15 Must-Have Freeware Programs for Filmmakers

With all the pricey cameras and equipment, filmmaking isn't exactly a hobby that screams "cheap." Lucky for all you free stuff-loving geeks, there are some options available that can help you make the most of your creative impulses. Many shareware and freeware programs for film editing, screenwriting, sound editing and storyboarding are available for minimal or no cost on the Internet as alternatives to more expensive programs that might do damage to your budget. Here are a few freeware and shareware programs to help you save a few bucks and still make a film that can "wow".

Pre Production

1. ScreenPro [66KB | Shareware $10 |Win All] So you've got a great idea for a screenplay but aren't sure how to begin writing? ScreenPro is a formatting template for Microsoft Word that can help you with some of the finer points for organizing your screenplay, freeing your mind to concentrate on creating the next big thing. The actual program is free to download; but a registered version free of guilt-trip inducing reminders is available for only $10, and comes with script analysis tools to help you create a better, tighter, and hopefully more successful script.
2. ScreenForge [174KB |Shareware $45 |Win All/Mac] ScreenForge is another screenplay template for Word. ScreenForge differs in that it not only has templates for the main screenplay, but also for the cover page and the title/fly page. The formatting rules by which it has been laid out are taken from a number of respected books on the subject, so you know you're getting a good layout for your ideas and one that will make you look professional.
3. Video Storyboard Pro [21MB | Freeware | Win All/Mac] Your complete lack of artistic talent shouldn't stop you from making storyboards for your film. Video Storyboard Pro allows you to plan out your film, shot by shot. You can indicate shot types, import photos and sounds, give advice to your cameraman, and even make notes on how you'd like to have the scenes edited. The website also provides tutorial videos that show you step-by-step how to use the program.
4. Directors Boards [3.2MB | Freeware | Win XP/Mac] Directors Boards is a free part of the larger Directors Notebook software (excellent, but unfortunately not free). Directors Boards is a very simple storyboarding application for creating storyboards from existing digital scans, illustrations, and photos. After you put it all together, the program can print the boards or put them into a digital slideshow that you can watch frame by frame and see how your film will unfold. It's a relatively easy way to put together a storyboard that won't require you to be an expert by any means.
5. Celtx [19.57MB | Freeware | Win All/ Mac/ Linux] Celtx is a program that takes the screenwriting process to the next, and slightly geekier, level. Not only does it come complete with screenplay editor, but it also the ability to collaborate with others through publishing to a website or file share access. It also manages several other aspects of the pre-production process like budgets, schedules, storyboards, prop and wardrobe needs, and a personal calendar.

Production

6. MonkeyJam [4MB | Freeware | Win All] For those interested in creating animated or stop motion films you are in luck - there's something free for you as well. MonkeyJam was designed primarily as a pencil-test program for 2D drawn animation, but since its inception it has been upgraded to include features that can aid in stop motion animation as well as frame flipping, which allows you to compare your previously shot frames to your current shot. You can also import images and sound files to add to your animation. You can then export these films as AVI files and send them out to your friends, post them on the net, or if you're really ambitious - send them to that animation studio.
7. Blender [11 MB | Freeware | All platforms] I know there are some people out there who scoff at the idea of pencil drawn animation. Not to worry, there is plenty of free 3D animation software for the taking for those opposed to such old school devices like pencils. The best of these 3D programs is Blender. Blender does a lot for what it costs. In fact, Blender offers features similar to those offered by high end and high price software. Geeks will revel in creating animations, rendering textures, digital sculpting, and many, many other cool features.
8. MoviePlanner [4MB | Freeware | Win XP] Planning a movie can be a complicated and sometimes overwhelming task with a seemingly endless amount of things to get done. You can make life a little easier by using a program like MoviePlanner. This software can help you break your movie project into manageable pieces and keep track of all the people and things you'll need to get your filmmaking hands on to make your movie. Essentially, it functions like your own personal assistant, without the coffee-fetching benefits.
9. Movie Magic Budgeting [140MB | Free Trial | Win XP/ Mac] Movie expenses can quickly spiral out of control (is the backup chicken costume really a necessity?). While Movie Magic Budgeting is only free for 15 uses it can help you get a start on budgeting for your projects. This is industry standard software that can help you estimate the cost of movies, commercials, documentaries and anything else you're thinking of filming. For those watching costs closely by using free software, monitoring expenses is probably a good idea.

Post Production

10. Audacity [2.1MB | Freeware | Win All/Mac/Linux] Audio editing equipment can be pricey, but you're in luck when programs like Audacity exist. If you're not a sound expert, not to worry - the program comes complete with tutorials. From there, you can record and edit audio, cut, copy, splice, mix, and add effects. The great thing about Audacity is that there are no limits on the number of tracks or the length of any track, except, of course, within the limits of your computer hard drive.
11. Sound Engine Free [456KB | Freeware | Win XP] Just need to make a few tweaks in your audio? SoundEngine Free is a simple two-channel editing application that allows track editing and remastering. While it's not as fancy as some of the more expensive software, it can be plenty useful for basic sound editing. And since it's free, you can hardly fault it for value.
12. Avid Free DV [22.9MB| Freeware |Win XP/Mac] For those who don't have the budget for pro-software, Avid Free DV can be a great way to get familiarized with Avid's pricier software. Avid Free DV is designed as a sample of the Avid interface so the features are much more limited than those of other Avid programs; but the software isn't limited by watermarks or time limits, so you are free to explore and use it at your leisure. Compared to other free programs, the Avid program contains powerful video processing tools in the form of various editing and effects. So it might prove a bit tricky to use for the beginner, but the site also provides tutorials to help you along.
13. VirtualDub [13MB | Freeware | Win XP] Once you're done filming you'll need to move your project from your camera to your computer for editing. VirtualDub is a video capture and processing tool that can help you begin your post-production work. It's not an editing tool, per se, though it does offer a few editing features like filters. Mainly, it's a quick and efficient way to clean up video before exporting it to an editing program or to make simple modifications to the video or sound. Video geeks will get a thrill out of its quick processing speed. It can be a useful intermediary tool, and for free there isn't much to complain about.
14. Jahshaka [11.8MB| Freeware | Win All/ Mac/Linux] Need an all-in-one tool to whip your film into shape? Jahshaka might be the free and easy answer to your needs. Jahshaka software is a video and film compositing, editing and special fx system that operates in real-time. And if all that wasn't enough, Jahshaka also throws in CG, paint and image processing. Jahshaka is comparable to many more expensive programs. Your film will look just as good as those with store-bought programs, but you'll get smug satisfaction from those extra dollars in your wallet.
15. CinePaint [4.2MB | Freeware | Win All/ Mac/Linux] Not every shot can be perfect. If you need to digitally retouch your work, CinePaint provides a great free option. CinePaint allows users to retouch, remove dirt, 3D model textures and much more. CinePaint is so good it's actually been used on a number of major productions (think "Spider-Man" and "Harry Potter"). What geek wouldn't want to use the same tools as the professionals?

While filmmaking may not be an inexpensive hobby, there are some ways you can cut costs by using free software available on the Internet. These programs can fulfill a variety of needs, and many — despite being free — are of professional quality. So what are you waiting for? Get started on making your blockbuster using these free and convenient programs!