Must-Have Post-Production Tools
Post-production is well-known as one of the most costly and lengthy elements of any video project. While there are many tricks and tools for the trade, certain post-production tools are a must. We’re showing you which post-production tools are absolutely necessary and which ones can be avoided if you’re working on a slim budget. Follow along to learn about the latest tools for the trade.
Free Post Production Tools
If you have no budget to work with, you can still have some fun with post-production and successfully render a final cut that is worthy of sharing with others. The following free post-production tools are useful when enhancing a film and finishing up without adding any fees or costs to the project.
Free Blender for 3D modeling and animation.
Blender is a free program that continues to provide more features and tools than virtually any other free program in the industry. In fact, many of the features that are found in this software are equally found in 3D apps that charge a fortune for use.
If you use nothing else, Blender is a great modeling and animation program with a top-notch community that is always ready to help.
Lightworks for editing.
Lightworks is available in several versions, one that is free and the pro version that will cost you $60. Both offer great features that can be used to produce final cuts that are top quality.
Pixelmator and Gimp for image editing.
Both offer free post-production image editing for free. Both are comparable to the tools offered by Photoshop in terms of film editing. Consider either before paying several hundred dollars for Photoshop if you’re on a tight budget.
DaVinci Resolve Lite for post-production color correction.
Changing the color and adjusting the balance of your final footage with this program used to cost several hundred dollars or more. In fact, similar tools that provide color correction run about a grand. However, the free version can be used to produce quality 1080p footage that is ready for the mainstream.
Post Production Gear
When you think of post-production tools you should think of more than just software. Various gear will help you make the most out of your editing in post-production.
As with any investment, post-production gear can be costly and should be researched before you dive in. None of the gear listed below is free like the software that was previously listed, but it is all necessary or at least highly recommended.
Editing keyboard for your computer.
If you didn’t know that there was a special keyboard for post-production film editors, you are sadly missing out. Editing keyboards include shortcut keys that are color-grouped by the function or editing tool that they relate to. Many editing keyboards can be found for under $200 and make the production editing process so much easier.
Speakers and headphones for essential audio editing.
If you don’t have top-quality headphones and speakers that allow you to accurately hear your sound mix, there’s a chance you’re missing important elements of your mix.
Editing desks that include built-in organizers and ergonomic design for maximum efficiency.
You don’t have to pay for a super expensive desk, but you need one that will allow for multiple monitors and all of your USB equipment to be organized and accessible.
Monitor mounts for adjustable viewing.
Whether you simply want to change the angle that you are viewing an image at or you need a side by side view, monitor mounts can make a decent desk a great desk. Various individual, double and triple options exist.
Ergonomic desk chair for your comfort.
You’re going to spend a lot of hours at a desk editing. An ergonomic chair is vital. Many options are available at various price points that can be worked into most budgets.
These are just some of the must-have production tools that will get you started with a role editing film. For help editing your film or for other questions about video production, call Beverly Boy Productions today at 888-462-7808.