One of the easiest ways to achieve a film look in the edit bay is with a software plug-in. Plug-ins are software add-ons that provide new features to editing software packages. DigiEffects Inc. offers some of the most popular plug-ins. While many plug-ins require the complex and expensive Adobe After Effects, this trend is changing. For example, DigiEffects has AgedFilm, a new plug-in filter that works with Adobe Photoshop and Premiere. It is similar to, but more sophisticated than the stock effects discussed above.

With AgedFilm ($149), you can process video with total control over parameters like scratches, grain, hair, dust, graininess, luminance flicker, tint and color. Once you install the program, the plug-in appears in the pull-down menu of your favorite application just like any other filter or effect. With your video on the editing timeline, you process your clips just like applying any effect. Through the AgedFilm sub-menus, there are over 19 parameters and you can control each independently. While AgedFilm is basically for making your video look older, this DigiEffects plug-in can also give you a non-aged film look. But, for making your video totally look like film, there's a more effective, although expensive solution that operates the same way.

DigiEffect's Cinelook ($695) is a professional After Effects plug-in that adds (or removes) grain, corrects color and changes the frame-rate of video. Cinelook can create the aged-film look, but it is primarily a tool for simulating the Hollywood big screen, with many advanced features that even allow you to select specific film stocks and perform technical inverse-telecine frame rate changes. But plug-ins are not magic wands that will turn any footage into beautiful 35mm film. Like all digital solutions at these prices, you'll need to have top-notch production values to pull this off effectively. The old axiom GIGO (garbage in, garbage out) comes to mind (see the At the Lens sidebar).

One of the best things about DigiEffects plug-ins is that you'll no longer need to render a sequence to preview the final results. With the new built-in preview window, you can make adjustments until you get the exact look you want, then render your final sequence. We're told that some new players will announce new film-related plug-ins at NAB 2002 in April. So, by the time you read this, there may be even more to choose from so, as always, shop around.

Achieving the effect of film with digital video is attainable with today's software and proper production techniques. Although the software solutions are formidable in power, they are only half the equation. Put simply, the higher the quality of your video, the better the results. If you're after an 8mm or 16mm look, you can start with Super VHS or Hi8 footage, but for a higher-end 35mm look, you'll need to acquire your video on DV (at a minimum). The higher the quality of the source footage, the closer you'll get to the look of film.

Thousands of budget-conscious filmmakers have achieved great results using DV and basic digital solutions.

With some planning and experimentation, you can make your video look like a reasonable facsimile of film, quickly and easily.