What is FilmWIP?
FilmWIP is a free site and private portal for people making films — from first idea through rough cut and public WIP. Organize a project, draft a script and shot list, map story beats, storyboard, onion-skin animation frames, assemble a sequence and a rough cut, browse cinematography references, build Imagine-ready prompts, and share approved work with the community.
You don’t have to use every tool. A simple loop is enough for a short film: draw a storyboard, write a few prompts, generate clips in Imagine (off-site), then arrange them on the Sequence Board (play the order, stitch videos into one local file, or export a media list for another editor). The fuller project hub, shot lists, Rough cut, and Resolve handoff are there when you want more structure. See simple path on the home page or register and open Getting started in the portal.
Your media stays with you
Your clips, stills, and audio are not uploaded to FilmWIP’s servers. You connect folders on your own computer through the browser (Chrome or Edge work best). The site reads files only with your permission. Account data, labels, prompts, and planning text can sync to your FilmWIP account; the media files themselves stay on your machine.
On another computer with the same login, your projects, scripts, shot lists, prompts, and notes come with you; you reconnect local folders (and re-link files if needed) on that device. Optional cloud storage so media can persist across devices may arrive in a future version. Full breakdown: FAQ — what is saved when you change devices.
Public site
Anyone can watch the gallery showcase, browse the public gallery, and visit filmmaker profiles. Gallery listings include Share on X (a draft post that links back to that video). Signed-in members can clap for gallery pieces, choose Be a fan on a profile (your fan list is private), and use Send Feedback in the top navigation.
Private portal
After free registration you get a personal workspace, including:
- Projects — home base per film; package fields; Cast & world sheets (cast, locations, props, design — drag to reorder); hub shortcuts to every tool
- Media Library — local folders, optional folder sync/poll, favorites, AI refs, Character / Location / Prop tags for Grok Imagine
- My Films — private finished list; request profile or gallery display when ready
- Reference Library — shots, camera moves, techniques, animation styles, film packages, gear, grades, FACS; Imagine prompts and demo motion clips
- Prompt Board — build and save prompts, groups, history, Copy + Imagine to Grok Imagine
- Scripts & shot lists — Fountain-style writing or shots alone; Imagine packs; target duration, transitions, correction notes, shot lock; video-done tracking; Sequence handoff
- Story Timeline — runtime ruler with toggleable structure overlays (three-act, Hero’s Journey, and more); drag beats and add notes for this film
- Storyboard — frame stacks, import packs, and an in-browser drawing board (tools + scene stamps) (tablet and desktop)
- Onion Board — frame-by-frame drawings with onion skin (previous or next frame faintly under the live layer); import a still and/or draw on it (tablet and desktop)
- Sequence Board — arrange stills, boards, and shot videos; program viewer / play sequence; stitch videos to one local file (hard cuts); export media list (paths + durations); Resolve handoff (tablet and desktop)
- Rough Cut — multi-row timeline (top layer wins), transitions, live program preview, stitch full film to local disk, export clips + transition map, EDL/XML/handoff for Resolve (tablet and desktop)
- Submit to Gallery & Messages — publish requests and private notes to admins (Messages works without an email on file)
See a full overview on the home page features list.
Build updates
See what recently shipped and what’s on the wishlist in Build updates (also linked from the top nav and footer). Planned items are ideas, not a release schedule.
Gallery & approval
Public gallery and profile videos go through admin review so the community feed stays intentional and safer while FilmWIP is young. You can still plan privately without publishing anything.