Welcome to FilmMakerGifts
FilmMakerGifts.com has a variety of gift suggestions for the filmmaker/s in your life! Let's face it, isn't everyone a budding filmmaker these days? We look at everything from professional tools of the filmmaking trade to some of the best movies made about cinema and filmmaking. We've compiled a list of various gift items that will tell your filmmaker that you know your stuff. Price ranges and level of expertise vary so take a look at our suggestions and then give the perfect gift to your filmmaker!
2011 FILMMAKER GIFT LIST! - Give a Gift that will make a Box Office Hit!
#1
Apple iPad
Filmmakers are visual people. iPads are great for visual thinkers and filmmakers are just that....so this mobile computing lets them view movies and surf the internet wherever they are working or vacationing between making films. We also have an idea for its use between shots.
Apple inspires filmmakers through their design and ease-of-use. The iPad takes that design to a new level. Your filmmaker will certainly appreciate the touch technology and the portability.The Kindle Fire is the newest and hottest tablet for 2011 which is less expensive than the iPad so if pricing is an issue, take a look in that direction. Price range : $$$
Who would like this: Any aspiring creative. Just remember, filmmakers are visually oriented
Purchase iPad from Amazon!
Purchase Kindle Fire from Amazon
#2
StoryBoard Quick 6storyboard software
Before your favorite filmmaker even thinks about setting foot on the set, or pitching an idea to an executive producer, arm them with the power to create a visual plan...even if they can't draw!
StoryBoard Quick storyboard software helps filmmakers visualize, brainstorm and organize story ideas before shooting a single shot! Storyboards are the blueprint for movies and a great way to pitch story ideas to find funding. This program is a powerful time, money and resource saver for your filmmaker! Maybe you too have a story idea mulling around. StoryBoard Quick is great for students and novice filmmakers. Both available for Mac addicts and Windows users alike. See the StoryBoard Quick video. Price range : $$-$$$
Who will like this: Professional and amateurs use these industry leading tools to create and organize shots, pitch ideas and communicate to crew members and potential investors alike.
Purchase StoryBoard Quick from PowerProduction!
For the advanced filmmaker check out StoryBoard Artist.
#3
Digital Video
As a rule, we have recommended a small digital video camera as a great and exciting gift to any auteur. But since everyone seems to have a smart phone these days, that has a video camera built in, the better idea is what can you do to enhance the process. [If your "filmmaker" doesn't have an iPhone or a Droid Razor that's is a good place to start, but beware, it's sort of like giving someone a puppy. The gift isn't the end of the expenses. There are monthly fees for the phone access that will have to be paid. But you can take the attitude that "it's their problem once you give it to them!?" Not so nice! But you might be able to make it work and still live with yourself.]
But if you're looking for a something to complement the video process, there are numerous Apps for phones that will enhance the filmmaking process. We happen to be more familiar with the iPhone (since Google didn't offer us a free Droid Razr to play with). So we're recommending that you look at iPhone Apps: Pro Camera Guide by Moviola, or pCAM Film+Digital Calculator, both available in the Apple's App Store. One catch, you may need your own iPhone to "gift" it to them. Or you can always get them an itunes Gift card at your local grocery store and they can buy it themselves. While you're checking out Apps... here's one we like for playing between setups.
While we're still focusing on the Digital Video, a fun accessory for a filmmaker's iPhone 4 or iPhone 4s is:
Kogeto Dot Panoramic iPhone 4/4S Add-On
Along with the Dot add-on lens, the Looker iPhone app is needed to shoot, de-warp and upload videos to Facebook, Twitter, and Kogeto.com.
The Dot shoots in panoramic mode, but the video looks like a swirling black hole until you de-warp it. Processing the video into watchable video takes a couple minutes. Dot shoots in 360 degrees but has a bit of an audio lag. Available at the Apple Store for approx $79 with the Looker app free to download.
Who would like this: Techy filmmakers who like to experiment with different video styles.
