CapMac member Sam Griffith has graciously offered to teach an Introduction to Digital Video Editing with Final Cut Express class, and we have been fortunate to locate a state-of-the-art classroom for students to learn the basics of this powerful application.
This Final Cut Express class will cover the following topics: Why Final Cut Express over iMovie? Capturing video Managing media Editing - 3 and 4 point edits Compositing Titling Exporting The goal of the class is to expose students to the major portions of the application, so that when you have completed the course you can read and understand the 750 page PDF manual that comes with FCE. Subsequent classes will cover more advanced topics.
Why do I need to take a class in Final Cut Express? MacWorld says "Final Cut Express's mission is to offer powerful editing and compositing tools while simplifying the editing process for novices ... Expect an initially tough learning curve if you're not familiar with how Final Cut approaches editing. You can get a feel for the process by building movies in iMovie, but you need to grasp the Final Cut method to really take advantage of what Express can do. In iMovie, there's one way to do everything. In Final Cut Express, there are three ways to do everything, and that's wonderful -- once you've learned the program."
When and Where is the Class? The class runs from 9 AM to 5 PM, Saturday, June 14, at Apple's Campus on Ridgepoint Drive (Building 2, map available here). There will be a one hour break for lunch. There are twelve seats available, and each student will be using a PowerMac G4 and Apple Cinema Display with FCE preinstalled. You do not need to bring a computer or own a copy of Final Cut Express to attend.
How Much Does it Cost? Since we must pay for the use of this classroom there is a very small tuition fee of 50.00 per person (75.00 for nonmembers). Comparable classes at training centers for digital media courses typically run into the hundreds or thousands of dollars, so this is a terrific deal and a very special opportunity. Current CapMac Members get first chance to register - if you are not a member you can join now and get the member rate.
I don't own a copy of Final Cut Express or Final Cut Pro! Final Cut Express will be preinstalled on the computers in the classroom, you do not need to purchase it. If you do not own a copy of Final Cut Express or Final Cut Pro and would like to buy it for your use outside our classroom we have arranged very special pricing for CapMac members through MacWarehouse. Details will be provided in the class and also posted to our CapMac Forums in the Members Only area.
		CapMac member Bob LeVitus wrote in the Houston Chronicle, "Final Cut Express has the exact same user interface as its award-winning big brother and includes the features you’ll want or need, while omitting Pro features you’ll almost certainly never miss."
Final Cut Express Features Final Cut Express Qualified Cameras Final Cut Express Resources Final Cut Express Support Final Cut Express Tech Specs		Please review the "Important things to remember" below before registering.
Register today to save your space in this class! Check spaces available in the Multimedia Area of our CapMac Forums		This class is fully enrolled. Please watch this page for information about future classes.

1. The class is limited to twelve students. Since we must pay for the use of this classroom we must charge a tuition fee to all attendees to cover our costs. These fees must be paid in advance. Current CapMac members only may register through the end of May. Beginning June 1 we will accept nonmember registrations if any spaces are still available. Once our class seats are full you can place your name on a waiting list by sending an email to .

2. Tuition is nonrefundable unless we are able to fill your space with another paying individual.

3. Each workstation will have Final Cut Express software preinstalled on it. You do not need to bring a computer or purchase any software in advance. We encourage you to bring a notebook and pen or pencil to take notes.

4. The class is being held at the Apple Computer campus, Building 2, 2401 Ridgepoint Drive, Austin, TX 78754. You can view a map and get driving directions here.

5. This building has secure entry access, so you will need to arrive between 8:30 and 9:00 AM to be admitted through the front door which faces Ridgepoint Drive.

6. If you have any questions or need any additional details please post a message in the multimedia area of our CapMac forums which are monitored regularly.

7. Once payment is received you will receive a confirmation email advising that you have a space in the class.

8. We reserve the right to cancel the class if there are less than 8 students registered or in case of unforeseen events (ie, classroom or instructor unexpectedly not available, etc.) and will notify you as far in advance as possible and of course provide a full refund.