Our guide to finding the free stuff!
Tech and software shouldn't be a barrier to telling good stories on film and taking part in this challenge. Here is a list of free resources that can easily be used to bring your story to life. We suggest that a smartphone, tablet or camera will be just fine to capture everything and there are great free editing software packages, copyright free music and ideas captured on this page.
Editing
Good editing is about storytelling, not fancy effects.
Before adding transitions or music, ask:
- Does the story make sense?
- Can the audience follow what is happening?
- Does every shot help tell the story?
If a clip does not improve the story — cut it.
Beginner Friendly Software
- CapCut
Very easy for beginners. Great for phones, tablets, and laptops. - Clipchamp
Free Microsoft editor with templates, transitions, and voiceover tools. - iMovie
Excellent for iPads and Macs. Ideal for young filmmakers.
More Advanced (Still Free)
- DaVinci Resolve
Professional-grade editing software used in real films and TV. - Shotcut
Free open-source editor with lots of tutorials online. - OpenShot
Simple drag-and-drop editor for beginners. - Kdenlive
Powerful free editor for older students and schools.
Music
Music should support the emotion, not overpower the film.
Good practice:
- calm music for emotional scenes
- faster music for action
- silence for tense moments
Do not use copyrighted chart music unless you have permission.
Free Copyright-Free Music
Safest & Easiest
- YouTube Audio Library
Huge collection of free music and sound effects. Some tracks need attribution. Widely recommended for student filmmakers. - Free Music Archive
Excellent Creative Commons music library. Always check the licence for each song. - Incompetech
Kevin MacLeod’s famous royalty-free music collection used in thousands of student films. - Bensound
Free tracks for videos and school projects with attribution. - Pixabay Music
Free music with very simple licensing for educational projects. - NoCopyrightSounds
Popular for energetic YouTube-style videos. Usually requires crediting the artist.Add Music Carefully
Sound effects
Free Sound Effects
- Freesound
Massive collection of free sound effects. Check licences carefully. - BBC Sound Effects Archive
Thousands of professional BBC sound effects for educational and personal use. - ZapSplat
Great for cinematic sounds, footsteps, horror sounds, and ambient audio.
Tips on editing
Ask yourself:
- Is anything confusing?
- Is it too long?
- Are there boring moments?
- Can dialogue be heard clearly?
Quick Editing Formula
First Cut - Story order only
Second Cut -Trim shorter and improve pacing
Third Cut - Add music and sound (check the levels)
Fourth Cut -Titles and credits (no surnames)
Final Check - Watch full film and do not edit, make notes if anything needs to be changed, then go back and add. your final touches.
Before export - make sure it's under 4 mins.
Storyboards for planning
Submitting your film
You can use the free service that WeTransfer provides. You can transfer a film for free if it is smaller than 2GB.
Please send films to challenge@schools48hourmedia.co.uk
We will send you a confirmation that the film has been received. As we review films, we will be in touch if there are any issues that we can reslove together.