Final Cut Pro X Babbling

Since the day FCP X was launched, it’s been dismissively called a “prosumer” application. The implication being that it is not made for “professionals” to use. Well, I think it’s time to put this BS to bed. First of all, ‘prosumer’ is a noun:

Oxford English Dictionary Definition

prosumer

Pronunciation: /prōˈso͞omər/
NOUN

An amateur who purchases equipment with quality or features suitable for professional use:

‘The magazine is aimed at the prosumer who uses a $10,000 camera to make home movies of his dog’

So anyone implying this, or tacitly agreeing with it, is not actually disparaging the program, but the people who use it. Either way, it’s utterly incorrect.

Now, it is true that FCP X is probably the most accessible Professional NLE for people who are new to editing. The basic operation is very simple, and can be easily explained to novices. Not so with other NLE’s. At all. From what’s been said publicly, Apple aimed to make a program that ‘democratized’ video editing. And, arguably, they’ve succeeded. But that doesn’t mean that FCP X is not just as good an NLE for “pro’s” as Media Composer, Premiere and others.

Feature Films, Documentaries, Broadcast Television, Commercials, and lot’s of other ‘professional’ content has been, and will continue to be created in FCP X. But there are a lot of people, and companies, with  vested interests in perpetuating the perception of FCP X as less capable than other options. And nowhere are these voices louder than in the relatively tiny ‘high end’ market.

I don’t understand why so many pro’s still cling to the inane perception that Apple doesn’t care about them, or that FCP X – and by association FCP X Editors – aren’t capable of doing exactly the same high quality work as anything else. But here’s what I do know…

In Hollywood, we still use EDL’s for turnovers and finishing. In Hollywood, we still need to deliver motion graphics as image sequences rather than just transferring HD 2k or 4k (or whatever) movie files. We still sometimes finish material to tape. Yes, tape! In many ways, people producing hairstyling and makeup tips for YouTube are using more advanced workflows.

Some people don’t want to learn a new program even though it may make their job easier. Some people don’t want to use a program that might reduce their billable hours. Some people don’t want you to use a program that can do things in software that have been traditionally outsourced to them. Some people only want to use what their peers say is ‘good’. And some people don’t want you to use a program that decreases, or does away with, your reliance on their program.

If you’re a producer, FCP X can potentially save you time and money vs. other options. But if you depend on complexity and confusion for your livelihood, I imagine FCP X is seen as a threat.

So complain all you want that it’s iMovie Pro, whine about how Apple has abandoned the high end market, call it a prosumer program. Because name calling and FUD are really the only defense you have.

But… that won’t make FCP X go away. So you might as well just stop.