Industry-Standard Software Should Be Free
Discover why industry-standard filmmaking software should be free and how access can empower filmmakers to create without financial barriers.
From the editing bay. (Specifically, the one with the broken heater.)
Thursday, January 18th
Hey Filmmaker,
(This is not a paid endorsement, I promise.)
For many aspiring filmmakers, the journey to bringing creative visions to life can be challenging, especially when it comes to accessing the tools required to produce high-quality work.
Today’s industry-standard software for editing, visual effects, color grading, and audio is powerful—yet often comes at a steep price.
But does it have to?
Today, we’ll explore why I argue industry-standard software should be free and how it can open doors for those looking to make their mark on the film industry without breaking the bank.
This Issue: Industry-Standard Software Should Be Free…
Last Issue: Celebrate a Failure with Me…
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So There I Was… (Story Time)
So there I was, a fresh-faced filmmaker with big ideas and… limited resources.
I had finally taken the leap, leaving my stable job to pursue filmmaking full-time.
I was beyond excited, but I quickly realized that the road ahead would be much more difficult than I imagined.
Like a lot of newcomers, I had to figure out the technical side on my own.
After all, no matter how good the story, a film won’t reach its potential without solid editing and post-production.
But just as I started to make headway, I ran into a huge roadblock: software costs.
Every program I looked into—from editing suites to color grading tools—came with a price tag.
And not just any price tag; these were subscription fees that could easily eat up what little budget I had.
I remember thinking, “How can this be right? Creativity shouldn’t come at a cost that high.”
And then I discovered DaVinci Resolve!
It was free, and yet, it was every bit as powerful as the paid alternatives.
That single discovery changed the course of my career, giving me access to tools that professional editors and even major studios use.
(Download the free version here.)
Why Filmmakers Deserve Free Access to Industry-Standard Software
1. Accessibility for Emerging Creatives
Filmmaking is one of the most financially demanding creative fields.
From equipment to location rentals, there are costs at every turn.
Adding expensive software to the list is a burden that many emerging filmmakers simply cannot bear.
By offering industry-standard tools for free, software companies would enable creatives from diverse backgrounds to produce work that can compete with the best.
Take Tangerine, for example.
Shot entirely on an iPhone, this Sundance breakout film is proof that technical limitations shouldn’t hinder creativity.
With accessible, high-quality software, more filmmakers can produce projects that challenge the status quo without worrying about budget constraints.
2. Freemium Models Prove It Works
Companies like Blackmagic Design, the creators of DaVinci Resolve, have shown that offering a “freemium” model benefits everyone.
The basic version of DaVinci Resolve is free and provides nearly every feature a filmmaker would need, including high-resolution editing, color grading, and even VFX tools.
For those with bigger budgets or advanced needs, there’s a paid version. This approach allows filmmakers to get started without upfront costs, while more advanced users still have the option to pay for additional features.
DaVinci Resolve’s success story is a clear indicator that offering a free tier is both profitable and sustainable.
It levels the playing field, allowing filmmakers to choose when, or if, they want to invest in additional features.
3. Reducing Barriers to Innovation
Access to industry-standard software encourages experimentation and innovation.
When filmmakers have access to the same tools as large studios, they can experiment, take risks, and push boundaries.
And without the worry of high subscription costs, more filmmakers would feel free to explore, iterate, and improve their craft.
Consider independent horror films, which often lead innovation with creative effects and storytelling on tight budgets.
Accessible software allows filmmakers to explore genres without financial risk, bringing fresh ideas to screens worldwide.
4. Bridging the Gap Between Indie and Professional Filmmaking
Traditionally, there has been a wide gap between the tools used by indie filmmakers and large studios.
But software like DaVinci Resolve is closing this gap, allowing independent creators to use the same tools as Hollywood pros.
This democratization of technology helps indie filmmakers produce work that’s polished and professional, whether it’s a festival submission or a feature film.
The film Moonlight was edited using industry-standard software but had an indie budget.
With software that levels the playing field, filmmakers everywhere can compete on quality, not budget.
