While digital video is convenient, cheap to produce, and allows for much quicker content creation, it’s also very clean. The image doesn’t degrade, and it can’t be scratched. Although this is often a good thing, a big chunk of the filmmaking community still stands by old-fashioned film. But it’s expensive to buy, shoot with, and develop film. So that’s where film grain video overlays come in handy.
8mm, 16mm, and 35mm film has imperfections and warmth that are very different from today’s almost sterile digital video. Sometimes, you might need to show an old film effect if the narrative calls for it. Fortunately, digital film scans can be used as overlays to enhance your digital video and give it a vintage, cinematic feel that will add depth and character to the image.
There are plenty of film grain overlays available, both premium and free. Here, Motion Array has listed 19 popular free film grain downloads, followed by some tips on incorporating them into your own video projects.
Summary
Part 1: 19 amazing film grain overlays to download for free
1. Free Film Overlay
This free stock video overlay from Motion Array can be imported directly into your video editor. Drop it over your footage on the timeline, set the blending mode to Overlay, and there you have it — instantly degrade your footage to give it that old-fashioned film look.
Download Free Film Overlay Pack by Motion Array Now
2. 8mm Film Grain Pack
Enjoy this cool 8mm grain effect with 4 different colors: wine, ash, moss, and tobacco. Throw it onto your footage to ramp up the style of your creative projects. This one is free to download with a Motion Array free trial account.
Download Motion Array’s 8mm Film Grain Pack Now
3. 8mm Film Overlay
This Super 8mm film grain video overlay download is a wonderful 60s-style effect that will make your footage feel right at home with the Beatles and flared jeans.
Download 8mm Film Overlay by Austin Newman Now
4. Old Film Toolkit
Create the look of an old Hollywood movie or fire up your viewer’s nostalgia with a throwback to old-school projectors. With this handy, simple-to-use Old Film Toolkit, it’s almost effortless.
Download Old Film Toolkit by Motion Array Now
5. Film Grain Effect
This lovely warm analog effect gets the best results when set to an overlay transparency effect. Drop the file on your timeline to get instant film grain on your footage. It’s that easy!
Download Film Grain Effects by Motion Array Now
6. 10 Free 4K Grain Overlays
Enjoy a great bundle of grain overlays to create immediate film-worthy results. This pack includes ten files, so there’s bound to be something that works for you.
Download 10 Free 4K Grain Overlays by RP Stock Now
7. 35mm Film Scan
This is a fantastic resource for premium LUTs and effects. Scroll down to the bottom of the page for some 4K free film grain overlays, too. Each draws on different 35mm film scans. The clips are 10 seconds long and are ideal for After Effects and Final Cut Pro.
Download 35mm Film Scan by IWLTBAP Now
8. Super 8mm Film Template
This free film grain video overlay template quickly creates Super 8mm footage with a vintage vibe. It’s great for giving modern videos that dreamy, nostalgic feel.
Download Super 8mm Film Template by Player1505 Now
9. Free Super 8mm Film Grain
More Super 8mm film grain here. While most of the pack is paid, there’s a lovely free filter. It was too good not to include. Try applying it to other footage using the Screen blending mode to give your video a rich, authentic vibe.
Download Free Super 8mm Film Grain by Film Looks Now
10. Old Vintage Film Scratches
This is a pretty non-specific film effect but the dust and scratches are an effective way to convert your footage into a vintage video instantly.
Download Old Vintage Film Scratches by Videezy Now
11. 35mm Film Grain
The collection features 5 35mm film grain overlays of 10 seconds each. Add a cinematic look to your videos effortlessly. Just drop it on your footage and change the blending mode to Overlay or Add. It’s 4K, too.
Download 35mm Film Grain by Motion Array Now
12. Red Cinema Grain
This subtle film grain adds an extra level of richness to your footage. You can download and start using it in minutes directly from Edit With Light’s Google Drive link.
Download Red Cinema Grain by Edit With Light Now
13. Film Grain Overlays
Looking for 8mm, 16mm, or 35mm film grain overlays? With these incredible free 4K film grain overlays, the choice is yours. Why not download them all? Experiment with different blending modes to see what works best.
Download Film Grain Overlays by Resolver Tools Now
14. 35mm and Bad VHS
Grainzilla is offering 3 killer free downloads here — a 35mm grain overlay, a war film aesthetic and a very stylish beaten-up old VHS vibe that’s perfect for your vintage video projects.
Download 35mm and Bad VHS by GrainZilla Now
15. 4K Crowdak 35mm Film Overlays by Thomas Fransson
Crowdak 35mm Film Grain is a grain overlay kit that echoes the popular 2383 print film. These free grain overlays can be used in any editing software that supports blend modes.
Download 4K Film Overlays by Thomas Fransson Now
16. Free Film Grain Overlays by Color Grading Central
This handy free film grain video overlay pack will take away the harsh lines of digital film. Instead, you can enjoy the distinctive look of old-school celluloid cool.
Download Free Film Grain Overlays by Color Grading Central Now
17. Old Film Grain Overlay
This procedurally rendered old film grain isn’t the most realistic of options, but it still gives your footage great vintage character.
Download Old Film Grain Overlay by Snowman Digital Now
18. 8mm Kodak
This 8mm Kodak grain is just the right subtle effect to add a layer of richness to your video.
Download 8mm Kodak by Harper Projector Now
19. Grain Gradients Pack by Motion Array
Expand your stock motion graphics video pack collection with 6 clips of colorful free film grain overlay backgrounds in seamless loops. Lay these files over your clips on the timeline and experiment with the blending modes to get the perfect result.
Download Grain Gradient Backgrounds Pack by Motion Array Now
Part 2: How to apply film grain video overlays to your video
So you’ve sifted through these options, picked a few favorites, and now you’re ready to use them in your video project. Great. How do you get started?
- Firstly, import the grain video file into Premiere Pro (just like any other type of video).
- Drag the grain overlay on top of the footage you want to apply the effect to. You do this in the channel mentioned above.
- Select your grain clip and head to the Effects Control panel.
- In the Opacity tab, select a blending mode from the drop-down menu. Play around with these until you find one you like. Generally, something like Screen works pretty well.
- See the results unfold in your preview window.
Digital video cameras have completely transformed the film and video industry. Once, videos were recorded with rolls of film which were expensive to manage and develop. Scratches, burns, and moments of overexposure all showed up on the final video and were difficult to manage and predict.
But there’s also a nostalgic charm to that kind of film. If there weren’t, there wouldn’t be such a huge part of the community providing free film grain overlays to make your content feel more worn. Every smartphone can now record incredible, high-quality video footage, but film grain overlays help restore the warmth that was lost along the way.
