Free Filmmaking Tools For Filmmakers

Hello friends,today i have come up with a very useful post about free film making tools that every film maker should posses. hope this post will help many of you who are new to film making and not aware of free tools which are available as open source. The meaning of open source is nothing but there won’t be any limitations for the software which you are going to use,you can explore anything and everything which that particular software offers to you. There are lots of utility software's available in the web world for free. By using all these software’s in your pre production and post production work you can take your film to heights. So, download all the software’s and learn how to use them to full extent, you can find lots of tutorials in the net. spend some time and learn how to use them,give a stylish look to your film making ability. And, i am going to post few more posts in detail about this free utility film making tools which are available in net as a series so kindly give your feedback.

Pre Production

Celtx : Celtx is one of the extra ordinary screenwriting/script writing software that is available on the net which is just equal to all the commercial  software's like Final Draft, Movie Magic, Movie Outline etc.,  all the software’s mentioned above will cost you at least 10000 bucks in Indian currency. Whereas Celtx is just available for free. To know more about this software just visit my last previous post Free Script Writing Software For Download.

Script Buddy : Script Buddy is a online script writing software that is available for free. The only thing you have to do is just create a account and login,start writing your script. That’s it..you can start formatting your script in minutes.

Screenwriting Pro : This is also one of the online software that is available for free to try for 30 days. You have to create an account, login to your account and simply start format your screenplay. That’s it. But after completion of 30 days you have to renew with an small amount of 4-5 dollars i guess. So, if you are prepared to spend some money this is a very useful tool for formatting a script.

Storyboarding Pro : This is a very useful tool for story boarding. You can download the software and its completely free, and you can get all the needed tutorials in the site itself. This is particularly designed for school students and film makers for the purpose of storyboarding. You can upload the scanned copies of images or drawings of your shots and you can view them as story. You can upload images. This is a very useful tool for independent film makers.

Production

Blender :  Are you an animator or graphic designer..? then this tool is meant for you..a fantastic tool for designing graphics and animations of high quality. This is completely free no need to pay a single penny from your pocket. Just download the software and start creating your animations. I have seen a animation film completely done with the help of blender, and the outcome is just awesome.

Movie Planner :  This is a very useful tool which can make your film making much easier. Film making usually will have lots of work to do before and after production. To make it easy and make your work into small useful pieces this tool will be very helpful. Just download and install it. I personally didn’t use the software. So, i can’t tell you how good it is. But this program is absolutely free.

Post Production

Audacity : Friends, this is just a fantastic sound editing tool which can be downloaded for free. I am using this very tool since so many years. This is a open source software and time to time you can get updated versions of this tool since so many volunteers will be working for the betterment of the program. You can get lots of tutorials on topics like how to use this program etc., a must post production tool to have as a film maker.

Virtual Dub : This is  a video editing program that is available for free. This won’t ask for large disk space and easy to handle. Program size will be around 14mb or so approximately. This is also a open source software and lots of versions will be available, so download the version which suits your needs.

Jahshaka : Have you ever seen graphics in films like Spiderman, Harry Potter..? this program does the Fx, CG work that is all needed for your film. This a fantastic program to have without any burden on your wallet. A must have tool for every film maker. Can work on al types of operating systems, you can edit, add Cg and Fx, image processing and lots more with the help of this program. Just download and install it on your machine.

Wax :  This is also a free tool that is available for free download. This is also a video editing program that is very useful for small graphics etc., small, easy to use and lots of tutorials available for this very program.  If you like to have a dump in addition to all the video editing tools mentioned above just go for it.

Cine Paint : This is also a video editing, graphics and fx program available for free. This is a open source software.  Helps in removing dirt, Cg graphics and helps in framing models and textures. this very program is used in lots of Hollywood films.

I will list out few more open source programs that are available for film makers. If you are aware of some more feel free to mention in comments.

Readmore...

