(Mostly) Free Video Editing
Programs & Resources
Filmora - A free editing software with a lot of great presets. This program is perfect for new editors but even a savvy editor can have fun and elevated projects with this software. There is a text, animation and sound package included and an option to upgrade.
iMovie - A free editing software available on iphones and Mac computers. Great for beginners and for making simple quick edits. There is a text, animation and sound package included.
WeVideo - A free editing app available on phones, PC and Mac computers. This program is cloud based. You shoot video on your phone and upload the footage into your WeVideo App. When you open the project on your computer it is there waiting for you. Does not have reverse or a proper cropping tool. Upgrade option available.
CapCut - A free editing app available on phones, PC and Mac computers. Great for editing on the run. If you like fan edits this program is loaded with great animated text and powerful preset transitions making beginners look like pros.
Final Cut Pro - Is NOT a free editing software but has nearly all of the capabilities as pro editing software. The interface is very user friendly and as easy to use as a basic editing program.
Premiere Pro - Is NOT a free editing program. This is a professional level program. Premiere is a part of the Adobe Suite and works via "Dynamic Link" with other programs like After Effects. The user interface is complicated and you will need a teacher and tutorials to navigate the program.
DaVinci Resolve - Is a free editing program. This is a professional level program. The cool part is the option to make the interface look like Final Cut or Premiere. There is a learning curve to the program but it is free. Also known for its color grading capabilities.
Film and Television Lessons
After Effects - Is NOT a free editing program. This is a professional level program. It can work with Premiere Pro via "Dynamic Link" as well as with other Adobe programs. The user interface is extremely complicated and you will need tutorials to navigate the program. Also, you should go in with a plan of what effect you would like to try, then practice executing that effect.
Scripts, Storyboards, Writing, Camera, Shots, Lessons, Editing Exercises and Film Projects.
Screengoat builds your skills as a filmmaker with tools and resources to help you become a GOAT.
Animoto - Is a free editing program but is more like an animated PowerPoint program. This is what we love about it. You can create animated title graphics over chroma key green or animated backgrounds for titles or bumpers in seconds. Super easy to use. The program leaves a watermark but it is easy to crop out. The program also has a lot of public domain images and music. Kicks Presentation up a knotch.
A Filmmaker's Guide to
Understanding Camera Shots, Angles & Moves
Welcome to camera shots, angles and moves!
Whether you're a beginner filmmaker or refining your cinematography skills,
understanding these essential techniques will help elevate your visual storytelling.
Create a Shot Video or Slideshow Activity Objective: Create a short video or slideshow demonstrating at least 25 different shots and movements from this guide. Instructions: 1. Choose your Theme – Ex. superheros, nature, or your favorite thing. 2. Plan Your Shots – Choose 25+ shots/movements and create a simple storyboard/shot list. 3. Film Each Shot – Use a camera or phone to capture each shot with proper framing and movement. 4. Label Each Shot – Add text labels to identify each shot in your video or slideshow. 5. Edit & Present – Compile your shots into a short video or a Google Slides Presentation. Bonus Challenge: Try incorporating in-camera transitions or dolly zooms, whip pans, invisible cuts or block shots, for added cinematic effect!
Camera Shot Sizes, Angles and Moves
Basic Camera Shots
EWS - Extreme Wide Shot (or Extreme Long Shot) – The subject is visible but very small in the frame, often used to show environment.
Establishing Shot – Introduces the setting, giving context for where the scene takes place.
WS - Wide Shot (or Long Shot / Full Shot) – The subject’s full body is visible, allowing viewers to see movement and interaction with the environment.
MWD - Medium Wide Shot – Frames the subject from the knees up, balancing subject and background.
Cowboy Shot – A variation of the Medium Wide Shot, framing from mid-thigh up (often used in Westerns).
MS - Medium Shot – Frames the subject from the waist up, commonly used for dialogue scenes.
MCU - Medium Close-Up – Frames the subject from the chest up, emphasizing facial expressions.
CU - Close-Up – Frames a subject’s face tightly to capture emotions.
ECU - Extreme Close-Up – Focuses on a small detail, like an eye, a hand, or an object.
Cut-In – Highlights a specific part of the subject (e.g., a hand reaching for an object).
CA - Cutaway – A shot of something other than the main subject, often used in editing transitions.
2 Shot – Two subjects in the frame (variations include tight or wide 2-shots).
3 Shot – Three subjects in the frame, balancing composition.
Crowd Shot – A wide shot featuring multiple people, useful for group dynamics.
Noddy / Reaction Shot – A shot showing a character’s reaction to something off-screen.
POV - Point of View – The camera acts as a character’s eyes, placing the viewer in their perspective.
Weather Shot – A shot of natural elements like the sky, rain, or sun, often used for transitions.
Camera Angles
Eye Level (Neutral) – A straight-on angle, making the viewer equal to the subject.
Dutch Tilt / Dutch Angle – A slanted shot that creates a sense of unease or disorientation.
High Angle – A shot looking down on the subject, making them appear smaller or vulnerable.
Low Angle – A shot looking up at the subject, making them seem powerful or intimidating.
Over-the-Shoulder – A shot taken over a subject’s shoulder, often used in conversations.
BEV - Bird’s Eye View – A directly overhead shot, making the subject appear small or dominated by the environment.
Overhead Shot – A high shot angled downwards but not directly overhead.
WEV - Worm’s Eye View – A shot from a very low angle, looking up at the subject to make it appear larger or more imposing.
Camera Movement
Pan Left / Right – The camera moves horizontally left/right.
Tilt Up/Down – The camera moves vertically up./Down
Arc / 360° Shot – The camera moves in a circular motion around a subject.
Zoom In/Out – The lens zooms into/away from the subject.
Tracking Shot (Follow Shot) – The camera follows a subject as they move.
Truck (Left/Right) – The entire camera moves horizontally left or right.
Pedestal / Crane (Up/Down) – The entire camera moves vertically.
Dolly (Forward/Backward) – A smooth movement moving the camera toward or away from the subject.
Dolly Zoom (Zolly) – A combination of dolly and zoom, creating a dramatic background shift.
Rack Focus – The focus moves between subjects, shifting attention.
Slider Shot – A smooth horizontal movement using a slider, skateboard, or towel.
Shots, Angles and Moves
The Golden Ration & The Rule of 1/3s
