This is the first in a series of articles about how I’ve used various online and offline digital tools to optimize productivity as a film student and burgeoning screenwriter. Today I’ll discuss my use of freeware and inexpensive software in film-related tasks.

Productivity management isn’t just for MBA students in power suits anymore. Maximizing the usage of computer applications to organize and complete tedious routine tasks frees up your mind and allows you to concentrate on writing, studying, and those life-shortening student film shoots.

Plus pimping out your computer is like modding a car. “Check out my sweet video compression workflow.”

After the jump are some applications that I find indispensable for creativity and productivity. As a bonus, most are free/cheap.

Leave a comment if you have any more suggestions or stories of your take on this software.

Quicksilver (Free)

I don’t know how I lived for so long without Quicksilver. I’ve only been using it a short time and it’s already changed the way I use my Mac. Basically, Quicksilver is an interface that, at its simplest, allows you to control your Mac mouse-free. You can search for and open programs in a few keystrokes (much faster than getting to your Applications folder in finder), assign keyboard shortcuts, and even use plugins to control the finer points of software you use everyday. For example, after calling up Quicksilver with Ctr-Space or a keyboard shortcut of your choice, you can start typing the name of an iTunes playlist and start playing it without ever going into iTunes. As a keyboard shortcut junky, I am enthralled with how much time this saves.

iGTD (Free)

I believe iGTD stands for “I Get Things Done” and holy crap I do now. This software is so much more than your standard to-do list. It lets you organize tasks by context (where you will complete it), project, and tags so that project management can be fine-tuned. Not only is this invaluable during production crunch time for student films (you can create sub-projects for each production department), but it is a great way to discipline writing, research, and general studying. For example, you might want to open a project for each script you start and add tasks like “finish character bios” or “write pages 6-12.” The software integrates beautiful with iCal and thus my Palm Tungsten E2, so I carry my very organized tasks (and attached notes about them!) around with me all day. The only problem I have with this software is the lack of task delegation, which would be nice for group projects, preproduction, and club activities. Still, for personal task management, this takes the cake. Did I mention there is a Quicksilver plugin so that you can add tasks on the fly? A great blog article at 43 Folders explains this here. Better yet, if you have MailTags (which I haven’t “splurged” the $30 on yet), you can connect your tasks to Mail.app e-mail for quick reference!

Scrivener ($39.95)

This is where I write. “But wait, didn’t you spend all of your 18th birthday cash on Final Draft back in freshman year?” Why, yes. Yes I did. And it was worth it since ultimately that’s where I output industry-friendly scripts with proper formatting. But Scrivener is where I make the first draft… of ANYTHING. You can organize your writing project by folders and index cards that translate into outlines, which makes outlining a typical three-act so much easier. You can create folders outside of your text to hold brainstorming texts, research PDFs, websites, and other PDFs that you’ve found useful for your research. Plus it has tab-based screenplay formatting that translates fairly well to Final Draft!!! I’ve used this baby for everything from research papers to my Pushing Daisies spec.

Journler (Free)

This is a pretty powerful “journaling” app that can do oh so much more. You can create entries with embedded media files that are automatically dated (I am a dating fiend) and then organize them with tags and folders… Even smart folders that automatically organize based on your tagging! While on the writing side, I’ve found this a great way to organize freewrites and brainstorming before committing to a writing project (once it’s a project I switch over to Scrivener), it’s also great for taking class notes (set up a folder for each class!), keeping minutes at club meetings, and organizing random thoughts.

Celtx (Free)

I actually use this software more for pre-production than actual screenwriting, although it is a great alternative to more pricey screenwriting software. Its breakdown features are excellent for creating prop lists, keeping track of locations, and making schedules that reflect not just time but also what you need for those times. Until you’ve got the bucks to spend on a professional pre-production software, this fella is quite the useful app.

Alarm Clock (Free)

When your call time is at 5am, it’s so much more pleasant to wake up to your “Booty-Shaking” playlist.

iCal/Mail.app/Address Book (Comes with Mac)

Ok, ok, this might sound obvious… But I’m always surprised how few people really use their “iLife” applications to their advantage. They integrate with so many applications (including iGTD and Google Calendar!) and sync with my Palm, so you can manage projects corporate-style without spending corporate bucks.

Genius (Free)

Ok, this one has a lot less to do with the “film” part of “film student,” but as a student I had to give this flashcard software a nod. It’s great for memorization (for my Lit. major I need to learn dozens of authors/titles/publication dates at a time) and language vocabulary-buildling. It even repeats cards according to which ones you get right and wrong.

Frame Thief (Free)

A shout-out to my animation homies. While I gave up the good art because I draw like a preschooler and sculpt like a first-grader, I still dapple in stop motion from time to time. This animation software is great to have on a laptop for instant gratification (ha, like that exists in animation) stop motion work. You can also set it up with a lightbox for pencil tests if you want to be fancy.

HandBrake (Free)

Takes your DVDs and makes them into iPod-friendly video files. While I prefer the original DVDs for viewing, this software is great for pulling TV episodes, shorts, and music videos from DVDs and then bringing them on the go for study, inspiration, or particularly long bus rides.

Tooble (Free)

YouTube on your iPod! Yes, it’s possible…. with Tooble! Great for scene studies, keeping up with your favorite webisodes, and general good times.

NeoOffice (Free)

Who needs Word when NeoOffice takes care of all your word processing needs? Its spreadsheets are Excel-like heaven and this has been a staple for every task I’ve needed to complete.

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