How To Start a Script From A Blank Page

Hello friends, today we going to discuss about how to start a script form a blank page..this post will help you how to over come this difficulty and things to do to keep up your subject right on track. When i started my very first script project for a short film i have the same problem of where to start and where to end..how to arrange scene sequence etc., this is a natural phenomenon for any individual to bring a story from nowhere. So, these steps are just followed by me..i am posting this post for newbie's, if you are an pro writer please try to help this post to be more helpful. These are not must follow or to do things while you script for your convenience am generalizing this concept please try to understand..Any kind of comments are welcomed. I have already  discussed about how to format a screenplay and basics of script writing in my previous posts. Please go through if you are not aware of.

Arrange All Your Ideas At a Place

First thing what will happen when you try to start a new script is..many number of ideas will flash in your mind without any logic or completeness at the same time without any connection between each taught. So,try to place all your scattering ideas onto a paper. Write whatever you get into your mind. After completing all this stuff, now focus on each idea and try to match them  with your  other ideas so that you may match it as a subplot for your script. Now try to fix for a good and novel idea which you got now try to write a small synopsis of it. If you are not satisfied with your ideas don’t get panic, try to search for some more we have lots of chances to do so like internet,elders,subjects,epics etc., you can get a idea from anywhere but don’t ever think in a routine way..because your script should rock from the page one. So, routine ideas should be molded in a different way. So,first fix for a good idea..but ever think about time,be patient..because this is the pillar for your script.

Research On The Subject

Yes,when you think of a subject just go out and do your research on the particular subject. Didn't understand what am talking about..? Well i will tell you..For example if you want to do a film on Global warming..what you have to do is..first you have to know the pros and cons and results of global warming without knowing that you may not able to build the subject as good as when you the concept. So, take your time do your research..get as much as data possible..use it in your script where ever it is necessary.

Example For The Above Point:

Ghajini: Surprised..? Well everyone of you know about Ghajini film and what kind of a blockbuster it is..You know where script writer and director A.R.Murugadoss excelled in both the departments..? Unique idea..it may be a revenge love story but “Short Time Memory Loss” is the base of the movie, and he has done lots of research on the above concept of short time memory loss. The result is a huge hit.

Write Characters Backgrounds

A script or a screenplay is nothing but a writers brainchild. Script writer is the responsible and answerable person for the viewers who have to answer each and every aspect of his script. Character building is a very important aspect of script writing..because each and every character will have a graph throughout the film. If a particular character behaves in a abnormal way in the middle of the film then you can’t do full justice to your script. Still didn’t understand..? well let me explain..For example, just think you have sketched your hero’s character as a soft and decent individual who doesn’t go for any kind of dispute..now suddenly in the middle of the movie you can’t show him as a brutal murderer or a notorious criminal. And most important benefit of writing a character background helps you write a correct dialogue for that character without any deviation and helps you to hit the spot. So, try to write your characters background.I will continue this concept in my next post too..please try to post your comments so that it may help me to upgrade myself in writing more related topics and boost my confidence.

Readmore...

How To Format A Screenplay-Basics And Fundamentals

Hello friends, today our topic is about how to format a screenplay or script in a systematic order.Formatting a script or a screenplay is a very important topic and most awaited one for all of our readers...and most importantly i will just explain the main topics and will go to core details in my forth coming articles. Just before going into the concept i want to clarify a doubt expressed by lots of readers that what’s is the difference between a story,script and screenplay..

Story: This is nothing but a raw synopsis of the subject that what you are dealing about..that is there are no rules to be followed here..you are just creating the raw subject like Aladdin and Arabian Nights..there won’t be any details..just narrating the concept like a story that’s it..

Difference Between a Screenplay And Script: Don’t ever get confused between a script and screenplay..screenwriting is the oldest form of writing type and mostly used by Hollywood screenwriters, whereas in other parts of the world its a different case. If you are writing something for  any television program or for a radio then it is called a script,if you are writing for a television it is called teleplay..if you want to know different categories and types read this post Categories Of Films whereas a screenplay is a detailed script with everything narrated like name of the character,dialogues etc., a script can be screenplay but a screenplay cannot be a script without any dramatization.

