Digital Media department drops Final Cut Pro

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As the needs for competitive film-editing software have risen, UVU has decided to adopt Avid as it’s main video-editing tool. UVU’s Digital Media department has used Apple’s Final Cut Pro for non-linear video editing needs. A switch to Avid has been made, allowing UVU students to work with the lead video-editing program in the industry.

“We’ve been Final Cut Pro centric,” said Robert Trim, associate professor for the Digital Media department. “Apple decided to take the program in a different direction.”

According to Trim, the tools the university was after weren’t found in the newer Final Cut Pro program. Research found that Avid most suited the universities needs.

Avid is the world’s leading product for audio and video editing software. Businesses in the digital media are seeking employees who know how to operate the Avid program.

“We’ve made a conviction to stay on the bleeding edge of technology,” said Trim. “Our students come out saying, ‘I know Avid. I can work on these things.’ Employers are looking for that.”

The Avid class does not require any pre-requisites. Students who take the course can expect a very deep look into the Avid production system and prepare for the Avid certification test.

“Some students say this class is like drinking from a water hose,” said Trim. “What they are going to get is a very intense, very deep look at Avid and be able to use it pretty darn well when they get done with the class.”

Students are enthusiastic about the switch to Avid. Steve Hayney, a senior in the digital media program, finds the Avid interface to be more effective than prior software.

Avid is completely different,” said Hayney. “Different in a good way. Avid is keyboard based. You can do pretty much anything in Avid just from using the keyboard.”

The Avid course is not yet a requirement for Digital Media majors, but those focusing on digital cinema will want to take the class.

By Alex Gee

News Writer