Free resources for filmmakers
In my workshops, I share a variety of resources to help students get hands-on experience with the tools used in the film, TV, and video industries.
Some of these, like the HollyView phone app, are handy to install before the workshop begins.
These free resources are readily available online, providing anyone with the opportunity to start their journey in video production and develop their skills beyond the classroom.
ScreenSkills
ScreenSkills - UK Film, TV, Animation, VFX, Games, and Immersive Media Skills
ScreenSkills offers various training opportunities, career guidance, and funding programs for those looking to enter the UK’s screen industries.
BFI - British Film Institute
BFI - British Film Institute
BFI provides valuable resources on filmmaking, funding, and educational programs, and hosts one of the most prestigious film festivals in the UK.
Free production templates
Celtx - Free Screenwriting Software
Celtx offers free and premium tools for writing screenplays, storyboarding, and more.
WriterDuet - Collaborative Screenwriting Software
WriterDuet is an excellent free resource for collaborative writing, ideal for students and teams working on scripts together.
Plottr - Story Outlining App
Plottr is a great visual tool to help writers outline their stories and structure them in various formats.
Pixar Storytelling Rules
Pixar's storytelling structure is perfect for young writers learning to develop clear and compelling narratives.Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world.
Writers Resources
StudioBinder - Free Call Sheet Templates
StudioBinder offers free call sheets, shot lists, and production document templates.
Film Sourcing - Production Templates
Find a wide variety of free, customizable production documents like shot lists, storyboards, and script breakdowns.
BlackMagic Camera App
Blackmagic Camera App (Apple Store)
Blackmagic Camera App (Google Play)
This app turns your iPhone into a pro-level camera, helping you capture footage with full control over settings.
HollyView Phone App
HollyView App - Hollyland Tech
This app enables wireless video monitoring, great for letting multiple students monitor a camera feed simultaneously on their phones.
DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve - Blackmagic Design
DaVinci Resolve offers one of the best free tools for video editing, color correction, VFX, and audio post-production.
CapCut
CapCut - Video Editor
CapCut is a free, easy-to-use video editor ideal for TikTok, YouTube, or simple content creation on mobile devices.
Free Video Assets
Pexels - Free Stock Footage
Pexels provides free stock footage that can be used in any type of project, from YouTube videos to short films.
Videvo - Free Stock Video Clips
Videvo has a large collection of free stock videos, motion graphics, and templates for students to enhance their projects.
Free Sounds
FreeSound.org - Sound Effects
FreeSound offers an extensive library of free sound effects and recordings for non-commercial projects.
Pixabay - Free Music and Sound Effects
Pixabay offers a huge collection of free music and sound effects that can be used in video projects.
Free LUTs
Color Grading Central - Free LUTs
This site offers a range of free LUTs to help students enhance their video projects with professional color grading.
LUTs by IWLTBAP
A collection of free LUTs for grading cinematic and other types of video footage.
Free Edit Templates
Motion Array - Free Premiere Pro Templates
Motion Array offers free video editing templates for Premiere Pro to help save time and make projects look polished.
Mixkit - Free Video Editing Templates
Mixkit has a great collection of free templates for Adobe Premiere Pro, as well as stock video and music.
Content Creators to Follow
Film Riot
A popular YouTube channel offering tutorials, filmmaking tips, and behind-the-scenes looks at short film production.
Indy Mogul
Focuses on DIY filmmaking tips, budget-friendly tricks, and tutorials for aspiring filmmakers.
Peter McKinnon
A photographer and filmmaker who shares engaging tutorials on camera techniques, storytelling, and video editing.
This Guy Edits
A highly respected video editing channel where professional editor Sven Pape breaks down scenes, shares editing tips, and offers insights into storytelling through the craft of editing.