Delineating Three of Four Points: Three-Point Edits

Knowing that Final Cut Pro is a non-baleful, non-linear software assists us in a better comprehension of its three-point editing model. The significance of three-point editing lies in the fact that one is capable of allowing Final Cut Pro to function with more than a basic drag and drop Timeline. Hence, the word "Pro" is purposefully placed at the end of the software's title. Intrinsically, one has the ability to organize multiple clips into one product (movie) and link them to other media sources such as sounds, still images, etc. With its extensive amount of editing tools and techniques, FCP can assist one in creating high quality video projects that look and sound great.

In order to understand a three-point edit, it is important to know about the non-linear editing technique. The software's non-linear model allows one to venture between any two given points on a timeline without having to scrub through any material in between those points. Hence, a linear model would do the exact opposite. Take for instance University of Washington's example of comparing linear and non-linear models to that of an audio cassette and cd's. In this sense, linear editing would be more like a cassete where non-linear is more like a compact disc.

"For example, on an audio cassette, if you wanted to listen to song 3 and you were on song 1, you would need to fast forward through song 2: this is linear editing. On a compact disc however, if you are on song 1 and you wish to hear song 3, the unit simply jumps to song 3 without having to move through song 2: this is non-linear."(Basic Editing,University of Washington)

Once one grasps this concept, understanding a three-point edit becomes quite simple. It can all be understood through four points. That's right, when adding media to a timeline, one will need four points in order to conduct a three-point edit. Before getting confused, remember that there are two sets of "In" and "Out" points set up. One set is marked on the Timeline while the other set lies on the clip. The total amount of ALL of these points combined is four. The mindset here is that all you will only need to elucidate three of these four points while the fourth and last point is calculated through the program itself.

"Unlike drag-to-Timeline editing, three-point editing allows you to use both source clip and sequence In and Out points to specify the duration of a source clip and where it should be placed in a sequence. In most cases, only three edit points are necessary, and the fourth edit point is inferred automatically by Final Cut Pro." (Final Cut Pro 7 User Manual)

In FCP, one may use the "drag and drop" methods to define the "In" and "Out" points in a clip. The playhead's positioning on a Timeline may then be used to delineate that Timeline's "In" point. Thus, the clip is then placed causing the final "Out" point to be calculated. The method becomes utile particularly in instances of filling a media gap in one's Timeline or attempting to match an audio clip to a video clip.

Setting up these points can elicit a clearer, more concise flow to the exact product one desires to communicate. Videos that have undergone a Three-Point Edit appear to flow more smoothly as well as depict a more professional value to those who seek editing talent. Thus, a substantial amount of time, effort, and practice at Three-Point editing can ultimately become rewarding as one's editing proficiency rises.