since I use Windows 2000). I was also put off by the author's obvious bias toward Microsoft products. I realize this is a Microsoft Press book and some of that should be expected, but I've read other Microsoft Press books that were not nearly this bad. Ultimately, it's a lightweight read and a Microsoft marketing tool.

Fast delivery; exactly as advertised. This is generally recognized as the best book to learn this software program. I have the previous edition and purchased this as a gift to help a friend who has the newer version of the software.

I purchased this to further my education beyond the Apple Pro Training Book and it was well worth the money. I was a complete novice to this app (although I have used iMovie with all the Slick apps for years) so perhaps a seasoned user may not rate it as highly.

this little book has a clear, concise approach for introducing Final Cut Express. Have been very satisfied with the book, very impressed with the information imparted and they style used for imparting that info.

The book is VERY helpful and easy to read. Tom is also very active on the Apple boards so it's actual very easy to find the author of the book should you have a question not covered in the book.

After collecting five or more books, manuals, and videos, this is the one that got me into seriously using FCE!

Opens up the world of video/audio post-production on your home computer.
Software is already installed on most windows computers.

I've been doing photography since the 1970's. Until recently I never owned a camcorder. So I literally knew nothing about how to work with it or any kind of video media. This book totally solved this issue. If you're a beginner this is a great book for you. It goes deep enough to keep me going for the next few months. Eventually I'll outgrow it but not for a good while.What I like best about the book is that it really does start with the bottom line basics which everyone "in the know" assumes that you already know. But that's the problem that this book solves. Buy it!

To much reading,I needed more visuals. It jumps around a bit to. I would Recommend "Movie Maker 2 Visual Quickstart Guide By Jan Ozer"

If you have made slideshows and used pictures in PowerPoint or other programs, give Movie Maker a shot. Then after you fiddle with Movie Maker, give this book a shot. I have found it to be the very best guide to Movie Maker available and I don't think you will be disappointed. It gives a very good description of Movie Maker from top to bottom and the pictures on every page are beautiful and glossy. It is clear that the author spent a lot of time working on the book and it only benefits us as readers. Good luck with your movies and good luck with this book too. Enjoy!

While you could probably discover most of what's in the book on your own --- just using the program --- this will guide you to quickly understand the power of Movie Maker. It's not the best developed book on the subject. But it's a book worth buying and perhaps using as a reference or introducing you to the many rich features of the program.

I've been in love with still photography for over 35 years. Only recently have I developed an interest in video and video editing. I recently purchased a Pinnacle DV/AV capture card and Pinnacle Studio 11 editing software. This book is detailed and easy to understand. Would be lost without it. If you're going to use the software, buy this book!

Very definitely not an elementary level user guide. It is poorly written and must assume that the reader is already well versed in how to use the product. Its only saving grace is that the documentation that comes with the software is even worse. I would NOT recommend this book nor the software to anyone. I feel that I have wasted my money on both the software and this book.

An excellent product. Don't start using Pinnacle Studio until you have at least browsed this book. Much much better than the Pinnacle manual.

This 477 page book is an essential purchase for any user of Pinnacle Studio 11. The author, Jan Ozer, answers all Studio 11 questions before you even ask them. The book's screen grabs are very well annotated, and his discussion of program functionality is excellent. It includes all components in Studio 11, Plus, and Ultimate. These programs are simple on the surface, but have many complex and very confusing parts which this book explains clearly. It is the best manual I have every read; it makes using the poorly documented Studio 11 a joy!

While Studio comes with a printed manual (and how unusual is that these days?), this book is a necessary supplement. Its emphasis on the practical, along with inclusion of useful methods and workarounds, makes it the "go to" book when the manual doesn't answer your questions. Previous editions have saved me several times. There's only one thing I wish it had: a short section on what's new in Studio 11. The manual doesn't have such a section either, and what's on the software box is, not surprisingly, promo copy. The lack of a "what's new" chapter doesn't change the fact that this is absolutely required reading if you're going to get the most out of Studio. It would just make the book better yet.

Well organized and very clearly written. Mr. Luehren covers all the bases and strikes a great balance between necessary detail and unnecessary geek-speak. The book is engaging without being overly cute, like so many how to books can be. I would highly recommend this book for beginners and experienced users alike.

Wow! I feel like Steven Spielberg...
This book encompasses everything you would ever need to know to make the best web based home movies on the family web-site, or even learn to produce professional level independent web based film. Its several books in one! Its an "Adobe Premiere for Dummies" and it also covers advanced technical and cinemagraphic techniques specifically for web presentations. You will see a tremendous improvement in your video work if you study under Luehrsen with this tool. You will actually start using all those extra buttons on your camera, really!!

This easy to follow book on creating video for the web was clear, organized and a great aid in understanding the subject of web video: from shooting the footage to getting it online, and addresses all he downloadable and streaming formats.