Examples of Industry-Standard Software That Offer Free Access
Let’s look at some examples of industry-standard software that have adopted freemium models or offer free access to their tools:
DaVinci Resolve: Known for its high-quality editing, color grading, and visual effects capabilities, DaVinci Resolve is a favorite among professional editors, and the free version has features that rival paid competitors.
Blender: An open-source 3D creation suite that provides tools for animation, VFX, and game development. Used by professionals and hobbyists alike, Blender’s free access model has built a strong community and is now even used in major studio productions.
Audacity: A free, open-source audio editing tool that is popular in film post-production and podcast editing. Although not as feature-packed as some paid software, it offers enough to get most editing jobs done.
By providing free or accessible versions, these tools allow filmmakers to hone their skills and create high-quality content without heavy financial investment.
The Benefits of Industry-Standard Software Being Free
1. Learning Without Financial Pressure
For students, learning how to use industry-standard software without subscription costs is invaluable.
Free software allows new filmmakers to explore, learn, and even fail without a financial hit.
As these filmmakers enter the industry with professional skills, they’re more prepared to tackle real projects from day one.
Imagine a film student, fresh out of school and eager to start creating.
If they’re saddled with expensive subscriptions, they’re at a disadvantage.
But if they have access to free tools, they can jump into the industry with skills already sharpened.
2. Increasing Diversity in Filmmaking
When software is free, it opens doors to a broader range of voices.
Not everyone has the resources to invest in expensive software, which often limits the field to those who can afford it.
With free, accessible software, filmmakers from diverse backgrounds can bring their stories to the screen, adding unique perspectives to the industry.
Films like The Florida Project, which captures the perspective of children living in poverty, benefit from fresh voices who often come from non-traditional backgrounds.
With free software, these voices become louder, more varied, and more impactful.
3. Building Loyal User Bases
Free software models also benefit the software companies themselves by building a loyal user base.
When filmmakers start using a particular tool from the beginning of their careers, they’re likely to stick with it, recommend it to others, and even upgrade as they advance.
The trust and loyalty built through free access is invaluable.
DaVinci Resolve, for instance, has become a mainstay for many filmmakers, and as they progress in their careers, they often choose to invest in the studio version for advanced features.
4. Creating New Avenues for Filmmakers to Monetize
With more filmmakers able to create high-quality content without upfront costs, there’s more potential for them to monetize their work.
Filmmakers can create content for YouTube, short films, or even client projects at a professional level without needing to offset massive software expenses.
Consider High Maintenance, which began as a web series and evolved into a hit show on HBO. The creators started on a small budget, with free or low-cost tools, allowing them to build a following and eventually monetize their work on a grander scale.
Why It Matters: The Power of Free Filmmaking Software
To recap, here’s why it’s essential for industry-standard software to be free:
Increases Accessibility: Levels the playing field for new filmmakers and allows access to professional tools without a financial burden.
Drives Innovation: Enables creators to experiment, innovate, and produce high-quality work without worrying about budget constraints.
Encourages Diversity: Brings diverse voices to the industry by removing financial barriers, enriching the stories that reach audiences.
Builds Loyalty and Trust: Creates lasting relationships between software companies and users, establishing long-term loyalty.
Supports Monetization Opportunities: Allows filmmakers to produce professional content that can be monetized without having to offset heavy software expenses.
Final Thoughts
The case for free industry-standard software in filmmaking is clear: it levels the playing field, brings diverse stories to the forefront, and enables innovation that drives the industry forward.
For filmmakers who dream of telling stories, breaking creative boundaries, and contributing to the industry, accessible tools are essential.
Filmmaking is about storytelling, not budgets, and every filmmaker should have the tools they need to bring their vision to life—without breaking the bank.
Cheers,
Mike Rekola
P.S. Catch up on the rest from TheModernFilmmaker.co:
👉 Buy: The Modern Filmmaker’s On Set Filmmaking Dictionary, today.
👉Some Filmmakers to Know: David Lynch & Ingmar Bergman…
👉 Some Filmmaking Terms: Above-the-Line & Back to First Marks…
👉 Some Stories: So there I was… About to Launch a Pilot…
👉 Some Thoughts: Celebrating Victories is a Good Thing… Failures too.