We've actually been editing on Final Cut Pro since way back in the Version 1.2.5 days.  A lot has changed since then and the tools included in Final Cut Studio range from sophisticated Motion Graphics & Sound Track Pro Audio sweetening, to a separate Color correction program along with Character Generator favorites like LiveType. 

   Editing is perhaps the most unpredictable of elements to consider in Video Production.  While we prefer to work alone at the beginning of rough project edits, appointment based group editing can be arranged and even performed online.  But this step usually takes place towards the end as a sort of 'clean up' session.  Face-to-face consultations are always free as long as they are appointment based.

   However, the most affordable route usually involves having one point person making key decisions after careful review of the source footage.  If the project is under 30 minutes, online updated versions can be posted and reviewed at the client's own convenience. 

Video Editing and DVD Authoring are both $50 pr Hr (which generally tends to be a pretty 'long' hour).

Non Profit rates are $35 pr Hr for Editing and / or Authoring.

Part of the process is organizing and logging in the video tapes.  Since this is not as labor intensive as editing, we charge less.  But tapes are analogue and eventually have to be read in that way.  So it is necessary that we charge something ($10 pr Logging Hour).  You can also look at this as a rental charge for the amount of data that your project is using.  For further information regarding this, please visit the "Hidden Costs" page.

  For dual camera shoots, we tend to average 2 - 3 Editing Hrs for every fully edited hour.   On a 3 or more Camera shoot, it's usually 4 - 5 hrs pr 1 Hr edited (more shots to work with).   While every shoot is unique and may require more or less than that, we always aim for a 2:1 ratio or 3:1 ratio on straight forward event shoots.

   Of course, a :30 second television spot can take anywhere from several months of editing to just a couple hours, so there isn't a perfect formula to determine exactly how long something will take. 

   A major source of unknowable time anomalies involves compression.  Whether it's a DVD or a web conversion, the longer the final length of a project usually dictates longer compression times (or rendering).  While we do not charge for rendering / compression (it's included in the editing charges), it can throw off schedules or make it tough on deadlines.  While actual editing time may only be 5-8 hours of work, some of the rendering might have taken anywhere from 5 Hrs to 2 days!  It's advisable to consider this when a last minute change is requested before a looming deadline.  You can't rush rendering...

   The best bet is to plan for any projects ending with final running times of 2 hours or more needing at least 1 to 2 weeks worth of work / digital acquisition / editing / compression / rendering & dealing with other intangibles.

   Essentially, we want to get the product done right, on time and out of our hard drives as soon as possible.  But unforeseen variables almost always come in to play.  As quickly and efficiently as we like to complete projects, the real budget usually depends upon how well organized & prepared the client is for both the shooting and editing process.

   Time Code DVD's can be made available within a week of any shoot if that helps in your planning (free of charge unless multiple sets are required).