Although the title seems to target mainly users of Adobe Premiere, as a Final Cut Pro user I found it full of practical advice and step by step instruction that I easily converted for my own used with Final Cut Pro.

If you are a novice in the field of web video, and need straight-forward instruction and explaination -- if you are interested in understanding how to approach and implement your video projects and deliver them to an audience of online viewers, this is a necessary manual to have on hand. It will provide you the tools to get the job done, and inspire you in directions that you may have thought beyond the scope of your personal learning curve.

Kudos to Thomas Luehrsen and Creating Web Video!. I'll be looking for and hopefully finding other titles by this author in the future.

If you know nothing about Adobe Premiere then this is not the book for you. The lessons are hard to follow and sometimes very confusing if you are not already familiar with Premiere. It's practically impossible to go through the tutorial from start to finish without getting totally lost. The book does have some useful information regarding compression and embedding so I gave it 2 stars instead of none. I know a lot of people liked this book and that is why I bought it, but I just don't think it is for a beginner. I started out not knowing anything about Premiere and video editing and I still know nothing.

I have taken classes from Mr Luehrsen so I was confident that his
book would be just as great as his "in person" teaching. I wasn't disappointed. It's well organized, the information is detailed, easy to understand and implement. I'm happy to have made the purchase.

Cut To The Chase: Forty-five Years Of Editing America's Favorite Movies is a rare look into the film editor's trade. In the format of an extended interview of Hollywood legend Sam O'Steen, editor of such renowned movies as "The Graduate," "Chinatown," and "Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf?", and with the assistance of his wife, Bobbie O'Steen (herself an experienced writer and former film editor) covers all aspects of the creative movie making process as it really is in the lumbering, confusing, and sometimes merciless machine that is Hollywood. Showcasing the stars that he worked with, and much more, Cut To The Chase is very highly recommended for any film student or movie buff curious about what really goes on behind the silver screen.

This is one of the best books about the film business I've ever read. Legendary film editor Sam O'Steen tells all about his craft and about the importance of the relationship between editor and director. In doing so, we learn how the editor's role was crucial in shaping some of the greatest films of the last forty years including Who's Afraid Of Virgina Wolf, The Graduate, Carnal Knowledge, Silkwood and others. The book is the transcribed conversations between Sam and his wife and fellow editor, Bobbie O'Steen. It is remarkably intimate and wonderful in its backstage gossip as Bobbie gets a great performance from Sam, a classic storyteller who pulls no punches. Critical insight into the technique of filmmaking is mixed with racous and often breathtaking tales of Hollywood before parents began sending their kids to film school as an alternative to being a doctor.

Sam and Bobbie O'Steen have given us an exceptional mix of Sam's takes on all the elements that go into movie making - human, technical, personalities, talent/no talent and gossip - in a way that made me feel as though I was in a living room listening to Sam O'Steen tell stories. What a treat.

Sam O'Steen's editor's view of movie making combined with quite a cutting sense of life is unique. His throw away lines about some executives and stars are very telling. His generosity talking about editing brings great sense to the whole movie making process, and his body of work (Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolfe, The Graduate, Chinatown, Rosemary's Baby, Catch 22, Carnal Knowledge, Silkwood, Working Girl, and all the rest...) allows him to speak with an earned cockiness. This book is a treasure for anyone who loves movies.

This book documents the creative evolution of the editor's role in Hollywood. Sam and Bobbie O'Steen weave a fascinating tale of how Sam worked his way from messenger at Warner Bros. to 'a pair of hands cutter' to master artist crafting the most amazing films that emerged after the fall of the studio system: "Whose Afraid of Virginia Woolf", "Catch 22","Carnal Knowledge", "Chinatown". He worked with the top artists of his time and shares many unique and special anecdotes about them. Along the way he gives us insight into a master editor at work, writing about the choices and changes that can make a good film, great. A great addition to film fan or film students library.

While I do recomend this book as a good insight into the politics of making a major motion picture, I found it lacking in the one area it should have exceled in-editing. As an editor myself I was looking for more insight to O'Steen's thought process and editiorial technique and less behind the scenes gossip. Skip all the chapters after "Chinatown". It is a good read up to that point.

Charles Roberts has for my money written the best introductions to both Final Cut Pro and Final Cut Express. If you want to get up to speed with either of these programs in a miminal amount of time, this is the book to get. It's something even a mother could understand!

Digital Video Editing With Final Cut Express by Charles Roberts (Assistant Professor, communications Media Department, Fitchburg State College, Fitchburg, Massachusetts) is a practical and highly recommended instructional and reference manual concerning how to use Apple's Final Cut Express editing software for optimum digital video results. Covering not only the software interface, but such issues as proper setup of Macintosh and Final Cut Express, an explanation of video hardware, means for troubleshooting a wide variety of problems and much more, Digital Video Editing With Final Cut Express combines black-and-white illustrations and screenshots with easy-to-follow narration to better instruct and draw out the skill and creativity of amateur and professional digital film makers alike.

