Film school:Software reviews

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Software reviews

 * Here is a list of interesting software for filmmakers. Some of the programs are free and some are proprietary.  Naturally, you should start with the free software.


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Film School Preparitory
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WikiU Film School magazine


 * The first issue of Film School magazine will be published in 2008. Students will be able to download a free copy from Wikiversity Film School.


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The Intel Macintosh PC
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Which computer to buy
By March of 2008, if you want to purchase a Windows computer, you might as well purchase a Macintosh and get the best of both worlds.

Understand The Macintosh
Understanding Apple is not easy. Perhaps this will help:


 * 1. The Original Macintosh
 * In 1984, Apple Computer, Inc. invented the Macintosh computer with its unique operating system which was a forerunner of Microsoft Windows. The operating system is what gives a personal computer its personality.


 * 2. New Operating System
 * In 2001, Apple stopped making the Macintosh Operating System. Apple replaced the Macintosh operating system with Unix which is a computer operating system for nerds.  This particular version of Unix was developed by NextStep.  However, Apple still calls its NextStep Unix operating system "Macintosh OS X".


 * 3. New Computer Hardware
 * In 2005, Apple stopped making the Macintosh computer. Instead, Apple has switched to making only Intel PCs.  However, Apple continues to call its Intel PC computers "Macintosh".  (Note: It will take a while for the old Macintosh programs to be able to run on the new Apple Intel PCs using Apple's Unix operating system so wait until March of 2008.)

Which Model To Buy
For beginners, I recommend the iMac with the 20 inch screen or a laptop computer: either the MacBook or the MacBook Pro. The Mac mini is an interesting option but it costs the same as a MacBook. Note: You need to buy a complete hardware package. This can be a bit confusing... so get help from someone who really knows. This includes extra disk drives and lots of RAM. I do not recommend the wireless keyboard for your first keyboard.


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Help wanted
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Wanted: Software reviewers

 * The Wikiversity Film School needs people to review software.


 * We need people who can communicate. Communicating with other people is the most important skill needed by filmmakers who must collaborate with hundreds of people.  Write me!


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Most Interesting
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Things to buy

 * Good gifts for young filmmakers
 * Young filmmakers will find these extremely interesting:


 * BackStage West - Trade Paper - The printed newspaper/magazine called "BackStage West" is a weekly newspaper for actors. Purchase single copies if you are in LA.  Note there is a website with the same name and almost the same price which is not what I recommend.    (BackStage West Print edition is listed as Back Stage Print which is a "Weekly delivery of Back Stage magazine, providing national & local news, plus interviews, reviews and career advice.")
 * Cinefex Magazine is more than a collector's item. It is very informative for people who want to work in Hollywood.


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Coming soon!
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Future reviews

 * We might review some of the free programs which were used to make Elephants Dream.


 * Blender
 * CinePaint
 * GIMP
 * Inkscape
 * Seashore
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What do you recommend?

 * Free programs can give you the start you need learning the many different subjects you need to know to make motion pictures. If you have any recommendations, please email me.  Robert Elliott


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