These are some great programs for filmmakers trying to develop projects on a budget. There is something here for everyone. From Scriptwriting and planning to basic editing and 3D modeling. The great thing is that all this stuff is free. I really mean free, legal, and on the up and up. Top notch stuff. I like some of these programs better than their commercial counterparts.
1. Blender 3d (http://www.blender.org/):
Free 3d Animation and Gaming engine. Blender is the open source software for 3D modeling, animation, rendering, post-production, interactive creation and playback. Available for all major operating systems under the GNU General Public License. Free alternative to 3D Studio Max or Cinema 4D.
2. Celtx (http://www.celtx.com):
Screenwriting and Project Planning. Celtx is Pre-Production software for film, video, theatre, and animation. Use Celtx to create a story and organize your media project. It is available for Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows, and Linux. Free alternative to Final Draft.
3. Avid DV Free (http://www.avid.com/freedv/):
Professional quality Digital Video Editor for students. Avid Free DV is feature-streamlined, standalone software which includes basic video and audio editing capabilities, up to two streams of real-time effects and support for both Windows XP and Macintosh OS X platforms. Free version of Avid xPress.
4. Storyboard Pro (http://www.atomiclearning.com/storyboardpro):
Atomic Learning’s FREE Video StoryBoard Pro is designed to give teachers, students, and home movie makers a tool to plan ahead when creating video projects.
5. Storyboard Tools (http://www.dependentfilms.net/files.html):
PC ONLY based product that a film director, storyboard artist and film-maker wants to storyboard a movie on a PC in an organized way. This organizational tool helps to build up an entire storyboard project on the computer screen by taking images from various sources and can be printed in a portable form to be taken on set.
6. Daz Studio (http://www.daz3d.com/program/studio/1_0index.php):
Software application released by DAZ Productions. It is compatible with most files intended for use in the Poser 3d human animation. DAZ|Studio was designed as a free alternative to the Poser and serves as a means to increase the number of people participating in the field.
7. Celestia (http://www.shatters.net/celestia/):
Celestia is a simulation of the entire universe, based on current astronomical information. It includes beautifully rendered planets, moons, and some smaller orbital bodies such as Mir and the International Space Station. You have complete control over time and space and can view the stars from your chosen location and epoch. In addition, it is possible to create scripted presentations for complex demonstrations. It is available for Windows, Linux, and MacOS X.
8. ACID XPress (http://www.sonymediasoftware.com/dow…p2.asp?DID=551)
It’s easy to create original music-even if you’re new to loop-based music software. Download and install ACID XPress. Then, get loops from our Loops & Samples or from ACIDplanet.com to create your own music. Free version of Acid studio.
9. Terragen (http://www.planetside.co.uk/terragen/):
A scenery generator for Windows and the Mac OS. At this stage of its development, Terragen is free for personal non-commercial use. Terragen is capable of photorealistic results for professional landscape visualisation, special effects, art and recreation. Terragen is a free alternative to Bryce.
10. Audacity (http://audacity.sourceforge.net/):
The Free, open source software for recording and editing sounds. It is available for Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows, GNU/Linux, and other operating systems.