Top 10 MUST-HAVE software/tools for beginner FILMMAKERS “The basics”
Courtesy of cottonbro studio
INTRODUCTION
We all know just how important it truly is to have access to resources that can ultimately help us achieve our goals. So far in my pursuit of becoming a filmmaker, I’ve seemed to underestimate just how much I would need to be able to get the job done.
In this post, I’ll discuss the basic top 10 tools and software that I’m currently working with, and I’ll also share some of my favorite features about these software/tools if I had any. Let’s get into it!
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Top 5 Apps/software
# 1: Adobe Creative Cloud
Since day one, I’ve found myself constantly working out of the Adobe Creative Cloud. More specifically in Photoshop & Premiere Pro. The Adobe Creative Cloud offers endless tools to be able to create almost anything you can imagine. Like seriously anything! As an aspiring filmmaker, I can utilize this for editing my videos/films and creating posters and props. Adobe has quickly become a favorite for me.
#2: Microsoft Word
An old faithful friend of mine! Microsoft Word! This one needs no explanation. I use this software to map out my outlines for my projects.
#3: Final Draft
Final Draft makes my life so much easier! When it comes to writing my scripts this software already has the perfect settings that meet the standards. My favorite feature about Final Draft is that the software will remember your character’s names and auto-populate whenever you must write the dialogue for that character.
#4: Movie Slate App
There’s an app for everything! Especially for a slate. Using a physical slate is great and all but a digital one is better in my opinion. This app helps with filling in the necessary information that’s needed for your slate board. No more making a mess with those Expo markers.
#5: Story Planner App
The Story Planner app is yet another useful tool that I love to use to outline and organize my thoughts and details for my projects. This app will make the early stages of writing much easier. The writing process is already overwhelming as is. So, using this app to help have a visual outline is a must in my book.
Top 5 Tools
#6: iPad
I swear by my iPad. It’s light enough to travel with, and I can continue working on my project/studies, and so forth. There are so many things that I can go on about having an iPad in your arsenal but the key thing to take away from this is that it’s a must! I use this in conjunction with the Movie Slate App to display the slate.
#7 Panasonic/ Black Magic Camera
If you’re like me, you would’ve thought to go out and spend an unnecessary amount of money if you’re an aspiring filmmaker yourself. Initially, I thought I’d have to spend thousands of dollars on one decent camera but, now I wouldn’t agree with this. Unfortunately, I did go out and made the investment but, honestly, an iPhone or an iPad will do. But if you want to make a purchase, I suggest the Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 4k or the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85MK 4k. These two cameras are perfect to start off with.
#8: Tripod
It only makes sense to have a decent tripod to accompany your camera with you. I’ve had my fair share of purchasing some bad quality tripods and it can be a huge pain having to deal with. So please do yourself a favor and get yourself a decent tripod.
#9: Battery Pack/ Charger
This one is self-explanatory but, I’m going to mention this on this list. I’d also like to add that it’s always best to have at least two batteries. If one dies the other one is there for you! That is if it’s charged. Please don’t be like me.
#10: MacBook Pro/ Magic Mouse
At first, I didn’t think it mattered the brand of laptop should be. I’ve always had HP laptops in the past. But now I’ve been converted to MacBook. It’s so much easier to pick up where you left off. Everything is integrated making my job so much easier. We love to work smarter than harder. Apple can take all my money at this point.
Conclusion
If you’ve made it to the end of this post? I’d like to thank you! I hope you’ve gained some knowledge from this. If you have please feel free to leave a comment. And if you’d like to read more content please subscribe for more film-related material. Talk to you soon!