I should have gone to a bookstore and looked at the books on Final Cut Express, but based on the reviews I thought this one would be great.

First of all, it deals with Final Cut Express 1.0.1. That's not the current version - so if you're buying FCX now, much of the info about drop-down menus and set-up will not apply to your software.

The book is very thorough in describing how to use FCX, but you have to read several paragraphs of explanation in order to figure out what you should do. The book would be more user friendly if it had charts or some way of summarizing the practical instructions. Right now the instructions are buried in paragraphs of explanation. I spent several hours just learning how to set up the initial preferences because it took so long to wade through all the info.

My suggestion: Use the DVD that comes with FCX to get a feel for what it can do, and then use the Help function when you need to figure out something new. This book is incredibly thorough and I may use it in the future, but for now it's easier to use the Help function and Google any questions I have.

Charles Roberts' "Digital Video Editing with Final Cut Express" is more than just another software manual. His insight into MAC OS and organizing workflow is invaluable to even the most experienced NLE user and the appendices clearly explain complicated technical concepts behind digital video and the hardware needed to create a working system for editing. I am already 'sold' on Apple's Final Cut Pro but Roberts' conversational style of writing and solid technical knowledge make an already accessible software even more so.

You won't go wrong with this book! It assumes no knowledge and takes you through the whole editing process. The appendixes alone, with advice on purchasing DV decks, the hardware you need for setup, plus tips and tricks makes it worth the price. I also feel more confident as an editor--the book covers Express as the vehicle for teaching about editing principles. It goes beyond the usual button pushing software books.

This is a very comprehensive overview of all the details that a prospective assistant editor should be aware of.

But the field of digital editing has changed tremendously since the book was last updated in 1999, and I found the sections on digital editing dated to the point of being useless.

Hopefully the author will update the book soon to include current processes for telecine and handling digital film and audio sources.

If you want a book that takes you through EVERY procedural aspect of assisting (film or NLE) then this is probably the book for you.

One drawback is that it might not be as specific as you may like, as it caters for Film, AVID, Lightworks... and it won't tell you which buttons to press. But conversely this adds to its longevity, as it isn't version specific, and so doesn't out date.

What it does tell you is how to work in the edit suite, what work practices are important and how to establish them.

It hundreds (and hundreds) of pages can seem a bit dense and imposing at first, and without some hands on experience you might get lost in the explanations, but this book isn't meant for a casual reader, it is a professional document that will widen your understanding. It might even help you blag your way into a cutting room.

Buy this book if you are serious about starting a career in drama editing (or any type of editing for that matter) as it will lay good foundations,

Well worth the cash.

This was a great book! You should write more.

This is the third and extensively updated version of Norman Hollyn's fantastic in depth review of what really goes into both working on and in the film editing industry. Presented in a format that puts you in the role of an apprentice editor, it covers so many of the details that one would learn only with on the job experience. This is more than just a how to book, it is also a "how it is" book with practical information from first starting out, to first job.

Mr. Hollyn (Editor of "Hair", "Network", and others) provides essential insights into the world of cinematic editing and how it will apply to a prospective Assistant Editor. The third edition includes additional chapters on digital editing.

I read a couple of FCE books. This is by far the easiest to follow and the one I learned the most from. I came back to it a few times as a reference. Having some initial experience with FCE makes it even more useful.

This book is a good start, its has a lot of dialog so its an easy read. If your looking for a reference book so to speak, this is not the book for you. If you want an introduction to FCE, this is the book for you. Be sure to check the version number of your software against what the book was written for.

Although I am a highly technical person that works with computers and networks every day, I do not enjoy dry, technical books that bear a striking resemblance to user manuals.

From the moment I read:

"Why Work With Final Cut Express?
- Final Cut Express rocks."

on page xiii of the intro, I KNEW I was going to enjoy this author. This step by step guide with accompanying DVD of material for the lessons is simply outstanding.

It is far preferable to learn how to use FCE from a professional film editor than from a computer programmer than only offers an endless list of "...and it can do this and this and this and..." The author uses the material from the DVD that was specially selected to illustrate key elements of editing and how to use FCE to accomplish each task. You aren't going to get experience like this by taking your latest home movie and using a manual of features to edit it. You are going to both a better filmer and editor for learning these lessons.

I am bursting at the seams with enthusiasm for my first project in FCE now!

(And might I add my in my professional opinion: Macs rock too!)

I have been playing around with iMovie for about a year or so, I finally made the move up to Final Cut Express to have more control over my editing. So I got the program and found that it had a very complex interface and no written manual! After reading through a few books at a local bookstore I decided on this book. Not only is the book a good price but it includes a DVD with footage that the author walks you through to teach how things are done in Final Cut Express. The author has a very relaxed writing style that is easy to read and enjoyable. I really believe Apple should have this book as a bundle option with the purchase of Final Cut Express, this is the written manual that should be in the box.

