The Best Filmmaking Apps and Tools for Aspiring Creators!

Today, anyone who has a phone can shoot a film, and this has never happened before in human history. Artistic freedom is at your fingertips and at the push of a button of your smartphone. You don't need expensive equipment and camera lessons, you just need a desire to create and a few useful apps. So, we have created a list of apps that can transform your phone into a filmmaker's multi-tool!

1. Shot Designer

Every filmmaker knows that a film cannot exist without a shot list. To convey their vision to the crew, the director comes up with a list of desired shots and draws how they will be executed. Some filmmakers prefer the old style and do overheads for shots themselves, but if you like technology, there is a great app with features that pen and paper do not have. Shot Designer is a comprehensive app that helps you block scenes and design shots with incredible precision. It allows filmmakers to create diagrams that map out camera positions, actor movements, and lighting setups. The intuitive interface makes it easy to plan complex scenes, while the ability to animate camera moves and action makes it even more powerful. Aspiring filmmakers will appreciate the app's ability to organize and plan shots efficiently, helping them stay on track during production.

Why it's great:

- Pre-visualizes complex camera setups and movements (actors and camera)

- Easily exports shot lists and diagrams for on-set use

- Helps maintain a clear vision while shooting

2. Measure

There is always something to measure on set. Always. In the pre-production stage, the team needs to know the lengths of the walls and the widths of the doors. During the production, the camera crew must keep the camera and actors at the same distance from each other for continuity. If you forgot a measuring tape, we can save you from getting fired. Use Measure. This tool uses augmented reality (AR) technology to measure real-world spaces with your phone's camera. From gauging the size of a room to determining the exact distance between objects, Measure is invaluable when setting up camera positions, ensuring your spatial awareness is on point during the shoot.

Why it's great:

- Instant and accurate measurement of distances and spaces

- Helps plan blocking and positioning of actors and equipment

- Perfect for location scouting and preparation

3. Artemis Pro

Have you ever held a professional camera? If you have, you know how incredibly heavy it is, especially if you are shooting on film. And if camera operators are used to it, you, as a director or DP, can avoid back pain and save on weekly massages by using Artemis Pro. When it comes to selecting lenses and framing shots, Artemis Pro is a game-changer. This app is a digital director's viewfinder that allows you to visualize what different lenses will look like in your location. By choosing a camera and lens combination from its extensive database, you can see precisely how a shot will appear without needing to set up your actual camera gear. 

​​Why it's great:

- A comprehensive database of cameras and lenses

- Real-time visualization of shots with different lens options

- Ideal for shot planning and lens choice on location scouts

4. Sun Surveyor

Every DP knows that the hardest thing to do on set is control the light you can't control. I'm talking about the Sun, of course. But even though you can't fully control it, it doesn't mean you can't use it properly. Sun Surveyor helps filmmakers plan the perfect shot by predicting the Sun's position at any time of day. The app uses augmented reality to show you where the sun will be, ensuring you can schedule your shoot for optimal lighting conditions. You can even use it to track the moon for night scenes, making it indispensable for location scouts and outdoor filmmakers.

Why it's great:

- Predicts sunlight and shadow patterns based on time and location

- Allows for better planning of "golden hour" shots

- Essential for outdoor cinematography and location planning

5. Blackmagic Camera and Filmic Pro

If you don't want to spend thousands of dollars to rent a professional camera but your phone's settings are just not enough to control the shot, you can try Blackmagic Camera or Filmic Pro. They are two similar apps with different arsenals. Blackmagic Camera, developed by the makers of DaVinci Resolve, offers advanced controls over frame rates, resolution, and color settings, allowing you to shoot in high-end formats like Blackmagic RAW or ProRes. On the other hand, Filmic Pro is renowned for its powerful manual controls over focus, exposure, and color temperature, along with log recording for greater dynamic range and flexibility in post-production. Both apps transform your mobile device into a professional filmmaking tool, making them indispensable for indie filmmakers looking to capture cinematic-quality footage without needing expensive gear.

Why it's great:

- Control settings you usually can’t control with the phone

- Play with exposure and depth of field

- Save time in post

7. Storyboarder

Storyboarding is an essential step in the filmmaking process, helping you visualize how your shots will look and play out before you hit record. For those of you who are extremely talented filmmakers but not so talented storyboard artists, we saved one more useful app in this list. Storyboarder is a free and easy-to-use tool for sketching out scenes and creating detailed shot lists. Whether you're an artist or not, the app provides simple drawing tools and even lets you import images to help convey your vision. Aspiring filmmakers will love how it simplifies the pre-visualization process, ensuring you're prepared when it's time to shoot.

Why it's great:

- Simple and intuitive drawing tools for storyboarding

- Ability to export shot lists and animatics for better planning

- Helps visualize the flow of your film before production begins

If you were waiting for a sign to start your project, here it is. Just use your imagination and the apps on this list, and you will make incredible art!