Price range : $
#4
Apple Final Cut Pro X orAdobe Premiere Pro CS5.5
editing software
In the world of digital filmmaking, there's the essential post-production step of editing. In today's world, it can all be done right on a desktop or laptop computer. For the Mac user in your life, nothing is more coveted than Apple's Final Cut Pro - the powerful, professional Mac desktop editor (if your filmmaker is going to film school, this may even be required). If your giftee is a Windows/PC user, you have more application choices, however, we recommend Adobe Premiere Pro CS5.5 . It too has a powerful feature set which will ensure that your filmmaker will be able to tell their story their way and put the right finishing touches on it before "opening night".
In econmic hard times, however, a viable alternative is a DVD for Learning Final Cut Pro X. This may be as valuable as the actual program itself.
Price range : $$
Who would like this: Blockbusters have been edited on both FCP and Premiere. While these applications are technically complicated to master than other software applications (Final Draft or StoryBoard Quick) which we recommend, eventually a serious hands-on director will want to make his/her own "Director's Cut".
Purchase Apple Final Cut Pro X (Mac) from the Apple Store
Purchase Adobe Premiere Pro CS5 (Windows 7/Vista/XP) from Amazon!
#5
Movies ABOUT MoviesLooking for something for a writer or director to give them inspiration?! Hollywood has made a number of great movies (now on DVD or download available) about filmmaking and the love of moives. Here's a list of some of our favorites, all of them excellent, and all of them with something to do with the business of making movies. Check out these great titles. Most you can buy on Amazon from the link provided.
Hugo in 3D- Martin Scorsese's gift for the 2011 holiday season is a must see for cinema lovers. Use a gift card for a cinema chain near the filmmaker and slip a note around it specifically suggesting that they use the card to this movie. Check local theatres... until it comes out on DVD. Then you can get them a Personal 3D Viewer from Sony to go along with it.- Cinema Paradiso
- A young boy in a small Italian village makes friends with a movie theatre projectionist and is inspired to make movies.
- Adaptation
- Nic Cage stars in this writer's fantasy
- Bowfinger
- Steve Martin & Eddie Murphy make stealth movies
- Barton Fink
- John Tuturo wraps his mind around a script idea
- The Stunt Man
- Peter O' Toole stars in this 70's classic
- Get Shorty
- Humerous Hitman makes a movie
- The Player
- Fear and Loathing in Corporate Hollywood
- Entourage
- HBO's fun and fast series look at the life of a movie star
Price range : $
Who would like this: You and everyone you know! Especially those filmmakers and cinema lovers in your life.
or
If your filmmaker has children (and needs to keep them busy while editing), or has made a movie for children (and is looking for distribution), you might want to check out allkidvids.com.
#6
Redrock Nano RunningMan
The nano RunningMan is a fantastic compact rig for solid, supported shooting with minimal rigging. The Redrock Nano RunningMan is a camera stabilizer which shoots with a steadier hand. Perfect for the director who shoots everything handheld, the RunningMan makes amazingly smooth shots on any terrain. With its compact design you can now have both stability and size on your side. The microBrace body pad, microHandGrip, and optional microFinder loupe accessory deliver 3 points of contact for ultra stable shots in a compact package. Camera not included! Price range : $$ - $$$
Who would like this: Probably a budding director who not only likes to call his/her own shots but take them, too!
Purchase Redrock RunningMan or other such rigs directly from Redrock!
#7
Cinematic Storytelling &
Master Shots
If you're looking for a gift for an auteur, or the writer who is turning all-in-one filmmaker, then Jennifer Van Sijll's Cinematic Storytelling teaches the language of cinema which goes beyond dialog. It's great for anyone interested in truly mastering cinematic storytelling and moving beyond YouTube clipmaking. Master Shots: 100 Advanced Camera Techniques to Get an Expensive Look on Your Low-Budget Movie is also a great "move beyond YouTube" information.