Types of film Scripts

1. Spec Script
2. Shooting Script

Spec Script: A Spec script is nothing but a detailed script without any numbering the scenes and the writer  writes by his own without any payment are target assigned.

Shooting Script: Shooting script is nothing but each and every scene is numbered and a paid writer will handle this kind of script. Numbering the scenes is called Script locking. I will write a detailed post on script locking in detail later.

Elements Of Screenplay

1. Slug lines
   
2. Action
   
3. Parenthetical
   
4. Character’s Name
   
5. Dialogue
   
6. Transitions

All the above are called the elements of screenplay. In my earlier posts i have explained each and everything in details,if you didn’t go through that post please read this how to write a movie script. My next post would be steps to be followed for making a small idea into a full bound script. Please do follow. Please do give your feedback in comments form.

Readmore...

What Is a Directors Viewfinder

Hello friends, today i am going to deal with a small topic called directors view finder. 

What Is This Director’s Viewfinder And it’s Uses

A director’s viewfinder  is a small instrument that helps a director to find different camera angles and shots  without a movie camera thus help a director  to plan his shots with less work to do. This small instrument just looks like a half the part of a binocular with lens which are used to find the view of a shot and where to place the camera , very small and easy  to carry, with the help of this small device one can able to find most of the angles which  are only possible with a movie camera..but carrying a camera is a painful thing. Since this is a very portable device anyone can easily carry to any place. This director’s viewfinder helps in planning shots in a easy manner.

History

In olden days, camera’s use to be too big and heavy to carry..so automatically carrying those camera’s will be a hectic task…thus this small device was found for planning the shots.

Availability

I don’t know where we can buy these director's viewfinder in India,but one of the director from Telugu film industry told me that one can find director’s viewfinder in Chennai..Don’t know the exact location..if anyone of you know about this please try to share the concept and availability.Hope this article helped you all..any comments are welcomed..either good or bad please try to give a feedback..

Readmore...

30 Degree Rule In Film Editing

Hello friends,30 degree rule  is just another rule like 180 Degree Rule, 180 degree rule tells that all cameras should be kept only on one side of the subject in a multiple set up, where as 30 degree rule tells that there should be at least 30 degree of  change in camera angle while shooting sequence shots on a single person or subject continuously, this rule is mostly applicable for television format rather than films. But this is a very basic rule followed by every film maker world wide but the consideration of the change in the angle differs from person to person i.e this rule says that there should be change in the camera angle for about 30 degrees while shooting a sequential shots but most of the directors prefer 10-15 degrees of change in the angle rather than 30 degree.

This rule is helpful in overcoming jump cuts that may occur if same kind of shot is being repeated again and again. And this rule is a very fundamental rule in film editing.

Readmore...

Breaking 180 Degree Rule

Breaking 180 degree rule-Hello friends, from now on i would like to present my articles in a series so that it will be comfortable for the readers to follow every post in a serial manner without missing too many things,hope you all like this decision, in addition to this i am going to post at least one article everyday without fail. So, lets get into the topic now..breaking  180 degree rule is the concept now. I have already explained you in previous posts like what is 180 degree rule and what is screen direction is…now i will get into deep about where can we break this rule, what will be the consequences to be face if we break this rule etc.,

What Will Happen If You Don’t Know About This Rule

Let us assume that you are an film director, and your cameramen or cinematographer have done some mistake while framing some shot else he have placed the camera on both the sides of the subject..then what will be the result..? If you know the concept and rules to be follow then automatically you can able to rectify the problem there itself..else you have to be part of the mistake and more over you have to take the blame since you are the leader of your crew..If you know the rule and you want to break it then its okay we can call it as an experiment, but without knowing anything if you do some mistake it is not acceptable..so guys please try to go through all the concepts…

