Pre-Production
The Best Studiobinder Alternatives: Comparing Assemble
StudioBinder is a production management software filmmakers use to plan feature film productions. While popular, you may be hunting for an alternative to StudioBinder. In this article, we’ll explore the best StudioBinder competitors so you can choose the ideal option for your content creation needs.
What is Assemble?
Assemble is an all-in-one platform that combines project management, asset management, and production documents. Assemble is designed from the ground up specifically for content creation teams.
Assemble's project management software
From narrative filmmaking to commercials to short-form social media, Assemble can support the workflow required for all types of projects. Best of all, the platform is simple and easy to use for any kind of content team.
Teamwork and collaboration are at the core of the platform. You can easily share calendars, assets, and documents with your team members and external collaborators for review.
If you create content, Assemble can provide your team project management tools to take your workflow to the next level.
What features can I find on Assemble?
Assemble offers everything you need from project kickoff to final delivery. The core features include a collaborative calendar, asset management tools, and cloud-based document creation. The platform is simple and intuitive, so you can switch over from (or combine) your existing tools without skipping a beat.
A feature breakdown of Assemble vs. StudioBinder
Cloud Based Calendar
At a glance, StudioBinder and Assemble’s calendars offer similar features required for planning a film production. On both platforms, you can find features such as a timeline view, task list, and more.
However, Assemble differs because the calendar is also designed to work with external collaborators. Producers and project managers can publish calendars as public review links for anyone outside the organization. This allows freelancers and clients to see the calendar without logging in. You can also track who has viewed the calendar to ensure everyone is up to date.
Assemble's cloud based calendar and task list
External team members can also sync the Assemble calendar to their personal Google Cal, iCal, or Outlook calendars. The integration feature allows external calendars to update in real time if you make any changes.
These tools will enable you to comfortably oversee the production timeline while ensuring your team is always on the same page. Enabling this seamless collaboration makes Assemble a great StudioBinder competitor.
Asset Management
StudioBinder allows you to store and share production files. You can upload and preview files within their platform. Their cloud-based document library allows you to control who can access, modify and view documents.
Assemble excels in cloud-based asset management and file sharing, with a focus on providing professional video review and markup tools. Its features are comparable to other professional-grade asset management and file-sharing tools on the market.
Assemble’s asset management features include version control, frame-specific commenting, on-screen annotations, approval tracking, and view tracking for all video files and media types.
You can also share assets as public review links. As a result, external collaborators can view assets and leave feedback with no login required.
Choosing an all-in-one solution like Assemble means you don’t have to pay for a separate asset management tool for client review and feedback.
In terms of pricing, StudioBinder's individual plan offers a maximum of 100GB for $99/mo, or their company plan offers a maximum of 400GB for $399/mo.
The Assemble’s Starter plan comes with 100GB for $24/mo, and the Pro plan gives you 500GB for $36/mo. You can also add 100GB as needed for $8/mo, meaning you can maintain flexible storage allotments depending on your current workload.
Writing, Documents and Call Sheets
StudioBinder caters to a feature film workflow, so you can create screenplays, breakdowns, stripboards, and call sheets. You can share call sheets to cast and crew with a few clicks and track views on the platform. Their call sheets are also mobile-compatible for all recipients.
Similar to StudioBinder, Assemble also allows you to share documents externally with cast, crew, and clients, view them on all devices, and track who has viewed them.
However, Assemble’s unique selling point is that it supports all types of content creation workflows, and an infinite number of different document types. Your team might not be working on a feature film and therefore have different needs. Assemble can adapt to those needs.
Assemble's fully customizable document creator
The fully customizable document creator allows you to create documents that are as simple or complex as you need. You can create and share everything from meeting notes to shot lists to fully custom call sheets on Assemble. With a fully customizable document tool, the only limit is your imagination.
What if I don't know how to build production documents?
Assemble offers ready-to-use templates for over 25+ documents, such as call sheets, shot lists, and shooting schedules.
Assemble and StudioBinder Pricing
Next, let’s compare the pricing options available for StudioBinder and Assemble.
StudioBinder Pricing (Yearly, saving 15%)
Assemble Pricing (Yearly, saving 15%)
Comparing other StudioBinder alternatives
Finally, let’s review the pricing of other collaboration tools to find the best alternatives to StudioBinder.
To simplify, we’ve compiled a list of the best StudioBinder alternatives below.
Can I use StudioBinder for free?
StudioBinder offers a free plan allowing you to create one project with a limited feature set. Think of it as a test drive before purchasing a paid plan.
Can I use Assemble for free?
Assemble offers a 14-day free trial to test the full feature suite and functionality. Start your free trial today here.
Final Thoughts
If you are working within a traditional feature film workflow and need standardized screenwriting software, stripboards, shot lists, and call sheets, StudioBinder is a good option.
But if you want an all-in-one tool that can work for all types of content creation, from feature films to short-form content, campaigns, photoshoots, and more, Assemble has everything you need. The platform’s flexibility and collaboration tools make it one of the best alternatives to StudioBinder.
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