I threw in the Final Cut Express add-on when I bought my new iMac G5 - I didn't think I really had that great a need for it, but figured what the heck. At first I was disappointed as it wasn't as intuitive as iMovie (silly me). However, the more I played with it I realized all I needed was a guide book to help me along. This book filled that role perfectly.

It starts out explaining the basics of professional video editing, which cleared up about 50% of my confusion. It is easy to read and easy to jump around to pick and choose topics to explore. The text is structure as a start to finish tutorial, but I found it worked really well as a reference, too. I was able to quickly jump from the index to a topic when I got stuck or wanted to know how to do something.

Within half an hour, I was editing old footage of a Half Dome hike - not necessarily "like a pro". However, I was creating segments, adding text, importing Photoshop images (maps of Yosemite), and chopping out all the slow spots to put together a short "not quite as boring as before" video of the hike. =)

This book was perfect for me. I'd highly recommend it to anyone comfortable with iMovie who wants to move on to Final Cut - you won't need iMovie any more.

I had never used Premier Pro so I decided to read this book before starting. When I sat down to import my first footage I was plesantly surprised at how much I had retained. Its written in a very visual way that really sticks with you and conveys the concepts going on behind the scenes as well as the actual nuts and bolts of the program. Its written in a logical progression from start to finish that allows new Editors to take it a step at a time. The author spent time where it was needed the most and moved along quickly in areas where the learning curve was easier, encouraging readers to start with solid fundamentals and build from there. I was able to get right into a big project with confidence.

I have read numerous "how to" books on premier pro and editing, in general, but none as well written than this. By well written, I mean that he talks to the reader with the assumption that they know very little. Thus, his explanations and use of analogies are geared towards creating concrete images that one can use in understanding some pretty abstract concepts in editing. He makes the learning very visual. So, I would say this is an excellent book for visual learners. Despite the use of a great deal of text, he explains the processes in concrete visual terms so that you can better grasp and retain the concepts. Very well done.

OK I admit it, most of my work is done on a Mac. But I do keep a fully loaded PC in my editing bay for jobs that require PC apps. One of those apps I keep on board and up to date it Premiere.

What caught my eye about this book was the Editing Workshop concept.
This book not only benefits Premiere Pro editors, but editors in general.

I loved the illustrations in Chapter 5 on Trimming. You took the time to draw it out to describe Handles. A subject that causes many students much consternation.

Good job.

Had used Premiere Pro for an 18 minute project and had some of the major concepts down already. Knew my way around the interface a bit, but found that I really didn't feel comfortable, and knew that there was alot of stuff beneath the surface that I could really use. I have several premiere pro books that are really just manual replacements and I didn't want one more step by step "do this, then this" hand holding books. I wanted to get a handle on how to get my projects done and what tools Premier Pro had to help me.
The book covered all the bases: Acquistion, rough cut, tim, sound, effects, color correction and even some basic integration with other products.
I found the Editing Worksop to be a pleasure to read, and it gave me a much firmer foundation on how this NLE works, and what is really happening to my clips along the way. It is a great book for the beginner to intemediate user. I still find myself going back to reread sections as I work or as I read more advanced books. The book is clear, concise and well illustrated. Many illustrations are well thought out and designed to illustrate concepts rather than just pages of screen shots. The book manages to give a very comprehensive grasp of all the major features, without becoming lost in useless detail. Not the last Premiere Pro book you will own, but one of the best, and the one you should read first.

When I purchase a book like this, I am always hoping that it will be a one-stop, exhaustive resource for the application. A lofty goal? Maybe. However, this text falls utterly short of providing an in-depth look at Premiere Pro. I am the proud owner of many volumes in the CMP Books, DV Expert Series. Most of them are excellent, this one is unsatisfactory. It describes only the basics, and I mean the basics. It is not much more than a user-friendly owners manual. I've actually found the Help resource within Premiere Pro to be more informative. This book is only good for the first two weeks you are using the program. After you are acclimated to the interface and common operations you will shelve it and scour the internet for tutorials or tips specific to your needs. An editor that is serious about his work, needs to know his software from top to bottom. Otherwise, the scope of his creativity is curtailed due to an innadequate knowledge of process. Let me stress that this book is only worthwhile to the most inexperienced editors and users new to the Adobe Product line. In addition, the DVD is total garbage. Most volumes in the DV Epert Series have pretty decent bonus/tutorial material. This one does not.

On the positive side - No gripes about the writing style, after all I'm looking for industry professionals here, not poets. It will get you up and running if you are brand new to Premiere Pro.

Overall - Would not recommend this text.