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6 Filmmaking Apps for Android Users

Michael Maher
Published: Last Updated:

A compilation of the best filmmaking apps for your Android device. These apps are all designed to help you get your production going.

We’ve previously covered all sorts of phone and tablet apps for filmmakers. The Top 10 Free Apps for Filmmakers, the Best Paid Apps for Filmmakers, and even Apps for finding Golden Hour. After our last roundup of Must-Have Apps for Cinematographers, we heard back from plenty of readers wanting more apps for Android.

I’m an Android user myself, so I hate to be the bearer of bad news. There aren’t nearly as many apps for Android users as there are for iOS. That doesn’t mean there aren’t any, but it’s a much more limited market. Many of the filmmaking apps I use are for specific devices, like using the DJI Go app for drone flights.

1. StoryBoard Quick Direct ($14.99)

6 Filmmaking Apps for Android Users: Storyboard

StoryBoard Quick Direct allows you to compose shots on your phone or laptop. You can take a photo of a location and add characters and directions to create a storyboard.

The app includes a series of characters in multiple positions as well as directional arrows to help define action or camera movement. You can also add captions or dialogue to the scene using your phones speech-to-text option. When you are finished with your project, you can easily rearrange frames with a quick swipe.

Requires Android 2.3 and up. Available in the Google Play Store for $14.99.

2. Pocket AC ($9.99)

6 Filmmaking Apps for Android Users: Pocket AC

The Pocket AC app includes a ton to tools and tables for filmmakers. The app was developed by a camera assistant to help prep and execute any type of video production.

This app covers an array of cameras. It’s helpful for everything from mirrorless and DSLRs all the way up to cinema cameras from ARRI and RED.

Pocket AC Tools Include:

  • Depth of Field and Split Focus
  • Digital Runtime, Filesize and Compression
  • Diopter and Split Diopter
  • Exposure
  • Field of View with preview
  • Focal Length Equivalents
  • Focus Chart
  • Footage Length and Runtime
  • Insert Slate (sync beep BETA)
  • Mired Shift and Filter Suggestions
  • Screentime and Runtime
  • Shutter Angle and Exposure Time
  • Solar Elevation
  • Unit Converter (Filesize, illumination, length, temperature, weight)

Pocket AC Tables and Charts:

  • Camera Specifications (Over 80 Film and Digital Cameras)
  • Film Stocks
  • Filter Factors
  • HMI Safe Shutter Angles
  • Lens Specifications (Over 550 Lenses)

Available in the Google Play Store for $9.99.

3. SL Director’s Viewfinder ($9.99)

6 Filmmaking Apps for Android Users: Viewfinder

The SL Director’s Viewfinder was developed by Stephen Lebed. This viewfinder lets you simulate the view of many different cameras and lenses. It also uses a built-in grid to help with overall shot composition.

You can take photos with your phone and throw them into your storyboard. This will allow you to know which lens you will need ahead of time.

Available in the Google Play Store for $9.99.

4. Light Meter Tools ($3.39)

6 Filmmaking Apps for Android Users: Light Meter

The Light Meter Tools app uses your device’s camera and light sensor to get accurate measurements. You can even download a trial to make sure the app works on your phone or tablet first. The developer is gladly open to feedback if you run into any issues. The app also includes a sun calculator and depth of field calculator at no extra charge.

Requires Android 3.0 and up. Available in the Google Play Store for $3.39.

5. Kodak Cinema Tools (FREE)

6 Filmmaking Apps for Android Users: Kodak Cinema Tools

The Kodak Cinema Tools app is one of the most popular filmmaking apps available, and it’s FREE.

Kodak’s Depth of Field Calculator helps you determine the settings you need to get the focus you want. It was designed to be used with any film format, including Super 8, 16, 35 and 65 mm. F-stops range from F1.4 – F22, with 1/3 stops included.

The Film Calculator let’s you quickly determine how many feet of film you would need to achieve a shot. The app also includes a glossary of filmmaking terms to help you communicate with your crew.

Requires Android 1.6 and up. Available in the Google Play Store for FREE.

6. Google Street View (FREE)

6 Filmmaking Apps for Android Users: Google Street View

We previously talked about this app for cinematographers, but it is great for all-around filmmaking. You can scout and visit locations, take a 360-photo, and the app will index your photo and location.

You can then show the location to the director and use your phone to turn around 360-degrees. The app is also compatible with Google Cardboard, giving you instant virtual-reality locations. The app also features photos from other users, so your location scouting can also be done from the comfort of your desk.

Available in the Google Play Store for FREE.

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