Storyboarding can be a pain in the ass, and we all know this. You know what else sucks? Mapping out your entire film in your head, then checking the footage you shot later on only to realize that what you filmed looks nothing like the way you envisioned it. Well then, stop your moping and start rejoicing because there is some free software (yes, FREE) that is sure to keep your head up.

Enter Antics Technologies. This company has created Antics, a program that allows you to create 3D animation in real-time in an effort to help you, the struggling filmmaker. Used for independent films, commercials, television, and video games, Antics comes pre-loaded with the tools you will need to execute a flawless animated world. What I like about this is that the Grand Theft Auto-esk graphics allow you to map out storyboards and scenes using 3D generated characters, sets, terrains, and other viable assets (even music). So instead of drawing storyboad cells by hand, you can create an overview of what your film could potentially look like. You can control camera movement for each scene, so this will allow you to actually see what you will be (hopefully) shooting. It's pretty valuable, in my estimated opinion. And, of course, what is the best part of all this? No, not the .skip format support that it offers. It's FREE! And really, what else matters after that?

Antics comes out on April 7. Check the official site for the software, community forums (including film competitions), and more specific technical aspects because when it comes to that stuff, heaven knows I'm incompetent now.