About to buy a laptop + finalcut pro x

[Fever Dreamer]

Hi
I'm midway shooting a feature film , all going great, tons of hard work but so satisfying. In the past I have relied on friends to edit my short films on their computers and have yet to edit anything myself.
Now this is where I'm getting out of my depth. I was thinking of buying an Apple macbook laptop and getting Final cut pro x. I'm completely not a techy person but have to learn as I was thinking of editing the film myself. Any suggestions on what I should look for in a laptop GB etc and how easy/hard is it to get to grips with editing..Budget is around £2,000 hopefully less for laptop/final cut.. Thanks in advance from this complete newbie.

 

[Fever Dreamer]

Minimum RAM is 4GB - the more the better. 8 is much
better 16 is optimum. 1TB of storage is usually enough.
Get the most you can afford.

I have never used only a laptop for editing a feature. I
always use separate storage for the footage so I jump
back and forth. But it is quite feasible to do so.

thanks..yes this has Ram 16 GB
Storage ,not sure..! I was going to download just the clips i need to edit and keep HD clips on seperate hard drive, back and forth rather than storing every clip on the computer, assume this will make speed better..sorry, i'm such a thicko when it comes to editing and such..i'm v confident in directing, cinematography but this is something new that i really have to learn..thanks a lot

 

[Cracker Funk]

In my experience, editing is mostly trial-and-error. You don't know which footage is going to work until you actually put it into the rough edit. You need to be able to easily access all of it.

As I said before, not only am I a PC person but I'm also a desktop person, so I can't really speak to all of the issues you're facing. That being said, to the best of my knowledge, I think your plan looks solid. I don't think you need all of your footage to be on your computer's internal hard-drive. USB3 is pretty damn fast; an external hard-drive should work just fine for your footage.

 

[Fever Dreamer]

In my experience, editing is mostly trial-and-error. You don't know which footage is going to work until you actually put it into the rough edit. You need to be able to easily access all of it.

As I said before, not only am I a PC person but I'm also a desktop person, so I can't really speak to all of the issues you're facing. That being said, to the best of my knowledge, I think your plan looks solid. I don't think you need all of your footage to be on your computer's internal hard-drive. USB3 is pretty damn fast; an external hard-drive should work just fine for your footage.

Thanks..I filmed the feature knowing how it would be cut together 95% shot for shot, though obviosly there will be some playing around to get the most appealing edit! Admit that there will probably be some inconvenience not having all footage easily available at once and not having ahuge display but I'm on a low budget and just want to get thefilm finished for now..I'm pretty unorthodox when it comes to filmmaking and seem to always be doing something different than the norm I am definitely innovative and have got amazing things filmed on a 0 budget and never find that having the best equipment produces the best results..for me it's about being as creative as possible with what i have and not blaming my tools..would obviously go with a desktop but i'm back and forth travelling and so a laptop for now is the only viable option..thanks

 

[Cracker Funk]

Ok, I apologize for derailing and I promise this is the last time I will mention this.

I really think you should consider a PC laptop and Premiere.

 

[Fever Dreamer]

Ok, I apologize for derailing and I promise this is the last time I will mention this.

I really think you should consider a PC laptop and Premiere.

I'm open to suggestions so what would be the real main advantages over apple, and any recommendations on a pc laptop, thanks

 

[Sweetie]

has anyone here edited a feature film or documentary using just a laptop?

I know a bunch of people who have.

They typically throw the proxies on an external HDD and edit to their hearts content. When you're finished, link back to the originals and export.

You're probably going to need someone set your workflow up for you and to conform at the end. I'm not a FCP person and the way it's looking I'll never learn it, so I cannot be much more help.

Good luck.

 

[Fever Dreamer]

I know a bunch of people who have.

They typically throw the proxies on an external HDD and edit to their hearts content. When you're finished, link back to the originals and export.

You're probably going to need someone set your workflow up for you and to conform at the end. I'm not a FCP person and the way it's looking I'll never learn it, so I cannot be much more help.

Good luck.

thnx good to know others have edited features on alaptop..not sure when you say have to set the workflow ( what does that mean?) and conform at the end!

 

[Cracker Funk]

I'm open to suggestions so what would be the real main advantages over apple, and any recommendations on a pc laptop, thanks

The advantage is affordability. I'm not going to do the googling for you but the specs you're looking at for your hardware are way less expensive if you'd consider a PC. Macs are expensive, and in my opinion, they're not worth the extra cost, when the exact same thing can be had with a PC.

On top of the fact that you'd save a lot of money by purchasing a PC laptop, there's also the issue of your editing software. I've got some filmmaker friends who are die-hard Mac-heads, and therefore die-hard Final Cut Pro people. Every single one of them was vocally pissed off when they released FCPX. I haven't used it, but people whose opinions I trust tell me that it's a major downgrade.

