Why is Final Cut Pro so expensive?

Because it's a complex and powerful software package and for the most part those types of packages can be very expensive. iMovie skips the higher functionality, features and flexibility of FCP (a lot of f's in that sentence) for ease of use.

There may be free alternatives, generally if they have a strong show of user in the support forum then they are likely legit and not bogus. it's up to you to find one you like.

Just found "Bribe Number 3"

As for "Bribe Number 1", that is merely a fond and fading memory of several hundred editors watching a slick presentation of colour-grading etc. with legacy Final Cut Pro.

Returning to the original question of this thread, I would like to stress that iMovie is an extremely capable editing app. Frequently film makers blame their lack of success on their equipment when often it is themselves that is the limiting factor.

The only valid reason for "upgrading" your equipment is because there is some vital process that can't be done easily with the current setup. So what particular facility (or facilities) are you missing in iMovie?

They have paid me most handsomely, read on for details . . .

I started using these forums in 2005 and became quite prolific, answering thousands of questions. . . . though many other contributors have done much more.

During that period I have to confess to being in receipt of 3 things:-

1. Free ticket to the "Legacy Final Cut Pro Roadshow" lecture when it came to Manchester, UK.

2. Free black, medium sized Apple T-shirt.

3. Free Apple leather luggage label.

Others have received similar "payment" so as you can see, some of us are deeply in Apple's pocket and our answers should be taken with caution!

Picture below shows me wearing "Bribe Number 2" about 5 minutes ago!

You seem to be missing the point and making the same mistake that many people make (including myself, a few years ago).

It's not generators, effects and transitions that make a good film, but the words, pictures and stories you tell.

Look at any pro or Hollywood film and you will almost never see any "transitions" other than straight cuts. Fancy, over the top transitions and effects are usually the sign of a very amateurish film . . . unless you are making a spoof documentary about poor editing techniques.

Many amateurs, having shot masses of poor footage and with no real storyline think that a load of flashy effects will rescue the material . . . but as they say, you can't polish a turd.

I was one of those blokes who went overboard (when computer editing came along), dropping in a variety of transitions, fancy effects and titles, not realising at the time, that the audience was not looking at my film but speculating on what the next effect might be!

How Much does apple pay you for these answers

They give you nothing and charge you nothing. It is a forum/discussions which have to be free.

ok jimmy

Flexibility and adding new background, transitions, etc.

I’ve used all the iMovie backgrounds, transitions etc., and iMovie does not allow me to download new backgrounds or transitions to keep it fresh and engaging.

+1 😎

So the Adobe production package is $75/month. Avid Media Composer is $1300. FCP with Compressor and Motion is $400.

The real question is why is it so cheap?

Final Cut Studio used to cost a LOT more, with paid upgrades every two years. Now, you only pay once, and get updates for free.

If you're in the U.S., sometimes you can find discounts on iTunes gift cards at retailers, electronics stores, or big box stores like Costco. You can use those gift cards to buy apps on the Mac App Store.

I agree with you, Tom, FCP-X is a tremendous value for the money - but did want to note that you can get Adobe Creative Cloud ( which includes 20 + apps) for US$50 a month, and if a student, for US$20 a month. The US$80 a month plan also include access to Adobe Stock, which may or may not have value to the OP if they are looking for an iMovie replacement.

That being said, if the OP is well skilled in iMovie, certainly FCP-X is the best choice, and is certainly worth every penny.

MtD

Madi0050304 wrote:

… Why is it so expensive?

Why is your Daddies BMW more expensive than your skateboard …?

I agree that FCP X is excellent value. If cost is a problem, you might want to have a look at Davinci-resolve. Whilst known mostly for colour correction it is now also an editor, much more capable than iMovie and there is a free version: https://itunes.apple.com/en/app/davinci-resolve/id571213070?mt=12

I have not tried it myself and it does apparently require a fairly high-spec Mac.

Geoff.