No Film School’s 2022 Holiday Gift Guide for Filmmakers

Are you having trouble finding the right gift to give the filmmaker in your family? Even if you’re just looking for something to treat yourself, we have you covered.

Imagine this. You’re in the holiday season and you are opening a gift with your name on it. The box feels heavy and you dare not shake it—the contents might be fragile! Do you really want the new camera? Perhaps you’re looking for a DVD set. LOST? Or how about the light-meter Stanley Kubrick used? Barry Lyndon? Could it be?!

Nope. Not even close. It’s a pair socks.

Even though we all love winter and want to keep our feet warm, it can be difficult to find the right gift for the film-maker in your life. Santa Spielberg is our Saint Nick. We can help you find the perfect gift. Be they a cinematographer, screenwriter, or cinephile, these gift ideas will make your gift-getter freak out like they just got a Nintendo 64 in 1996. 

To start off this list, we recommend checking out B&H’s Cyber Monday deals! Continue reading if you still can’t locate what you’re looking. Send this entire article to your dad, mom, or anyone else looking for gift ideas for you. They will appreciate it, I promise.

For Cinematographers, Gear Heads, and Creatives

This section is ideal for creatives who are passionate about cameras. From cameras to camera accessories, and all the tools you need to work with your footage, these gift ideas are going to knock some socks off—hopefully literally. 

Cameras

• FujiFilm X-H2s (New Release) – The newest camera from Fuji, the X-H2s is a hybrid mirrorless camera that shoots ProRes internally in 6K and does RAW to an external recorder. It is ideal for both professionals and hobbyists. 
• Fujifilm GFX 100S ($500 off) – The GFX 100S medium-format camera is among the most affordable on the market. Since its inception, landscape and portrait photographers have been admiring this camera. You also have solid video options. Although it isn’t great for beginners, the GFX can be used by pros who need a larger frame. 
• Fujifilm X-T4 ($150 off) – The X-T4 from Fuji is the hobbyist camera everyone had in their pocket, but it also had the features to make it a solid B-cam for pros. It can be used for both photos and videos. With the Fujifilm X-T5 now in the wild, you can find the X-T4 for a bargain. 
• ​Canon EOS R5 C ($200 off) – Canon wants this hybrid camera to rule all hybrid cameras, and with its feature set, it could do just that. The R5 C comes with fully dedicated modes to photo and video. It has a full frame capable of producing 8K video. 45MP. For instance, if your goal is to be a wedding photographer, you may only need this kit. This kit is also great for film and document work.
• ​Sony FX30 (New Release) – Sony’s return in APS-C/Super35-sized sensors is the FX30. It is also one of the most affordable cinema cameras (right next to BMPCC 6K and 6K G2). This camera is a great companion for solo photographers, whether they are digital content creators, videographers, or cinematographers.
• BMPCC 6K G2 – Blackmagic Design’s latest release is the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2. This is not only the most affordable RAW-capable cinema camera on the market, but also boasts an image that rivals expensive cameras. This camera should be your first choice if you are just beginning to learn or making budget movies.
• Canon EOS R5 C ($200 off) – Bridging the best of both worlds, the Canon EOS R5 C is a solid choice for documentary work or other hybrid shooters. It is also the first Canon camera capable of 8K 60P Cinema RAW light recording.
• Canon EOS R7 & Canon EOS R10 – These are two very affordable APSC options from Canon. The R7 & R10 pack 4K Video into a small package. The R7 also gives you 4K60 10-Bit Video, HDR-PQ & C-Log 3. Both of these cameras would make solid entry-level options for videographers and photographers alike. 
• Canon EOS C70 – This is Canon’s small Super 35 cinema camera. But don’t be fooled. The C70 packs a punch, and has received constant updates that have made it one of most supported cameras on market.
• Canon RF 5.2mm f/2.8 L Dual Fisheye 3D VR Lens ($200 off) – If you thought VR was out of your budget, think again. This dual fisheye lens from Canon takes your Canon R5 and makes it into a production machine that can capture stereoscopic 3D 180° VR imagery to a single image sensor. 

