So you wrote a script, you have access to a camera, and your website is ready to upload your work to. You're all set, right?

Actually, no. How are you going to edit your film? How can you make your film stand out with titles, effects, and other post-production elements you want to have? This article will tell you about a few software packages that can help you complete your film...without spending a single cent.

Step 1 - Prepare Your Footage

For the purpose of this article, I'm assuming that you already have your footage digitized/imported and stored on your machine. If you don't have this step taken care of, make sure you check your camera to see what options you have for doing this and get it transferred to your hard drive(s).

NOTE: As a general rule of thumb never use USB to import/capture your footage unless you are using a camera that doesn't use tapes. You should always use Firewire 1394 connections to import/capture from your tapes because the data rate difference between it and USB can alter the quality of your footage!

Step 2 - Editing/Effects

The first thing you have to do is edit your footage - you never want to work on effects, titles, music, or transitions until you have at least a rough edit of your project complete. If you start to add too many things before you have your edit done, it can be very hard to adjust them later when you go back and review your work. There are a number of free software packages that you can use to edit with, and below is a short list broken down by operating system. Once you've picked an editing program, you may also want to add visual effects or other elements into your project. The good news is most of these applications (with special note to Jahshaka) can add effects or even animation to your project as well as edit!


Windows

Jahshaka - An extremely powerful program that lets you edit video or audio, add effects, and even animate graphics!

VirtualDub - VirtualDub is a video capture/processing utility for 32-bit Windows platforms.

ZS4 - is an advanced video editing and compositing software package.

Macintosh/Linux/Unix

Jahshaka - An extremely powerful program that lets you edit video or audio, add effects, and even animate graphics!

ZS4 - is an advanced video editing and compositing software package.

Step 3 - Audio

What about audio? After checking to make sure your audio isn't protected under copyright (there is a list of free music sources here) you should be able to add it into your timeline with an editing program. If you want to tweak the files or apply effects to your chosen audio tracks, you might try one of these programs:


Windows

Audacity - Audacity is free, open source software for recording and editing sounds. One of the best applications out there!

Goldwave - GoldWave is a top rated, professional digital audio editor.

Kristal - KRISTAL Audio Engine is a powerful multi-track recorder, audio sequencer and mixer.

Quartz AudioMaster - Easily record audio, in perfect sync with Midi, with any instrument or microphone or assemble already existing audio materials or music loops.

Anvil Studio - This program lets you record/compose/sequence music with MIDI and Audio equipment, and play with music using a computer and sound card.

Macintosh

Audacity - Audacity is free, open source software for recording and editing sounds. One of the best applications out there!

PlayerPRO - PlayerPRO is at once a complete music editing software and a SoundTracker player.

Linux/Unix

Audacity - Audacity is free, open source software for recording and editing sounds. One of the best applications out there!

Step 4 - Exporting

Lastly, the final step is to export your video. For instructions on how to do this, please see How to Submit a Film which addresses a few popular software packages and the specific settings that should be used with the deviantART Film gallery. Also note that the Help & FAQ has some great info on issues that may come up along the way!

I hope this article helps you out, be sure to comment if you have any questions!