With the advent of advanced technology, portable filming devices and creative outlets like YouTube, anyone can be a filmmaker. You may have a budding filmmaker in your home or a friend working on their first short film. These gifts are sure to delight.
Smartphone Steadicam
Smartphones are the most useful and convenient piece of equipment an amateur filmmaker can own. Films like Tangerinewere shot entirely on smart phones and gained recognition in festivals like Sundance Film Festival.
Filmmaking is now in the palm of their hand with simple tools. The Steadicam is a mount the phone sits on with a lever and a handle. It keeps the phone from jiggling around during filming to get those smooth shots. Your filmmaker is about to feel like a true professional!
Wireless Shutter Release
It’s a constant burden to always be at the helm of the camera when shooting. A director needs to see a shot from all angles while filming. Enter the wireless shutter release.
Anyone who has ever taken a selfie knows the experience of a timed shutter release, but a wireless shutter release eliminates the need. This tool allows them to step away from the camera while filming.
Fun Lenses
No matter whether they’re using a smartphone or a professional camera, there is a lens for every style. New filmmakers need to experiment in order to find their aesthetic and lenses allow them that flexibility.
Lenses including macro, wide-angle, zoom, telephoto and fisheye are available on both devices and allow the filmmaker to learn about the best filming technique.
GoPro
The GoPro takes film making to the next level. This popular device gives the audience a first-person immersive experience into the environment.
No matter their genre, be it documentary, thriller or even sports filming, the GoPro allows an experience never before imagined by the novice filmmaker.
Lens Cleaner Cloths
Everyone needs a lens cleaner cloth. Buy it as a stocking stuffer so that they never find themselves stranded with a foggy lens again.
Drone
Drones are distinguished as one of the most innovative pieces of film making technology available on the market today. Never before has the average Joe been able to fly their camera high into the air and take smooth jiggle free shots over a landscape or city.
If you’re on a tight budget, don’t fret: drones come in all shapes, sizes and prices. Make sure that the drone you purchase is camera-compatible, or grab GoPro drones for an all-in-one gift they’re sure to appreciate.
Camera Video Light
A video light is a trust tool that should always be in the camera bag of a filmmaker. Filming in low light and night conditions is impossible without a proper light and daytime shots can appear more even with more light. Many video lights are only compatible with certain cameras, so ask which model of camera they have before purchasing.
Audio Recorder
Cameras aren’t equipped to have great audio capabilities. Think like a filmmaker and get them an audio recorder that allows them to record clearer sound. Like the Steadicam, audio recorders make a film polished and professional.
Film Magazine Subscription
Magazines like Little White Lies are the perfect publication for the filmmaker on the rise. This kind of magazines stay on top of the latest trends of new filmmakers and harken back to the greats of the past.
Books about Their Favorite Directors
Every filmmaker has a favorite director or directors. Quentin Tarantino was inspired by Sergio Leone, Wes Anderson by Jean-Luc Godard and the list goes on and on.
Ask them who their favorite directors are and you’re sure to get lost in a lengthy conversation about their most favorite director to date.
There are dozens of books available on any number of directors, and a nice coffee table book is a beautiful addition to any living room.
If your friend or loved one decides to become a filmmaker, they are already well on their way to success. Give them the perfect gift and they’ll have you to thank when they win their first Oscar.
