What’s On the Spot All About?
It’s getting tough to get ahead these days. Editors are expected to know so many things… from graphics to audio, DVD authoring to Web compression. The truth of the matter is it’s getting hard to keep up with technology. On top of it all, professionals are getting too busy (and too competitive) to share knowledge. That’s where we come in.
The On the Spot series was created to help those who want to notch their skills up. Our approach is to pair you with top industry professionals and certified instructors who are willing to share their knowledge. These generous pros are willing to share their secrets for getting the job done.
Why You Need this Book.
Simply put, mastering Avid is tough. I know firsthand. It was the first edit system I learned. I remember reading the manual as well as hovering over other editors’ shoulders and watching them. I’ve had the fortune to participate in Avid’s Master Editor Workshop as well as their certified instructor program. Despite all of this training and ten years of hands-on experience, I learned new things in this book. The Avid software is DEEP! If you are honest that you can’t possibly know it all, then you can become a better editor.
Who Is This Book For?
If you read the back of the book, you’ve seen that we’ve targeted this series towards Intermediate-Advanced users. But since you work in a creative field, you probably don’t follow rules very well. The truth is, anyone can read this book and get something from it… but let’s set a few things straight.
A beginner can read any book, and get something from it… but you may have to work harder. Don’t be afraid of being labeled a beginner; it just means you’re starting out on an exciting new journey. We’ve all been there, and even pros will often try and pick up a new skill (and start all over again).
But hey, you’re probably an intermediate user. In fact 95% of folks consider themselves intermediates (okay I made that up, but it’s based on unscientific surveys at training conferences). The truth is, way too many people consider themselves to be intermediate users. There is no official time requirement you see, but sheer experience and knowledge is the real test. We’ve written this book to jump-start your technique. Reading alone won’t make you a pro, but the knowledge in this book comes from over thirty years of hands-on experience. If you are open to learning new things (as well as unlearning some bad habits) you can definitely become a better editor.
And for you pros, you are wise enough to know that a few nuggets of wisdom are always worth a search. Depending on your experience level, you may know some of these tips (but hey, it’s not a contest). Focus on what you need to know… when you find a new trick or technique; the time-savings alone will quickly pay for the book and your effort to read it.
How to Get the Most from This Book
Don’t try to read the book linearly. Shop for ideas, jump around a lot, and work your way through the chapters you need most. We’ve left extra space by the tips so you can jot down your own notes. If you’re a mobile editor, this book should fit nicely in your bag. Hit a tough spot, and just pull the book out when the client leaves the room to check for a new idea or a troubleshooting tip. Have a few minutes to kill, read a tip. We bet you’ll return to the application with some new ideas and new energy.
Of course not… but it is the most essential information and coolest tricks we thought you needed to know. There are plenty of great classes, online resources, and conferences worth checking out. And speaking as someone who’s often been told to RTFM (Read the ____ Manual) I can assure you that there’s good stuff in there too. We’ve just put the best stuff at your fingertips. Dig in, start to learn, and share this knowledge with others. Have fun… and remember, “The power is in the trim.”
Richard Harrington
June 2004
Series Creator and Editor
