Top 5 Free Pieces of Software for Video Production & Editing

Film-making can be an expensive process, in terms of hardware, software and even the time it takes to produce and edit a video. But once you look past industry standard software packages, it is possible to find excellent production and editing tools without breaking the bank. Here are 5 great free pieces of software that would be useful to any filmmaker or video enthusiast…

5)  Blender is free 3D modeling software available for Mac, Windows and Linux.  A great way to get to grips with 3D modeling for animation or video games.  You can model, animate light, composite and render complete movies within the program.  All for free!

4)  Ardour is a free multitrack non-linear sound editor that can allow you to record, edit and mix together audio across an unlimited number of tracks.  It hosts a massive range of features including video-sync playback controls, unlimited pre and post fader plugins, complete automation and supports standard file formats such as WAV, WAV64 and AIFF.  Highly recommended for anyone looking for a budget solution to creating soundtracks or recording music.

3) ‘Chicken of the VNC‘ is a program that allows you to ‘mirror’ screens with a writing partner so that both of you can view the same application simultaneously.  Great for collaborative writing sessions and working on projects long distance.

2) FLV Crunch is an excellent piece of software for converting to and from flash .flv files.  It can be tricky sometimes when you are asked if you can deliver a film specifically in FLV (for web) and you don’t have the software to encode it.  With this you are able to convert to and from FLV as well as MPGs, MP4s, MOVs, AVIs and WMVs!

1)  Celtx is a free, open source screenwriting and pre-production software.  The array of tools are extensive, from tools for formatting scripts into stageplay or radio play, budgeting, working out schedules, character breakdowns… the list goes on.  It works on Mac, Windows and Linux and features online support.  You can even submit your scripts and films into an online community and take a look at other people’s work.

MITES runs a range of film and video training courses covering software packages such as Blender, as well as premium industry standard packages.We also sell and hire out video equipment with reduced rates for certain types of organisation.

To find out more, you can contact us on: 0151 707 4433 or fill in our email contact form and we’ll get back to you asap.

Graeme Weatherston / FreeDigitalPhotos.net