Premiere, on the other hand, is kinda the best thing ever. And here we come back to affordability. You don't have to purchase the whole damn thing, in fact you can't. You can just rent the software for one month, sheeeiiit, you even have the option of a trial month. Honestly, for any filmmaker on a budget, I think they'd be dumb not to make Adobe their go-to software.

Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, Encore -- you're going to want to use these programs and they all work seamlessly with Premiere.

 

[Fever Dreamer]

The advantage is affordability. I'm not going to do the googling for you but the specs you're looking at for your hardware are way less expensive if you'd consider a PC. Macs are expensive, and in my opinion, they're not worth the extra cost, when the exact same thing can be had with a PC.

On top of the fact that you'd save a lot of money by purchasing a PC laptop, there's also the issue of your editing software. I've got some filmmaker friends who are die-hard Mac-heads, and therefore die-hard Final Cut Pro people. Every single one of them was vocally pissed off when they released FCPX. I haven't used it, but people whose opinions I trust tell me that it's a major downgrade.

Premiere, on the other hand, is kinda the best thing ever. And here we come back to affordability. You don't have to purchase the whole damn thing, in fact you can't. You can just rent the software for one month, sheeeiiit, you even have the option of a trial month. Honestly, for any filmmaker on a budget, I think they'd be dumb not to make Adobe their go-to software.

Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, Encore -- you're going to want to use these programs and they all work seamlessly with Premiere.

Thank you for your lengthy reply..it's definitely food for thought...researching this is like going down the rabbit hole...I must admit having apple does seem partly based on the brand which is not always the best reason to purchase..thanks

 

[Sweetie]

not sure when you say have to set the workflow ( what does that mean?) and conform at the end!

it's "set your workflow up for you". It means since you don't know what you're doing, you're best to get someone with a clue make the technical decisions for you. I'd hate for you to get to the end of a year long process only to need to start fresh due to some bone headed decisions.

Workflow is the steps you follow to get from beginning to end to get the end result you need.
Conform is what you do when you switch from the offline edit to the online edit. Partially, it's the process of relinking the proxies to the original media.

 

[Sweetie]

researching this is like going down the rabbit hole

It's complex and I suspect you're only seeing some of the solution. There are so many variables you need to consider and some of those variables are either unknown or only currently unknown to you. There are so many hardware options available. There are multiple editing programs, each have their own hardware requirements and quirks. Workflow options also add to the complexity and can help reduce or increase your hardware requirements. Your expectations and budget also come into play. Add to the level, you have many people with their own incorrect information muddying up the water (I've seen people suggest purchasing an expensive video card, which would have only reduced the persons bank balance with little to no benefit). I'm not surprised you're feeling a little overwhelmed.

Most editors don't accept dropped frames where others will put up with it to allow them to work on a less expensive machine. Some demand that their machine performs flawlessly with original media.

Everyone has their opinion. Everyone has their own way to work through projects.

 

[Fever Dreamer]

it's "set your workflow up for you". It means since you don't know what you're doing, you're best to get someone with a clue make the technical decisions for you. I'd hate for you to get to the end of a year long process only to need to start fresh due to some bone headed decisions.

Workflow is the steps you follow to get from beginning to end to get the end result you need.
Conform is what you do when you switch from the offline edit to the online edit. Partially, it's the process of relinking the proxies to the original media.

thanks..I really need to get someone to help before starting a big project like this..would just despair if I had spent a year editing only to realise that it all needs to be done again

 

[Fever Dreamer]

It's complex and I suspect you're only seeing some of the solution. There are so many variables you need to consider and some of those variables are either unknown or only currently unknown to you. There are so many hardware options available. There are multiple editing programs, each have their own hardware requirements and quirks. Workflow options also add to the complexity and can help reduce or increase your hardware requirements. Your expectations and budget also come into play. Add to the level, you have many people with their own incorrect information muddying up the water (I've seen people suggest purchasing an expensive video card, which would have only reduced the persons bank balance with little to no benefit). I'm not surprised you're feeling a little overwhelmed.

Most editors don't accept dropped frames where others will put up with it to allow them to work on a less expensive machine. Some demand that their machine performs flawlessly with original media.

Everyone has their opinion. Everyone has their own way to work through projects.

I want to order this https://www.amazon.co.uk/Apple-MacB...480250702&sr=8-3&keywords=macbook+pro+15+inch but have had conflicting views saying it will do the job to it no way has the power to edit a feature. I realise it will be less comfortable than a desk top but if it can psysically be done then that's fine. As I said I would download only the clips I need to edit,once that'sdone delete and then download andedit the next scene..keeping all the files on the External Hard D rather than clogging upthe laptop.

 

[Sweetie]

While I'm sorry I couldn't answer your questions, I'm glad to help give you some clarity on your next steps.

