When I began publishing my FCP-exodus articles last year, even some other ProVideo Coalition magazine writers thought and commented that my words were an exaggeration. However, now some of them are defecting from Final Cut Pro, and several other award-winning editors are doing the same. Part of the enticement to jump ship are the special crossgrade pricing being offered by Adobe and Avid, and part is the fact that they need either features which are currently missing in FCP X and/or the need to import FCP 6/7 projects in their new editor. In this article, I’ll round up the crossover pricing from Adobe, Avid, and SingularSoftware, which has reversed its prior policy based upon this new era of turmoil in video editing tools. I’ll also offer some quotes from editors who have moved or declared intentions to move.
Defecting from FCP to Adobe Premiere Pro CS 5.5
Matt Jeppsen of ProVideo Coalition and FreshDV recently published his article Switching from Final Cut to Premiere. First he explains why he’s rejecting FCP X:
Unfortunately, (Apple) cut a number of key features and functionality that I use on a regular basis, and totally changed the way that Final Cut Pro works. After reading countless reviews and watching tutorials on the new software, I’ve determined that I cannot run my business effectively with what Final Cut Pro X offers. Furthermore, the EOL’ing of Final Cut 7, Color, Soundtrack Pro, DVD Studio Pro, and Final Cut Server without warning or comment indicates to me that Apple no longer has a Pro focus, and concerns me about the direction of future software development. Some people say they intend to use FCPX on a limited basis, but I just don’t have the time and resources to straddle the fence and work with two NLE’s on a regular basis. I have to make a decision and run with it.
Then Matt describes his process to determine where to go next:
After reading a number of reviews and tutorials, I’ve determined that Media Composer and Premiere Pro both offer the functionality I need. I’ve since settled on Premiere Pro as my choice, as it is very FCP-like in its layout and operation, is affordable, offers tons of tools in the Creative Suite package, and also plays well with Adobe apps and other NLEs. Not wanting to waste any more time with an outdated and outmoded NLE, I’ll be transitioning my new editing projects to Premiere immediately, and weaning myself off Final Cut Studio as quickly as possible. I still want to learn the basic operation of Avid Media Composer at some point, as it will only make me more marketable to know multiple pro NLEs. But I intend to center my bread and butter, my daily work, around Adobe Creative Suite. Sure, I expect some pain and suffering along the way, but I believe that this is the right decision for me at this time.
Read Matt’s complete article Switching from Final Cut to Premiere here.
Defecting from FCP to Avid Media Composer 5.5
Director and Editor Rodman Flender, who used Media Composer for the first time to edit the recently-released documentary Conan O’ Brien Can’t Stop, said:
Faced with more than 8TB of Sony EX & JVC HMU footage, being able to take advantage of Avid Media Access (AMA), among other features found in Media Composer, were huge time savers. I think this project has made me an Avid editor for life.
Jonathan Alberts, a feature film and television editor who recently edited the 2011 Sundance Grand Jury Prize winner Like Crazy and is currently editing the third season of HBO’s Hung on Media Composer said:
I’m enjoying working on Avid again as part of my latest project. It’s good to see the company opening up and extending this offer to Final Cut Pro users so they can experience how the flexibility and speed of Media Composer can benefit their creative process.
Adobe’s crossgrade offer
Adobe recently announced a crossgrade program for video professionals who have purchased any version of Apple Final Cut Pro or Avid Media Composer and want to switch to Creative Suite CS5.5 Production Premium or Premiere Pro CS5.5. These customers will be eligible for a 50 percent savings on Adobe Creative Suite CS5.5 Production Premium or Adobe Premiere Pro CS5.5. Eligible Adobe suite and point product customers also qualify for the program, which is available until September 30, 2011. The 50% does not apply to regular upgrade purchases from a prior version of Premiere or Creative Suite. Click here for more information.
Avid’s crossgrade offer
The Avid Crossgrade offer for Final Cut Pro is available now. Final Cut Pro (excluding Final Cut Pro X) users can purchase Media Composer 5.5, with the Production Suite and free online training to help them move from Final Cut Pro to Media Composer, for US$995. This limited-time offer is scheduled to end on September 30, 2011. For eligibility requirements and more information, click here.
Singular Software’s 50% crossgrade offer
Even though Singular Software has previously said “no” to special sidegrade pricing for editors who decide to switch, times change. From now through July 17, 2011, current PluralEyes customers who are switching video editing applications can purchase a new PluralEyes license at 50% off. The crossgrade promotion is available to anyone that purchased PluralEyes prior to July 4, 2011. Each valid PluralEyes license key is good for one crossgrade discount code.
Customers who purchased a PluralEyes crossgrade license after June 19, 2011 should send an email to sales@singularsoftware.com with their original PluralEyes license code and the new NLE PluralEyes license code. Singular Software will send a 50% rebate.
For more information on this PluralEyes promotion, click here.
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