Hi
So Im just starting to direct some short films and I only have windows movie maker is there any better programs out there that are free? I'm new to this business!

So Im just starting to direct some short films and I only have windows movie maker is there any better programs out there that are free?

I think that it depend on your tasks. If you dont like Windows Movie Maker, i can recommned VideoCharge Studio.

It soft have lot of functions which can simplify your work, for example, batch mode, watermarking, creating thumbnails and more other good functions!

There aren't many free video editing porgrams out there. I'd suggest you spend a few $$$ and get an old version of Premiere Elements, Sony Vegas or Ulead Video Studio. Shouldn't be more than 50$ or so but will make your life so much easier. You'll get work done a lot fast in those programs than you will in tha clunky movie maker.
You can also look for Trial Versions of those programs first. They are free and will work for 30 days.

There really isn't a whole lot in the way of NLE software available freely. If you're willing to install linux (really easy to do, and use the days with releases like ubuntu (http://www.ubuntu.com/")), you could give cinelerra (http://www.heroinewarrior.com/cinelerra.php) a whirl. That's probably the best free option around, but it's only for linux.

Following the previous suggestion about open source software (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_source_software), there are at least two distributions of linux OS that includes all the software needed for video editing (http://ubuntustudio.org/downloads), even audio editing tools (http://www.64studio.com/download)are included.

They really work but As any software, reading and practice is needed to master.

On the other hand, if you prefer a windows based open source video editing tool, you may like to take a look at WAX 2.0 (http://www.debugmode.com/wax/download.php) or Audacity 1.2.6 (http://audacity.sourceforge.net/download/) for audio.

Apparently there is also an NLE component to Blender 3D. Though I imagine the workflow is probably convoluted and somewhat limited.. but it's free

You can always download the Vegas Pro 30day trial. That is enough time to crank out a couple of edits at least. If you are willing to flatten your computer and reinstall the OS you can use the demo more than once. Not a great way to live, but works in a pinch (especially if you need to do a fresh install anyway, ask me how I know. :) )

Also, there is this for the linux crowd:

http://www.linuxmovies.org/

ask me how I know.

I think most people who run windows are familiar with reformatting and reinstalling everything.. :lol:

David thanks of the linuxmovie link.

Terry

I think most people who run windows are familiar with reformatting and reinstalling everything.. :lol:

Tell me about it! I have to STOP my self from doing it every weekend!

Tell me about it! I have to STOP my self from doing it every weekend!
Nah, once a year is generally adequate.