Getting Into FCP

[Lanny Cotler]

I'm sure this pedestrian question has been put before the group many (too
many) times. But I need your advice.

Here's what's up: I'm a film director/screenwriter who has decided to say
goodbye to film and big budgets and large crews. I want to do documentaries
-- thinking globally, videotaping/editing locally.

I just bought a G4 system. Very nice. Quite nice. But I'm having trouble
"getting into" FCP. I have many projects started (many hours shot), but I
can't seem to get into FCP. How do I begin?

I've read three books...and I'm still stuck at the logging stage.

I would like to be taken in hand for a few days by someone, or some course,
or some wonderful tutorial -- and be taught how to "get into" FCP.

I know I sound dense or stupid, but I'm neither. There are just too many
"features" to FCP, too many preferences to set -- so that whenever I get
stuck I don't know how to get unstuck.

And now I have been hired to make a short (15 min.) video of talking heads
talking about a particular subject. I have to shoot 30 hours in the next
few weeks...and then I'll have two weeks to edit it down to 15 minutes. I
said I could do it, but, really, my knees are shaking. What to do?

Your suggestions would be most appreciated.

Yours,

Lanny Cotler
(q.v.: imdb.com)