Both books are available in the Kindle Editions so keep it simple or you could add the Kindle and make a great bundle.
Price range : $
Who would like this: Anyone who has a script and wants to make it more cinematic or has a script and wants to make the movie tell the story visually!
Purchase Cinematic Storytelling: The 100 Most Powerful Film Conventions Every Filmmaker Must Know from Amazon!
#8
Red Head Digital Light
Lights! Camera! Action! You've heard the phrase...but you probably focused on the "Action." Before there can be Action, you need lights. And they need to be just right. For the indie director in your family help them get professional lighting in a portable Digital Light package. Depending on how careful you are you can save a little money on your Case Options. Price range: $$
Who would like this: The do-it-yourself Director who's setting up a static location.
Purchase Red Head Light from Amazon
#9
Makin Money iPhone/iPad Game
While your filmmaker is waiting on the lighting crew to get set or waiting for the next scene to be set up, he/she can be "Makin Money." We scouted out this fun "time-passing" game for the iPhone or iPad and it can be played against another crew member (silently) in Head to Head games via blue tooth. Players can text-taunt opponents during the game. Both players need the game but it's less than a buck. Only 99 cents.
Price Range: ¢ (not even $)
Who would like this: Any filmmaker or crew member who has experienced waiting around while others are doing their jobs. It's the answer to "hurry up and wait" boredom. Or any Director: The on-the-set talent would have fun playing against each other and/or the crew. Parent need toys to keep kids busy? Directors need games to keep talent busy!
Purchase Makin Money from the App Store
Makin Money by Big Important Games
#10
Sony Wireless Microphone
Tap, tap, check one...check one, two. Capturing dialog means your filmmaker needs a good microphone package. Wireless Microphone Package from Sony. Package includes a lavalier microphone, bodypack transmitter and portable diversity tuner. Mounting adapter for camcorder included. Suitable for a wide range of applications, from news gathering and interviews to dramatic dialog, talk shows and conferences.So no matter the direction your filmmaker is pursuing, this piece of equipment will help round out their production kit. Price range : $$$
Who would like this: A filmmaker who wants to make "talkies" and not silent or home movies.
Purchase Sony UWPV1 Lavalier Microphone, Bodypack Transmitter & Portable RX Wireless System from Amazon!
#11
Spectra Professional Light Meter
While aspiring filmmakers can only dream of being overexposed, they certainly don't want their film or video to be - when it comes to lighting. Having the right light means having the right end result for your shots and nothing will help you determine that better than the Spectra Professional Light Meter. Compact, accurate and now available in a whole host of fun colors. So you can get a reading on the light while being color coordinated. Price range : $$
Who would like this: Directors and cinematographers who demand perfection when shooting to film.
Purchase Sprectra Professional Light Meter from B&H Photo
#12
The 12 Days of Christmas Gift - Extravaganza
If you haven't found a gift yet from this list that fits your requirements and you find that holidays are drawing near, you could take some inspiration from the song. So to give any, or all, of the 12 days of Christmas gifts, each year PNC Bank calculates the price of each item. You can take a ride on the PNC money train or take your filmmaker and find out how much each of the gifts costs. It's a fun adventure and you can tell it cost PNC Bank a bundle to produce. A filmmaker always appreciates production value.
-SPOILER ALERT-
The total cost of 2011 "12 days of Christmas" gifts is $24,263.18.
But if you're looking to spend just "a bit" less (but still willing to break open the piggy bank), how about a Full HD 1080p in 2D and 3D, full-array local dimming LED, X-Reality PRO Engine, Internet TV for streaming entertainment. A/k/a 3D HD TV from SONY.
Price Range: $$$$
Who would like this: We're gonna guess that if you give it, any filmmaker or film-lover "worth their salt" will accept it.
On the other end of the gifting spectrum, how about a Celebrity Holiday card (designed by some Hollywood actresses) that gives back.
Price Range: As MasterCard might say: "Priceless"
