I've been learning the ins and outs of DV and related software on my own...probably like most...and have "glossed over" or missed somethings that I'm sure would make life easier. Especially with software programs like FCP and Cleaner...I use 'em...but how well I use them is another matter.

So, I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with any of the Training CDs or DVDs that are offered (for various software) and if they are worth the purchase.

DVCreators.net (http://dvcreators.net/) has a series that looks good. And "The Intelligent Assistant" (http://www.intelligentassistance.com/) series looks pretty good, too. Any other suggestions or input?

The DVCreators' Power Start and Secrets cd's are thoughtfully designed and professionally produced. Personally, I got value from both. Such training materials, however, are easiest to use if you have a 2nd Mac (like a Powerbook) at hand to run them from. Trying to run the cd tutorials on the same screen occupied by FCP is an excercise in futility.

On the book front, Tom Wolfe's "Final Cut Pro Workshop" has been the most useful to me. Tom's a very experienced editor and presents the material from a practical application, rather than a feature list, perspective. The current edition only covers version 2.x. In correspondence with Tom late last year he indicated that a 2nd edition covering version 3 was due out this spring/summer.

Thanks, Ken.

I'm betting you've got a copy of "Bonfire of the Vanities" on your nightstand right now...and that's what put the name Wolfe in your mind. ;)

Actually, it's Tom Wolsky who wrote the book you mentioned. I'm going to heed your advice and hold off on buying the book until the new edition comes out. I like the fact that it's laid out by usage rather than being simply a guide to features.

I'll also look more closely at the DVCreaters CDs you mentioned. They looked pretty good when I visited the site, but it's nice to hear an unbiased endorsement.

<< zchildress wrote: I'm betting you've got a copy of "Bonfire of the Vanities" on your nightstand right now...and that's what put the name Wolfe in your mind. ;) >>

Whew, I guess I charred-out last night. Anyway, Tom WOLSKY hangs out at 2-pop quite often. I don't know where Tom Wolfe hangs out.

Anyone knows if such products are available for PC products like
Premiere, After Effects, Combustion etc.?

Thanks!

"Whew, I guess I charred-out last night. Anyway, Tom WOLSKY hangs out at 2-pop quite often. I don't know where Tom Wolfe hangs out."

My guess is that Tom Wolfe hangs out near a bank!

Another vote for the DVCreators stuff -- they pretty useful -- they've also updated Power Start for FCP 3.0. It's down loadable.

Indeed it *is* nice to hear an unbiased recommendation of DVCreators, because my own recommendation probably wouldn't count, as I've known Josh and Michelle Mellicker, Guy Cochran and Steve Martin of DVCreators for a couple of years now. They are great folks and they make superb training materials.

On the PC side of things, try Mike Gunter's Premiere Training at www.videotidbits.com -- and yeah, I know him too. ;-)

<<My guess is that Tom Wolfe hangs out near a bank!>>

LOL

Ken,

I posted a question about FCP on another board...and guess who answered it? Surprise. Surprise. (Hint: It wasn't Tom Wolfe...similar spelling)

I guess that's advice I can take to the bank. (And maybe bump into Tom Wolfe hanging out while there)

<Haw!>

Gee whiz, John... ask him to swing through here!