Final Cut Express Book Files

The Apple Pro Training Series Final Cut Express DVD-ROM includes a folder titled FCE HD Book Files. This contains two folders: Lessons and Media. (In Lesson 1 you will be instructed on how to load these files onto your computer.) These folders hold the lessons (called project files) and editing material (called media files) you will need for this course. Each lesson, except Lessons 1 and 2, has its own project file, and they are so labeled. In Lesson 12, you will create your own project file from within Final Cut Express.

In the Media folder, you will find primary audio/video media file folders organized according to topic. For example, there are folders of media files called Vacation Fun, Working Out, and Surfing. Each of these folders contains media files that pertain to that topic. In the Music and Sound Effects folders, you will find the music tracks and sound effects used throughout the book. The Import-Export folder is used in the last lesson on finishing. Each lesson will guide you in the use of all the project and media files.

In addition to the lessons in the book, there are additional lessons on the DVD. These PDFs cover some of the more advanced features of Final Cut Express, such as motion effects, color correction, and advanced trimming, as well as two additional applications, LiveType and Soundtrack, that come bundled with Final Cut Express. Each of these PDFs also have a lesson project. Those projects can be found in FCE HD Book Files > Lessons > Lessons on DVD.

Final Cut Express can work in both standards and in DV and HDV formats. Although the project files on the DVD were created in NTSC, you can work with them successfully even if you are in a PAL system. Standards and standard settings are discussed in more detail in Lessons 2 and 3.

Also on the DVD is a folder called FXScript DVE's by CGM. This folder contains an effect you will use in Lesson 15. You will be instructed in that lesson how to add that effect, and any other third-party effects, to the Final Cut Express effect collection and access it during the editing process.