Growing up, we all hear, “That’s fine as a hobby, but you should choose a practical career. You need something to fall back on.” Does this sound familiar? Well, I would like to applaud those who didn’t listen and had the courage to follow their dreams to become filmmakers. After all, where would we be without the magic of film? It’s what the rest of us look forward to at the end of the week, after doing our “practical” jobs.
That is why I say, bravo to filmmakers. Entertainment is a necessity for us as an escape once in a while. You can show your appreciation and help support the entertainment industry with this wide selection of gifts for filmmakers.
1. Master Filmmaking Class
Best gifts for filmmakers
With a subscription to Masterclass, they can take film classes from the greats like Spike Lee, Ron Howard, or Martin Scorsese. Not only that, but the membership is good for any of the online classes. In addition to film, they can learn cooking, business, or even learn to play an instrument, all from their own home at any time they want. They can access the classes from their smartphone, TV, tablet, or laptop.
If the idea of a subscription doesn’t appeal to you, you can also buy them an online course in filmmaking. These are individual classes, so there are no ongoing payments.
For those who make documentaries, you can even get them a documentary filmmaking book, written by experts.
2. Clapboard Kit
Gifts for aspiring filmmakers
This clapboard comes with dry erase markers and an eraser so they can easily change scene numbers, takes, and other information.
While a full budget movie will provide a director’s chair for a filmmaker, you can get a personalized director’s chair for an aspiring filmmaker to use while making amateur films.
You can also make them feel like Ron Howard by getting them a baseball cap that says director.
3. Signed Script Reprint
Christmas gifts for filmmakers
Give them a copy of a signed film script for their collection of movie memorabilia. Choose from TV shows or movies such as Jaws, Star Wars, or The Office. Maybe someday someone will be ordering one of their scripts.
Or get them a replica of film license plates such as the one from Stephen King’s Christine or Assman from Seinfeld. Remember that episode?
Another great memorabilia gift to get a filmmaker is a collection of film cells from their favorite movie. These collections come with a USB cable which is attached to the frame. They can turn on the backlighting with the touch of a button. I want the one from Lost Boys.
4. Camera Backpack
Gifts for videographers
A camera backpack has sections to organize their equipment, including a tripod. Some have laptop compartments. This way they can easily view footage after the event, before leaving the venue. These are usually well padded to protect expensive camera equipment. My brother in law actually bought a wagon to carry his gear.
A smartphone stabilizer will help them keep steady for action shots and over rough terrain. This is great for filming sporting events.
You can also get them a professional microphone to use with their phone for professional sound quality. This will help catch the best man’s speech clearly, without having to get up close to the wedding party.
5. Antique Movie Projector Music Box
Gifts for filmmakers who are female
While this keepsake gift doesn’t actually play movies, it does play music. She will think of you every time she opens this precious music box. This is a romantic gift for a girlfriend or a supportive gift for a daughter.
Let her take your love with her to the set. She can keep you close to her heart with a movie camera pendant.
Give her some encouragement with books about female filmmakers.
When shooting is done, she will enjoy curling up on the couch under a film themed throw blanket. Or better yet, she can invite friends over to watch the finished project.
6. Camera Lens Coffee Mug
Gifts for film students
Film students need lots of energy to get through classes and create film projects. Give them some added inspiration with a travel coffee mug that looks like a camera lens.
Students will also need a storyboard sketchbook for planning video layouts.
As students, they are most likely filming with their cell phone camera. Get them an extendable tripod to use with it. The tripod will keep their hands free and the camera steady.
7. Film Themed Cufflinks
Gifts for filmmakers who are male
For the big premiere, wearing film themed cufflinks will make him a hit.
You can even get him a film themed tie. Dress him from head to toe by adding some movie themed socks to the gift.
For everyday wear, let him relax in a film themed t-shirt. He deserves it.
8. Professional Camera Drone
Gifts for cinematographers
Cinematographers are responsible for shooting the film footage, but sometimes they need to shoot from hard to reach spots. For scenic views get them a professional drone camera. These are a bit pricey, so you might want to get some folks together to chip in for this gift.
If you are looking for something less expensive, but still want to get them some useful equipment, you can give them a wireless transmitter and receiver. They can use these to communicate with others on the set.
Do they have to travel to the film location? Give them a travel electronics case with lots of compartments to organize their gear.
9. Foot Massager
Gift ideas for filmmakers
After long days on their feet, filmmakers will appreciate a good foot massage. These have kneading action as well as heat. For other tense muscles, give them a back massager.
For the mind, get them an aromatherapy gift. Essential oil diffusers, scented candles, or aromatherapy bracelets, will all help them melt away the stress after dealing with quirky actors, bad weather, and equipment problems.
Or give them a spa gift basket so they can soak their cares away in the tub.
10. Filmmaking for Kids Book
Gifts for young filmmakers
My youngest child took a filmmaking class two years in a row during summer camp. He spent the rest of the year creating stop motion videos with Legos. If camp programs for filmmaking aren’t available, help your future filmmaker by getting them some how to books for kids.
You can also get a video kit or backgrounds for them to use while creating stop motion films. Young filmmakers are most likely using cell phones, but that doesn’t mean they can’t add extra equipment for the effects they need. A video rig will help stabilize the phone while adding light to the scene.
11. Green Screen
Filmmaking gift ideas
There are times when they will need to add the background after the shoot. For those times, get them a green screen.
You can also give them a fresh perspective with books on filmmaking.
They can’t control the weather. A waterproof camera will allow them to film in wet conditions as well as get those underwater shots.
Is your filmmaker a vlogger? Get them a video blogger kit. It will give them accessories they need such as microphone, lights, and stabilizer in one gift.
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