Producing a great film is no easy feat. Every stage of the process requires its own skills and tools, which can be overwhelming, to say the least. 

There’s no shortage of filmmaking software solutions, but parsing through the saturated market is challenging, especially when factoring in your production budget. 

Fortunately, we’ve shortlisted some of the best tools vetted by industry professionals to help you execute your craft. Whether you’re an indie filmmaker or a big production house, our 2023 edition of the 20 best film production software offers top-rated options for any budget.

‍

Pre-production software

Take care of everything you need before the cameras start rolling with these pre-production tools. 

Screenwriting

Arc Studio Pro: best for beginner scriptwriters 

Need user-friendly software to start your next script? Arc Studio Pro is a great entry-level solution that lets you turn out industry-standard screenplays and integrates with cloud storage services like Dropbox. 

The software is pretty intuitive and has plenty of formatting shortcuts to help you finish your writing on time. You can also use unique features like “The Stash” in pro plans to remove sections of your screenplay without deleting them entirely for potential future use. 

Top features:

• Built-in collaboration suite for real-time edits with multiple screenwriters
• Compatible mobile app for working on the go
• Customizable reports for tracking your writing progress over time 

Price: You can start with the free plan or professional packages beginning at $69/year. 

Final Draft: best for filmmaking professionals 

When it comes to screenwriting, the industry-standard software is undoubtedly Final Draft. This intuitive software solution makes it easy to follow individual characters’ dialogue and plot lines throughout your script. 

Tracking changes is simple with multiple views, including a Beat Board for a visual representation of your story arc. You can also import PDFs and convert them to Final Draft files if you’ve already started brainstorming elsewhere. 

Top features:

• Format assistant automatically builds your screenplay according to the industry standard
• Story Map and Beat Board workflow give you a high-level overview of your script 
• Real-time collaboration tools 

Price: Pay a one-time fee of $249 or $99 to upgrade to the newest version. 

‍

Storyboarding

Storyboarder: best for beginners

Don’t let the lack of a price fool you; Storyboarder is a terrific software solution with a wide range of drawing tools, collaboration tools, and a built-in camera control system. This simple yet powerful software has a clean, friendly UI, helping you get ideas out as soon as they come to you. 

Add boards with a single click, enter shot duration and description, and move in and out of Adobe’s compatible Photoshop for more advanced controls. 

Top features:

• Compatible with Adobe’s Creative Cloud Suite
• Start a storyboard from scratch or input your drawing from a photo
• Use the “Shot Generator” as a starting point for your scenes 

Price: Storyboarder is open source and completely free. 

Storyboard Pro: best for pre-production professionals and animators 

For your pre-production needs, Storyboard Pro is the industry standard for leading professional studios. This suite provides complete creative storyboarding freedom with scripting integration, timeline editing, and a full 3D environment. 

You can work simultaneously in vector and bitmap and test different brush textures in real time. Plus, bring in temp audio and FX files to time for animatics. 

Top features:

• Adjust camera angles and movements with isometric and mirrored views
• Integrates seamlessly with the Adobe suite
• Sensitive, customizable drawing tools for precise detail on every shot 

Price: Monthly plans begin at $71 per month or $557 annually. Note that support packages come at an additional cost. 

‍

Collaboration and file sharing software

Work seamlessly with your creative team using these essential tools. 

Evercast: best for synchronous remote collaboration

If you’re a studio, production house, or serious production professional, Evercast provides you with an in-studio experience while working remotely, from pre- to post-production and beyond. This software solution offers video conferencing combined with color-accurate 4K video streaming, 7.1 surround sound, and real-time production tools that are hard to find elsewhere.

The software is end-to-end encrypted, approved by every major studio, and certified by the Motion Picture Association’s Trusted Partner Network, making it the polished package for any production team that’s serious about working effectively from anywhere. Participants can join the collaborative “room” at the touch of a button.

Top features:

• Specially designed for creative professionals and vetted by Hollywood
• Ultra-low latency (<150ms average)
• Stream in up to 4K, 7.1 surround sound, 60fps, and 10-bit 4:4:4 color
• 24/7 white-glove support
• One-stop shop for video conferencing collaboration; stream complex workflows with no lag—chat, draw, and converse all in the same place. 

Price: Evercast studio pricing starts at $849/month, and custom plans are available. 

Learn more about Evercast here.

Frame.io: best for asynchronous collaboration

Frame.io is a cloud-based collaboration software that allows you to review, share, and export notes on video projects within any internet browser. The tool lets you share your encrypted video link with or without a watermark, providing dependable security while you work toward the final product. 

It’s popular with content creators and small to medium businesses alike. Unfortunately, creators don’t have an option for live video conversations or streaming with Frame.io, so you and your team have to settle for asynchronous collaboration (or use an external app for video calls). 

Top features:

• Integrates with Premiere Pro and Avid to import notes for seamless edits 
• Very user-friendly and can be used in any internet browser
• Live commenting and annotations make it easy to move to the next edit 

Price: Plans range from $0–$25/user per month. Each user gets a “seat,” with the total monthly price based on each seat’s cost. 

‍

Production software

These production management tools help you run a tight set, from day one to wrap. 

Scheduling and budgeting

Movie Magic Scheduling: industry-standard scheduling software

It’s no secret that creating a call sheet for a complex production day in and day out takes a lot of patience and attention to detail. Fortunately, Movie Magic Scheduling reduces the headache by building a calendar based on input values around your script, cast breakdowns, and required breaks. 

Build flags and warnings directly into the stripboard and seamlessly distribute them digitally to your cast and crew. 

Top features:

• Online and offline access
• Automated scheduling software with built-in alerts on anticipated scheduling conflicts
• Compare and contrast several schedule breakdowns based on the script, cast, crew, and break times 

Price: Plans start at $29 per month. 

ABS Payroll: payroll for large productions

Big-budget productions should look no further than ABS Payroll to streamline payment processing, time tracking, tax compliance, and HR management all in one place. This platform provides personalized support allowing you to create customized insights and reports around any project. 

Optimized for the entertainment industry, this software has a compatible mobile app for easy use on set. 

Top features:

• Automated payroll processing and tracking
• Integrates with local compliance regulations to meet all rules set by local jurisdictions 
• Access to an experienced production payroll team 

Price: ABS Payroll takes a percentage of each project, usually between 3–5%. You must have a large enough project or budget to use this service, though anyone can request a quote from the platform. 

‍

Equipment sourcing and location

ShareGrid: best for one-off equipment rentals 

Looking for a specialized lens? Heading to a shoot far from your usual production house? Use ShareGrid to rent cameras, lenses, lighting and electric kits, drones, and more. ShareGrid connects filmmakers with other creators and production houses for flexible renting and purchasing of gently-used gear. 

Top features:

• Affordable market for indie filmmakers 
• Included insurance coverage for rentals
• Secure payment processing and in-platform pickup and dropoff coordination 

Price: The service is free to use, and prices vary based on the seller’s rate. 

Peerspace: best venue finder  

Need a spot to pick up some shots or meet with prospective cast, crew, and investors? Book your shoot location with Peerspace. Shoot in a traditional studio setting, quirky homes, warehouses, galleries, and more. 

Top features: 

• Browse by location, category, amenities, or shoot date
• Flexible day rates and by-the-hour packages 
• Available in most major cities

Price: Prices vary depending on the lister. Think of it as the Airbnb for shooting locations and venues.