LEARNING THE NEW 'STUDIO'

Apple's new Final Cut Studio package has sparked a lot of activity from manufacturers of companion and plug-in products. But just as active is the area of training, and in recent weeks, providers have announced incentives and opportunities for those looking to learn the apps or improve their existing skills.
Soho Editors (www.sohoeditors.com) in NYC reduced the price of its Gold Level Apple Certified training to under $1,000, allowing students, graduates or those affected by the recession to learn skills that can help them change careers or break into the post industry.
Future Media Concepts (www.fmctraining.com) is holding open enrollment for training on Studio 3. The provider has numerous locations and recently offered incentives on new software or upgrades, as well as the opportunity to take a free certification exam. FMC has also launched FMC|Online, an online training alternative for those who prefer not to travel. Participants join in on live sessions, where they receive feedback and assistance from the same instructors that host the in-person classes.
Also this month, the Manhattan Edit Workshop (www.mewshop.com) is offering FCP certification during HD Expo-Createasphere. The program includes a two-day workshop and exam that focuses on FCP 7. Those who pass receive a certificate from Apple that distinguishes them as an Apple-Certified Professional. They also have the right to use the Apple-Certified Pro logo on promo materials.
And Class On Demand (www.classondemand.net) is working with Final Cut guru Tom Wolsky, shooting new training videos for both FCP 7 and Studio 3.
John Klos operates LA's Big Time Picture Company (www.bigtimepic.com), an Apple Authorized Reseller/rental house with 40 Final Cut and Avid rooms. Klos says Big Time had the new version of Studio almost immediately, and began deploying it across all of their systems. The 4:4:4:4 color space, improved HDV codec support and XML interchange enhancements, says Klos, are all features that his clients will appreciate.
So, if you need to get up to speed on the latest features, there's no better time!