EP110 Larry Jordan, President of Larry Jordan & Associates, Inc. – TV Matters
If you’ve Googled the words “Final Cut Pro” followed by “tutorial” in the last few decades, then the name of my next guest is likely already familiar to you. Larry Jordan, simply put, is a legend in video education.
Larry has written eleven books on media and software, thousands of technical tutorials, and created hundreds of hours of video training for almost all major training sites, including his own, LarryJordan.com. His two latest books are: “Final Cut Pro Power Tips” and “Techniques of Visual Persuasion.”
He’s a member of the Directors Guild of America and the Producers Guild of America. He’s received national awards as a “[Media] Industry Innovator” and “Top Corporate [Media] Producers in America.” He was an Adjunct Professor at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, from 2011 to 2020.
This blog post dives into a recent podcast interview with Larry, exploring his teaching philosophy, journey into video education, and his passion for empowering students.
Finding His Calling: From Live Television to Video Editing Guru
Misha Tenenbaum, the podcast host, begins by introducing Larry and his impressive list of accolades – books, tutorials, training videos, and prestigious industry awards. Larry, however, humbly downplays his accomplishments, expressing a drive to reach more students. “There’s always more that we can do. There’s always more students we can teach,” underscoring his dedication to empowering the next generation of video editing professionals.
The conversation delves into Larry’s path to becoming a video editing guru. Misha shares his own experience as Larry’s student, emphasizing how much more he learned in Larry’s class compared to his college education. Larry reveals that teaching wasn’t something he initially actively pursued. When a cross pollination of digital video and video production arose in the 90’s, he embraced it wholeheartedly.
Larry has experience directing live television, working in the ever-evolving world of computers, and eventually finding his niche in the dynamic field of digital video education.
Creating Garbage to Get Past Fear : Larry’s Teaching Philosophy
Larry understands the fear that often plagues students – the fear of inadequacy among their peers, or lack of confidence in their skills, or the fear of not being able to grasp the complex world of video editing. He emphasizes the importance of overcoming this fear, and shares a unique technique he uses: “creating garbage.” This technique involves students intentionally creating something bad. As Larry explains, it removes the pressure of perfection and allows students to embrace mistakes as stepping stones to learning.
Another important teaching skill Larry shares is the importance of explaining video fundamentals before moving on to the software. Building a strong foundation is essential for any aspiring video editor. For example, when teaching a class on audio mixinging in Final Cut Pro, Larry spends time explaining the audio meter and how it works. Even though that knowledge is not specific to any particular piece of software, the skill guides the student’s understanding of what they are doing and why as they learn the software.. In his own words,
For further insights into Larry’s approach to teaching technology, you can refer to his blog post, Thoughts on Teaching Technology.
Engaging the Audience: Humor, Charm, and the Power of Entertainment in Education
Misha compliments Larry’s engaging teaching style, specifically mentioning his humor and undeniable charm. Larry offers a chuckle and clarifies that this is a “teacher persona” he adopts in the classroom. He acknowledges his introverted nature outside the classroom, but recognizes the importance of captivating his audience while teaching.
Larry’s approach to presentations is all about audience engagement and entertainment, but never at the expense of valuable learning.
The Satisfaction of Inspiring a Generation of Video Editors
The interview concludes with Larry expressing his satisfaction with the feedback he receives from students. He’s particularly touched by comments highlighting his classes as the best they experienced at USC. Larry summarizes his teaching philosophy succinctly: capturing attention, driving learning points home, and making the experience enjoyable for students.
Here, Larry perfectly encapsulates his philosophy, “I created my own company and have been writing about and training in and still doing production for the last 25 years. But have I ever thought that I’m good at it? No, but I keep getting better.” This quote embodies Larry’s dedication to lifelong learning and his commitment to continuous improvement – a quality that surely inspires his students to do the same.
Larry’s passion for education extends beyond the video editing realm. In his blog post, How I Write a Technical Article he offers valuable advice for teachers who want to communicate complex information clearly and effectively.
Additionally, Larry critiques the current state of editorial training in his blog post, Editorial Training That Doesn’t Teach. This article is a must-read for anyone involved in the field of editing, regardless of their background or experience level.
AI: A Boon or Bane for Teachers?
Larry acknowledges the potential disruption AI brings to white-collar jobs, including education. He warns against the illusion of AI replacing teachers altogether. While AI can deliver information, it lacks the human touch that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and emotional connection.
Larry emphasizes that true teaching goes beyond simply imparting facts. It’s about enabling students to reach their full potential. This requires a creative, one-on-one connection that ignites a passion for learning and self-discovery. AI, by its nature, cannot replicate these crucial aspects of human interaction.
However, Larry raises a critical concern: the potential for AI to be seen as a cost-cutting measure by administrators. He highlights the ongoing battle to secure funding for quality education, a battle that may intensify with AI as a perceived alternative.
The Future of Teaching: A Call for Humanity
Larry concludes by stressing that AI is not about better teaching, but potentially a threat to quality education due to budget pressures. He envisions a future where people recognize the true essence of teaching: cultivating well-rounded individuals with the skills to navigate life’s complexities. Larry’s message is a powerful reminder of the irreplaceable role of human educators in shaping future generations.
