Help with free movie making software | Forums

[AlfSkarphol]

Hi!

I have an 14 year old son who is very interested in making movies. He and his friends are currently recording movies with a HD-camera, and he wants to be able to add effects to them. He is among other programs mentioning "Rayfire" and "Realflow". Is it possible to obtain programs that can perform tasks like these programs for free, in a legal way?

Skarphol

[Wailwulf]

For doing free, the best i can recommend is VirtualDub

Virtual Dub is really more of a shot by processor then a video editing suite.

One of the most over looked parts is the animated Logo filter that you can use with it. This filter can be used to combine shots and add effects such as gun fire and explosions. Now, it is not quick or easy, but definitely cheaper then the 999 USD price of Adobe After Effects.

I know nothing about Rayfire or Realflow, but after taking a quick look, maybe the free 3d Program Blender might do alot of what he wants. And it looks like Rayfire is just a plugin for 3DS Max which is a few hundred dollars in itself

Looks like your son wants the best toys to make his movies with, but some of the best movie directors out there started with a super-8mm

There is also a lot one can do with video editing software. My current favorite is Sony Vegas, but I bought the over expensive version, should bought the one that was 30 usd less as the extras for me were not worth it.

I liked Roxio's video editing suite, I just don't like the fact that it wants to run in the background all the time.

I bought Pinnicle Studio Ultimate when Circuit city was going out of business so got it for more the 50% off and still feel to this day that it was the worst money spent

I even have a copy of After Effects 5.5 and almost never use it.


I mostly use VirtualDub (which is free) nut takes a while to learn at what it can really do, and Sony Vegas for actual editing.

[AlfSkarphol]

Originally posted by Wailwulf:
Looks like your son wants the best toys to make his movies with, but some of the best movie directors out there started with a super-8mm"

Yes, I think you are into a very good point here!

Thanks to your very thorough response, it was helpful! I have downloaded VirtualDub, now I hope he will be able to learn how to use it.

He is a little bit strange; he goes into the most complex plans and ideas with his whole heart and mind, and the next month it might be something completely different.

Skarphol

[Wailwulf]

"He is a little bit strange; he goes into the most complex plans and ideas with his whole heart and mind, and the next month it might be something completely different."

Sounds like me very much when I was a kid, and bit like me now.

VirtualDub is like a Optical printer in that you can change the look and feel of the 'footage' and add elements.

With a good paint program (Paint.net or GIMP, both of which are FREE) you can do some great stuff, it just takes alot of experimenting and tedious work.

I would also have a go at Blender, a completely free 3DProgram which allows animating.

If any help or questions, I am willing to help with what I know (I am no expert) Wailwulf (at) hotmail (dot) com

[AlfSkarphol]

Thanks again for the information!
I'll check into these programs!

Skarphol