Every so often Anthony reads about some new software for Down & Dirty filmmakers, and he asks me to check it out. Recently he found Celtx, and I gotta say--this software is pretty damn cool. It's a veritable Pre-Production playground, and what's more, it's free. No, really! Back in March Anastasia posted a round-up of production software that Christina DeHaven recommended, and the programs are great, but they're pricey, too. So along comes Celtx, with no cost unless I wanna buy some webspace for my projects ($5 a month to share access to your projects with up to 5 people) and I'm swooning.
I watched some of the online "feature tours" to learn about the program, and then downloaded Celtx onto my MacBook. The download came with some sample project files, among them a sample screenplay and stageplay. You can fiddle with the sample projects, which helped me learn how to maneuver and best utilize the program. There's also a helpful tutorial for screenplay writers here, and I've posted it as a separate blog post below this one.
Celtx is super user-friendly. All pre-production files get saved in one project file, and they're easily excessible in a pull-down menu. Screenplays, storyboards, research files, and even website bookmarks are accessible in this pull-down menu. It's all right there. The storyboard format helps you organize yours shots (under each image you can label the shot size, and provide a detailed description of the action. To analyze your sequencing, you can play a slideshow of your storyboard.
Celtx helps you organize as you go; as you add information to your screenplay you assign it a label like "location," "character," "prop," and all the information gets stored in easily accessible lists and stays "intelligently tied to your script". So if I have a character called Tim, and I wanna know more about him, I click on his name in the "Master Catalog," and suddenly I can see his character description, including a detailed list of the scenes he's in.
You can even add notes and media files to your screenplay. The "Reports" section is probably the most helpful function for those trying to organize a large film shoot with multiple sets and characters. When you add your filming dates and locations onto your calendar, the program populates a weekly, one line, and shooting schedule. It also creates call sheets and scene summaries. This is some seriously helpful stuff!
The support for this program is pretty impressive, as well. If you have questions or concerns about the program, you can access the Wiki and Community Forum. Some of the add-ons are free, and some cost $, but the program itself is free. And that's just frickin' awesome.
A company out of Japan just released new movie editing software geared at editing newbies. Crazy name aside, "Super LoiLoScope MARS" looks like a pretty cool editing interface. The company calls the interface "game-like" and it certainly looks that way--it has got nifty tricks like a giant "magnet" you can use to organize your video clips.
Check out the video below for a sample of LoiLoScope's capabilities. I'm a fan of its toolbar, which lets you add and adjust visual effects to a clip while you're watching it. I also like the fact that users can save their work in formats for everything from iPods to YouTube. The major drawback? It only runs on Windows.
If you're intrigued you can download a free trial at the LoiLoScope website here, or purchase it for 69 good ole American dollars. Not too shabby, eh?
If you're looking for more info you can check out this article from The New York Times.
Ever wondered what was out there to help the Down and Dirty producer?
I talked with working producer, Christina DeHaven, about what programs she uses, and she recommended EP Scheduling and EP Budgeting. She told me in her opinion both are industry standards and the only software used across the board, and that almost all 1st ADs in the professional world us EP scheduling.
So I did a little research:
EP Scheduling
"Movie Magic's newest release offers increased flexibility and stability. With exciting new features and a more intuitive interface, based on input directly from the user community, a new level of scheduling versatility has been achieved. Breakdown your script, create scenes and enter all elements required for a shooting schedule.
Easily add elements to your breakdown sheets through a quick and simple interface. Drag and drop strip board in an easy to use visual interface. Pre-configured Reports - Breakdowns, shooting schedules, and Day out of Days are pre-configured or you can design your own. Import elements from popular screenwriting applications such as Final Draft and Movie Magic Screenwriter."
"EP's clients have long requested a budgeting application that would address the expanded range of needs facing cost estimators today. Greater flexibility. A wide range of options for comparing budgets and examining individual components. Capacity for an additional level of detail. More time saving features.
In response we give you Movie Magic's newest release, EP Budgeting, this revolutionary new budgeting and cost estimation tool. Forwards and backwards compatible with Movie Magic Budgeting. Intuitive, flexible format allows users to create and edit comprehensive budgets of all sizes, for all types of productions. Budget Production with Greater Ease and Accuracy. Quickly becoming the entertainment industry standard!"
