Resources
Recent Reviews
iStockPhoto
Jahshaka: Open Source Video Editing Software
CamStudio
Celtx Media Preproduction Software
Fraps Real-time Video Capture & Benchmarking
Celtx Media Preproduction Software
Ask an amateur producer what the secret to video success is and he’ll probably say, “Getting good audio and video.” The truth is, while production values are important, they won’t make or break your video unless they are so low in quality that they distract from the plot and dialogue. What really matters is everything that comes prior to production – the idea, the script, the production plan, and the 1000 other little details you have to keep track of.
Granted, preproduction for a one to eight minute video is going to be a lot simpler than for a big-budget Hollywood film. But it’s more difficult than you might imagine. That’s where Celtx’s Media Preproduction software comes in.
The free, downloadable application takes care of all of your preproduction needs, from keeping track of your initial ideas and scripting, to storyboarding, budgeting, scheduling, and even collaborating with others online. You’d normally have to pay $100 or more for “professional” software with these sorts of features, but Celtx is giving it away for free.
Getting Started
Since there are so many options with this software, getting started can be a little daunting. I recommend looking at the “Wonderful World of Oz” project that comes preloaded on Celtx and perusing the documents it contains. You’ll notice that the interface is very intuitive, with a “Project Navigator” sidebar on the left that organizes the various facets of preproduction. Double-clicking any document on this sidebar will open up a tab along the top of the program (much like Firefox or Internet Explorer).
Assuming you’re not ready to bang out a script on day one, what you’ll want to do is add a blank text page to your sidebar to jot down random ideas. If you’ve come up with some characters, you can also add character profiles with details including a name, a basic description, physical traits, character traits, a motivation and a character background. You can open similar files for scenes or create a story outline.
Scripting
Once you’ve progressed to the scripting stage, Celtx goes beyond organization to help you with formatting. Correct formatting may not be essential for web video production, but it will help you focus your thoughts and make it easier for your cast and crew to understand your vision.
The Celtx script editor allows you to quickly and easily toggle through the seven features of a script (scene heading, action, character, etc.) by using the Tab and Enter buttons on your keyboard. The editor also features all of the basic tools you will need, including a nifty “uppercase” function that makes whatever text you select uppercase and a “find and replace” feature that can quickly change character or setting names.
Additional Features
Celtx is a fantastic program because it comes loaded with a ton of features. While you probably won’t use them all, it’s still nice to know they are there to fall back on. One of the most useful features is the storyboard, which allows you to insert images and captions to represent the important shots you plan to incorporate in your video.
For the professionals out there, Celtx has templates for locations, props, sound clips, wardrobe and actors that let you keep track of everything a producer needs to know. There is also a schedule maker to help you plan shoot dates, location scouting, and other important events.
The most innovative feature of Celtx is Web Services, which allows you to upload your project to the Celtx server and is a great tool for people working in teams. When you upload your project, you can limit its visibility to your fellow producers alone or get constructive criticism from the entire Celtx community by opening it to the public. Even if you aren’t collaborating with someone else, you can use Web Services to store a backup copy of your work.
Summary
Celtx is a must have program for anyone serious about video production and is worth a look even for those of you who are just testing the waters. It’s available free for download and works on Windows, OSX and Linux based systems. While Celtx won’t make you a more creative writer or producer, it will help focus your thoughts and ultimately help you create better content in less time.