I really need to get someone to help before starting a big project like this..would just despair if I had spent a year editing only to realise that it all needs to be done again

Not only that, you'll need an experienced professional to help guide you. Not some amateur or even worse, some beginner who's unfamiliar with your footage, not knowing how and what you're trying to accomplish. You want to avoid those who don't know they're only giving you their best guess. Anything less and you may find yourself 6 months down the track stuck in the same hole you're trying best to avoid.

Good luck.

 

[Fever Dreamer]

While I'm sorry I couldn't answer your questions, I'm glad to help give you some clarity on your next steps.



Not only that, you'll need an experienced professional to help guide you. Not some amateur or even worse, some beginner who's unfamiliar with your footage, not knowing how and what you're trying to accomplish. You want to avoid those who don't know they're only giving you their best guess. Anything less and you may find yourself 6 months down the track stuck in the same hole you're trying best to avoid.

Good luck.

thanks..I know someone it Italy who is an editor who knows his stuff..partly why I need a laptop to go visit and work along side at times..though he's busy and I hate to bother him he will be paid & credited on the film.. I'm between uk and Italy 4/5 times a year. I need to learn myself as the film will be very creatively edited & I can't give the whole project to someone to edit as I need to have complete creative control and he wouldn't be the sort to have me sit beside him while he does the whole edit of a feature.

 

[Sweetie]

I want to order this

Is that one of those new MBP? I wouldn't know how to tell.

From what I hear, most professional editors who stayed with Mac have stuck with their old machines. I understand there's very little difference to warrant spending the cash to upgrade. That being said, most are also using Avid and the smaller but growing segment using Premiere Pro. The amount using FCP seems to be shrinking. It's not my ecosystem, I don't know why.

conflicting views saying it will do the job to it no way has the power to edit a feature

Could you edit a 4k feature using a long-GOP codec or some raw codec natively on that machine? I doubt it. At least not comfortably. With a proper workflow and media management, it'd be a piece of cake.

Graphics Card Description - Intel Iris - You'd need to work out if FCP requires a decent graphics card for both editing and rendering.

I could be off base, but I thought FCP uses ProRes as an intermediate codec by default. If that's the case, it may put most of the work on to the CPU, but at the same time, clog up the HDD, or even possibly, going beyond the drive bandwidth available to you if you use an external drive instead. It's all about identifying your choke points and making the appropriate decisions.

keeping all the files on the External Hard D rather than clogging upthe laptop.

How much footage are you talking about? 2tb SSD drives have fallen in price significantly. Having one of those for your proxy footage should be enough.

 

[Sweetie]

I know someone it Italy who is an editor who knows his stuff..

Talk to him. Let him know what you're after. Give him some samples of what you'll be working with and samples of what you're aiming to achieve.

he wouldn't be the sort to have me sit beside him while he does the whole edit of a feature

Sometimes it's like that. I'm currently working with a director with the exception of a few sessions, does exactly that.

 

[Fever Dreamer]

Could you edit a 4k feature using a long-GOP codec or some raw codec natively on that machine? I doubt it. At least not comfortably. With a proper workflow and media management, it'd be a piece of cake.

Graphics Card Description - Intel Iris - You'd need to work out if FCP requires a decent graphics card for both editing and rendering.

I could be off base, but I thought FCP uses ProRes as an intermediate codec by default. If that's the case, it may put most of the work on to the CPU, but at the same time, clog up the HDD, or even possibly, going beyond the drive bandwidth available to you if you use an external drive instead. It's all about identifying your choke points and making the appropriate decisions.

I'm at the stage where most terminology just goes over my head..it's frustrating..I know this FCP has a graphics card that helps w/speed but 'Prores' GOP codec - CPU - Choke points etc means nothing to me so this is why I'm finding it so hard to decide.



How much footage are you talking about? 2tb SSD drives have fallen in price significantly. Having one of those for your proxy footage should be enough.[/QUOTE]

I have about 15 sim cards 32 GB of HD footage

Appreciate all yr advice btw & I'll get to look at the terminalogy mentioned.
This is why I finding this whole idea of getting a laptop so daunting as I need to be sure it will have all the requiremnts I need down the line before spending the dough!

 

[directorik]

I have the almost opposite opinion than Sweetie.

You do not need a professional at this point. Learning yourself is
(in my opinion) essential. So you make mistakes - learn for them.
So it takes you a long time - after it's over you have learned. But
then, you said you would despair if you spent a year learning to
edit and didn't have the end result you want.

At the point it seems you are being bogged down in terminology.
Get the laptop you can afford and start the learning process.
Nothing you get right now will solve all current and future issues.
As you learn and grow as a filmmaker and editor you will need to
change equipment. You will not be using the same machine in
ten years, you may not be using the same machine in five.

Learn with what you have. Get better and grow over time. Don't
rush to be a skilled, experienced professional in a short period of
time. Build up to that point.

 

[Cracker Funk]

I'm with directorik. That Mac you're looking at will work just fine. I'm still of the opinion that you should consider a PC, but that's a different conversation.

You do not need a professional editor. You can become that.