Behind the Seen: How Walter Murch Edited Cold Mountain Using Apple's Final Cut Pro and What This Means for Cinema

by Charles Koppelman

The first volume to reveal the post-production process of a major motion picture (Cold Mountain) edited entirely in Final Cut Pro!

Offers a rare inside glimpse at the creative process of one of cinema's threetime Academy Award-winning editor Walter Murch. Includes anecdotes from the director, edit staff, and producers; photos, emails, and journal entries from Murch; and behind-the-scenes insights. Accounts from Apple's Final Cut Pro team about what they think about the future of it in feature films. As the first software-only desktop nonlinear editing system, Final Cut Pro sat the film industry on its ear when it debuted back in 1999. Now it's shaking things up again as editor Walter Murch, director Anthony Minghella, and a long list of Hollywood heavy-hitters are proving that this under-$1,000 software can (and should) be used to edit a multi-million dollar motion picture! This book tells the story of that the decision to use Final Cut Pro, the relationship between the technology and art (and craft) of movie-making, how Final Cut Pro was set up and configured for Cold Mountain, how the software's use affected the work flow, and its implications for the future of filmmaking. More than anything, however, this is Murch's own story of what seemed to many a crazy endeavor-- told through photos, journal entries, email musings, and anecdotes that give readers an inside view of what the film editor does and how this particular film progressed through post-production. The book includes, in his own words, Murch's vision, approach, and thoughts on storytelling as he shapes Cold Mountain under the intense pressures of completing a major studio film.

 

 

Genres: Film

362 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 21, 2004

Reviews

[Connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not nearly as groundbreaking as the title would like you to believe but as with any book by or about Murch, this is less about the subject at hand and more about the mental acrobatics of Murch connecting his film work to the million of things that fascinate him.

Certainly more beneficial to someone who has seen Cold Mountain (more so if you liked it) but not a requirement. Rather than reflecting on his work in the film, the book docuements the editor's journey from pre-production to final mix and is a great record of how the technical and creative collide in the final stages of filmmaking.

The books gives just enough lip service to Final Cut Pro to merit the title but not enough to alienate anyone with a basic understanding of film vocab.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books that I have read about the filmmaking process. It focused on the editing process and final cut pro in particular, but I found it to be relevant to the other aspects of filmmaking as well. Walter Murch has a really fascinating personality and work process, and he also is quite the philosopher. So many things from this book are quotable for film and many other artistic disciplines. Charles Koppelman delved very deep into the making of Cold Mountain, and his thorough research is evident in this book. He also uses entries from Murch's personal journal which really help to flesh out the thought processes and emotions behind the filmmaking process. I found it to be informative, entertaining, and inspiring.

[Eugene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm loving this book so far... it's kinda geeky, but it talks about Apple and Final Cut Pro, and Walter Murch who is amazing, and the film Cold Mountain...

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing, inspiring book - and beautifully designed/presented.