List Price: $499.00
Click here for more info or to buy https://webstore.entertainmentpartners.com/epstore/default.aspx?catalog_id=EP&category_id=EPB&product_id=EPB-100NW
Academic Version: $194.00 Click here for more info or to buy http://www.showbizsoftware.com/Academic_EP_Budgeting_6_p/1007.htm
Don't be confused by an older version of these programs called Movie Magic Budgeting and Scheduling. While these programs are still available for purchase and work with EP Budgeting and Scheduling, the latter are the newest releases and they are becoming the industry standard. Also note that Movie Magic will not work on Intel Macs.
But perhaps if your looking for a more economical purchase, Chistina also told me about another program that is attempting to compete by combining both the budgeting and scheduling aspects into one program:
Gorilla 4
"Producing a movie doesn't have to be difficult. With Gorilla, all of your information can be stored in one place: Budgeting, Scheduling, Crew, Cast, Profit-sharing, Editing Notes, and even Film Festival Submissions. When it's time to create reports, Gorilla can generate over 80 industry-standard reports, from stripboards to breakdown sheets, budget top sheets to variances, your entire production can be run from one program. Gorilla is the only software package built with the independent producer in mind. You have to do it all, so why not have software that can do it all too?"
14 Shoot Day Limit 50,000 Budget Limit Track Multiple Projects
"Surprise!! You don't have to be a student to buy the Student Edition, all you need is a idea, a few people to work on your project and a copy of Gorilla, The Student edition. This edition includes everything you need to help put your production together. And when you are ready, upgrade to Pro."
"Launched in 2003, the Reel Production Calendar overcomes the limitations of traditional calendar programs and is the only calendar software with features created for managing all aspects of Film, Television, Commercial, Video and Media Production projects. From tracking Prep, through Shoot and Post -- it improves effeciency, saves time and supports communication."
Reel Production Calendar can also import production schedules from Movie Magic and EP Scheduling and scripts from Final Draft.
Price $129.00 (Discount available to Current Film Students) *Works with Windows only.
"The First Ever Budgeting & Actualization Software for Film, TV, & Commercials! When production starts Showbiz Budgeting keeps working too. Its built-in actualization tools lets you track purchase orders, petty cash envelopes, payroll and more. When you’re wrapped Showbiz Budgeting delivers the reports you need to make your wrap package look sharp. Jumpstart your budget with the most comprehensive set of budget forms ever."
Unlimited Budget Formats – AICP, AICE, CICP, Corporate Video, Film and Television – including all available studio charts of accounts. Work with both Macs and PCs off one license.
Click here for more info or to buy the Standard Edition - Price $299.00
Click here for more info or to buy the Academic Edition - Price: $99.00
BRAND NEW!!! Indie Film Bootcamp 6-DVD Set - 8+ Hours - Only $129!
The Down and Dirty DV Channel
If you like the free stuff you'll love the PREMIUM content. Buy a product or hit the donation button below and help me keep theses podcasts free and more frequent.
Click HERE to play these videos larger or on-demand.
Tired of clicking around. Wanna really get Down and Dirty? Cut straight to the chase with our ALL-NEW fully-illustrated guerrilla filmmaking manual that's topping the film book charts:
CLICK THE BUTTON BELOW TO BUY OR GET MUCH MORE INFOHERE.
However, you can't just fake it. There's a lot to know when it comes to covering weddings. Just because it's your first wedding video, doesn't mean it has to seem like it to your clients.
This ebook and audiobook are concise straight-forward tips and advice to help you prepare for and shoot dynamic wedding videos like the pros and never miss a beat.
Support Down and Dirty DV and let 'em know you roll "Any Budget. Any Camera. Any Time." with hot guerrilla hoodies, t-shirts, tanks, and more from the Down and Dirty DV Store.
Yes this is where you will find our infamous and much sought after Crackhead + Crowbar Sweatshirts to remind your crew of set security.
You can fiddle with the sample projects, which helped me learn how to maneuver and best utilize the program. There's also a helpful tutorial for screenplay writers here, and I've posted it as a separate blog post below this one.
The storyboard format helps you organize yours shots (under each image you can label the shot size, and provide a detailed description of the action. To analyze your sequencing, you can play a slideshow of your storyboard.
Posts
