Watch ARRI Master Classes For Free, Plus A List of "Free"' Software in Response to COVID-19
Follow the leader.
All it takes is one company to start offering something, and if consumers react positively, the rest follow. Many people find themselves stuck at home as the world grapples with the spread of COVID-19. Despite the uncertain times, people are staying creative. Some are searching for different ways to generate new income. Others are seeking alternative distribution for a project that was intended to premiere at SXSW.
It's also natural to want to turn to tasks that have been put off. How about starting that screenplay or reading the 444 page manual to DaVinici Resolve. Maybe it's as simple as cleaning out a cluttered closet. Now is the time to learn something new or finish that project. Companies are recognizing the new found time and offering ways to further develop skill sets or make it easier for people to connect the same way they would at the workplace and school.
ARRI has made available two of its Master Classes to watch online for free. The first being a five-part series on high dynamic range with cinematographer Karl Walter LindenLaub, whose work includes Independence Day, Stargate, and The Jackal. The second Master Class, cinematographer James Laxton discusses large format cinematography in a five-part series that includes a conversation on If Beale Street Could Talk and different lighting setups.
Besides ARRI, a number of companies and brands have started offering free or discounted access to software or online material. Below is a list of companies who are providing such access. With any free trial or disconnected price, it's important to read any fine print when signing up. There could be automatic charges at the end of the trial period you will want to avoid.
Adobe
Previously reported on No Film School, Adobe is offering at home access to its Creative Cloud for students as well as K-12 programs. Access will be granted until May 31st, 2020. Details here. Adobe has also released a how to work remotely series available here.
Affinity
Serif, the creators behind Affinity Photo, Designer and Publisher, has made the suite available for free as a 90-day trial. There is also a 50% discount if you decide to purchase the apps. Details here.
Aputure
Aputure has opened up its certification and product training to anyone interested. The Aputure Lighting Certification (ALC) is normally only offered to dealers and employees, but for the next four weeks, the company is opening it via livestream. Anyone interested in getting an in-depth education into modern LED and learning the Aputure lighting line-up is able to check it out for free. Details here.
Avid
Avid is offering 90-day licenses for Media Composer, Pro Tools, and Sibelius to students who no longer have access to their institutions. Avid is also providing access to its software to those who no longer have access to their places of work. Keep in mind, Avid is providing software for everyone. You must be a student or a company with existing software. Details here.
CineDeck
From now until April 3rd, CineDeck is providing a free one month license to its cineXtools, which allows video to be edited without the need of re-exporting. The tool set can export an “insertable” ProRes file straight into different non-linear editors, including AVID Media Composer, Adobe Premiere Pro, Autodesk and Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve. Details here.
Frame.io
Now through the end of March, Frame.io is offering 2B of free extra storage for the next 90 days. Additionally, the company is offering free Frame.io Enterprise plans for the next 90 days to support educational institutions, non-profits, and healthcare organizations that have been impacted. Details here. Frame.io has also released a work at home series that can be viewed here.
ftrack
The people over at ftrack are giving ftrack Review free for 90 days. The software is aimed at content creators and is a platform to collaborate and review media. It's free until May 31, 2020. Details here.
Google Cloud has announced free access to its advanced Hangouts Meet videoconferencing for schools and businesses. It enables calls of up to 250 people and also allows meetings to be recorded and saved on Google Drive. Details here.
LogMeIn
LogMeIn is video conferencing platform which offers GoToMeeting and GoToWebinar services. It’s offering three-month site-wide licenses for free to organizations such as healthcare providers, educational institutions and municipalities. Existing customers can access site-wide licenses for additional tools for three months at no extra cost. Details here.
Shane Hurlbut Illumination Workshop
Cinematographer Shane Hurlbut has provided access to his Illumination Workshop, which can be watched directly online. The course normally costs $499 but the 8 hours of material is completely free. Topic include, eye reflection, different face shadows, bouncing light, lighting in layers, and finding the emotion to scenes, among others. Details here.
Signiant
From now until May 31, 2020, Signiant is offering unlimited users for its Media Shuttle customers. Media Shuttle is an easy and fast way to send large files securely anywhere. The company will be waiving any user overage fees that relate to subscription tiers. Details here.
Zoom
The video conferencing platform is offering free services for schools K-12. Details here.
Did we miss any? Let us know in the comments below and share with us how you're taking advantage of this time.