180 Degree Rule And Where It Is Used

As i told you before this is a very basic and fundamental rule to be followed by every film maker in order to bring smoothness and continuity in story narration. This rule is useful in:

1. Cinematography
   
2. Story Boarding---(To Narrate Screen Direction)
3. Editing

How It can Be Used In Cinematography

I have already wrote a detailed post how it can be used in cinematography in my previous posts, please go through those..i will give an example with images so that it can be understood clearly…I have already told u in my last posts what will happen if we break 180 degree rule..it will result in jump cuts and disorientation..i will narrate it with images..because single image can speak thousand words.
Assume a women is walking with a baby in cradle, camera is first placed on the left of the women..like shown in the image below:


Then the viewer will see like this,as the image shown below:


In the very next shot if u place the camera to the right i.e to the other side of the women, it will be like the image shown below:

Then it will look like this for the viewer,  as shown in the image below:


If u place all the above images side by side,

View Full Album

Just have a look at the above images, you will know what went wrong..did you get it..? when camera was placed to left on the women it looked like she is walking to left of the screen where as in the very next shot when we changed the camera to her right it looked like she is walking to the right of the screen what exactly is the reverse direction mention in the earlier shot. This is What happens if you break the rule.

When Can We Break The Rule

We can break the rule when you shoot a Reverse Angle Shot, if you don’t know about basic shots and camera moves please follow these posts, basic camera shots and angles. I will narrate you what is a Reverse Angle Shot,where it can be used and how to break the rule while shooting these kind of scenes etc., in my next post..please tell me your feedback in comments form.

Readmore...

There's No Short Cut To Success

Hello friends, this post is designed for the one's who feel that learning about concepts is a waste of time. Everyday am getting many number of mails asking me to tell some short cuts to scriptwriting and film making. So, this post is just like a clarification for all those who mail me with the above content that i don't know anything extra ordinary and i am not a god. Even great directors like Gowtham Menon, Mani Ratnam went to film schools or instead they worked as a assistant under some prominent directors. Hope these people who mail me are not beyond that, and please remember if u really like a field(may it be anything) one should have dedication, skills and hard word to cherish.

Getting Trained And Knowing Fundamentals or Basics About any Art is A Must:

I am very much surprised after reading some mails from our blog readers, stating that sir, i have an idea.. just tell me how to create a script or a story in a short cut process since i don't want to spend so much of time in learning things about screenwriting and film making, i am much more interested in approaching directors and producers rather than knowing something related to subject which can enlighten or elevate his ideas into a fantastic script. Well friends, getting trained and knowing basics is a must for any field let it be anything it is a must. if anyone tells u that there is no necessity to learn anything about film making and script writing then just blindly treat him like a fool and don't ever listen to him again. Just think, your aim is to become a good/great director, but u don't know anything about that..then what should be your idea..? first of all u should be a good student to become a good teacher. So, u should learn the subject in as many ways as u can..without knowing anything u can't reach anywhere. So, first try to gather as much as knowledge as possible then try to approach someone. There is no short cut to success.

Don't Mail Me With Personal Obligations:

Friends, i don't have any filmy background. i am just a normal upper middle class guy with lots of interest in film making and scriptwriting. I didn't go to any film school or don't have anyone to teach me. All the posts wrote by me are my hard of 3 years. i have started this blog to share my concepts with liked minded people like me.And with a intention to arrange all the concepts related to film making and screenwriting at one place. I don't know anyone from film industry, and more over i am interested in subject rather than meeting people or approaching a producer.I love film making that's it. If u have any advices related to development of the content please let me know i will be happy. But please don't ask me to introduce to some director or film maker. And to tell u, i don't get any income from this blog. And many of u doesn't know i have few more blogs related to different subjects, to maintain all these i need 5000 bucks/year..just feel about my interest in the subject and try to cooperate. If i have hurt anyone of u am really sorry, but after lots of mails i am writing this post. These are only my feelings hope u all understand. Thanks for your time.

Readmore...