Take a look at these five software programs that are sure to spark your filmmaking creativity. Tutorials included!
Learn about five different software programs you didn’t know you needed for filmmaking. (Or, maybe you’ve heard of them, but not sure where to start.) A lot of these programs are free and we’ve included links to where you can find them, as well as tutorials to help get you started!
1. Google Earth Studio
Google Earth Studio is a browser-based animation tool for Google Earth’s satellite and 3D imagery. You can easily keyframe a virtual 3D camera and output an animation, or you can use one of the quick-start projects for even faster results.
You can also output animations to After Effects with tracking data, then add in your own custom graphics. Google Earth Studio is free to use for news, research, education, and nonprofit use.
Want to know more? Check out Jason Boone’s YouTube channel, Boone Loves Video. He has a ton of Google Earth Studio tutorials, and he’s an awesome resource for any map animations in Google Earth Studio and After Effects.
2. Cine Tracer
Next is the cinematography simulator CineTracer, which can quickly be described as a videogame that uses Unreal Engine to previz your video projects. It’s also handy for creating detailed storyboards because you’re working with 3D models. You can experiment with lighting, camera options, and choose different locations and times of day to match your project.
Cine Tracer is available to purchase on Steam and works on both Mac and PC. On our channel, Todd has a full tutorial about using Cine Tracer and his first impressions, so definitely check out that video, too.
3. Krita
Krita is a free, open-source painting program. You can use it for story boards, or creating hand-drawn 2D animations. You can experiment with a ton of different brush styles, and it has a similar interface to Adobe Photoshop. It works on Mac, Windows, and Linux.
The YouTube channel KDSketch has an awesome tutorial on getting started using Krita for animations. She also has a ton of other Krita videos and amazing animation content on the channel, as well.
4. Cavalry
Cavalry is an application that focuses strictly on 2D animation. This provides a lot more options and creative control than you would have in After Effects, where motion design settings can feel clunky at times.
And, if animating characters isn’t your thing, Cavalry has a built-in physics simulator. It’s also great for creating HUD or menu animations. Cavalry has a free trial option and paid plans between $20-30 per month.
Creative Dojo has an awesome video on his YouTube channel about getting started using Cavalry. He shows a lot of the unique features and benefits of the software.
5. Unreal Engine
We have to mention Unreal Engine, which is a real-time 3D game engine. However, you can really think of it as a creation tool, like any other 3D program.
There’s no denying the real-time benefits a program like Unreal Engine can bring to filmmakers and video creators. We see it used all the time now in big productions, like for the effects in The Mandalorian.
Check out Jonathan Winbush‘s YouTube Channel WINBUSH for a ton of tutorial content based around Unreal Engine. Jonathan also recently created a fantastic beginner’s tutorial on How to Get Started Using Unreal Engine 5 for School of Motion.
Bonus MagicaVoxel
Ok, so MagicaVoxel isn’t technically filmmaking software. However, you sure can create some fantastic filmmaking assets with it.
MagicaVoxel is free software that anyone can download, and it’s used to create the ever-popular voxel art. Not too sure what that is? It’s basically a fun medium between 2D pixel art and more realistic 3D creations. And, with the 3D element thrown into the mix, it allows you to get creative with light and shadow.
Over on our sister site, PremiumBeat, I’ve made two tutorials. I also have a starter kit (below) that you can download for free, so make sure you check those out.
A few more filmmaking jewels just for you:
- 7 Filmmaking Podcasts That Are Worth Your Time
- How Kubrick Used Mostly Natural Light on Full Metal Jacket
- Datamoshing 101: How to Make Your Footage Look Trippy
- 14 Effects Tutorials Inspired by Marvel’s Loki, WandaVision, and More
- 5 Inexpensive Filmmaking Accessories You Need to Own
Cover image by Giedriius.