Lenses

• Cinema Lenses These tools are the best for filmmakers. These lenses are built like tanks and have precise focus and aperture control. They also give off a unique character that is not possible with other lenses. These are our top picks for filmmakers who want to have a cinematic edge.
  • DZOFilm Pictor Zoom PL-mount Set ($200 off) – This pair of lenses is affordable and delivers as much as more expensive options. You get six lenses for the price of two with the wide focal range. This set is great for anyone who needs quick framing. 
  • Sirui Mars 1.33x Anamorphic Lens Set — Sirui makes some the most affordable anamorphic lens sets on the market. The MFT-mount set is almost half the price of a single lens from any other manufacturer. Although they aren’t as sharp as higher-end glass, the images they produce can be stunning.
  • Sirui Venus Anamorphic Lens Set 1.6x – This set is the same price as the full frame version, and comes with an RF Mount. These lenses would be a great choice if you have spent a lot of money on a RED Komodo. The anamorphic images are a great tool for your projects and won’t cost much. 
  • IRIX Cine entry set – IRIX has a relatively recent lens line up compared with other brands. They have great solid glass that not only is very affordable, but also produces amazing images. This entry set includes a 21mm (20mm) and 45mm (EF-mount). These lenses can also be purchased in PL-mount and Sony E, Canon RF, Leica L. MFT, Leica L., and Leica L. 
• Photography Lenses Photography glass is a great way for you to save money, even though they are not as well-machined as cinema lenses. Some might also include autofocus and optical image stabilization. Here are our picks. 
  • Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II – A solid choice for Sony shooters, the 24-70mm is light, quick to focus, and covers a favorable focal range.
  • Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM – A rival to the Sony lens above, this RF mount Canon lens has image stabilization and a constant aperture. 
  • Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USM ($400 off) – A counterpart to the previous Canon, the 15-35mm is a bit wider. 
  • Fujinon XF 56mm f/1.2R WR – This is the lens to get if you shoot on Fuji. It is fast and sharp, with a unique personality that may be lacking in the other two. It is, at least in our opinion. 
  • Mitakon Zhongyi Speedmaster 50mm f/0.95 III ($300 off) – This is one of the fastest lenses on the market, making it a perfect tool for low-light shooting, either for photos or cinema. You can also get it in the Sony E, Canon RF and Nikon Z mounts. It will cover full frame.
  • Venus Optics Laowa Argus 35mm f/0.95 FF Lens ($250 off) – Another crazy-fast lens, the Argus is a bit wider and a bit more expensive, but it’s also available in Canon RF, Sony E, and Nikon Z mounts. 
• Accessory – Follow focus unit, matte boxes, batteries and more. These are some items that you will need to kit your camera for any production. 
  • Tilta Nucleus-M Wireless Follow Focus System – Tilta upended the market with this set, becoming one of the most affordable follow-focus units out there. You won’t have to break the bank for this solid piece of kit. 
  • Tilta Nucleus Nano Wireless Follow Focus System – What Tilta did for the Nucleus M, it did again with the Nucleus Nano. This wireless follow-focus kit, which costs just $300, can handle any lens that you throw at it.
  • SmallRig MagicFIZ wireless follow system – SmallRig, the creator of cages that can be used with all types of cameras, also wanted to share Tilta’s cake. They also created a wireless follow-focus system that is affordable.
  • Atomos Ninja V 5K Monitor/Recorder-The Atomos Ninja can record ProRes RAW footage with one of the two available external monitor/recorders. It’s an incredible monitor. 
  • Blackmagic Design Video Assist 7″ – If Atomos was the first RAW recorder, then the BMD Video Assist is the competition. Creatives can use BRAW with this monitor/recorder. You can also get it in a smaller size at 5″. 
  • SmallHD 702 touch – This 7 inch monitor from SmallHD can be found on all ARRI cameras. Although it isn’t the most expensive, it will be a reliable workhorse for your team. Although it won’t record RAW or any other video, it will produce a bright, accurate image. 

Gimbals and Drones, Computers and More

• DJI Mavic 3 classic – The Mavic 3 was an amazing drone when it first came out. DJI has brought it back with the Mavic 3 Classic. It’s ideal for digital content but it can also be used in the cinema. 
• DJI Mini 3 Pro: This tiny drone offers pro features and is smaller than the US federal weight limit. You don’t even need a license. This drone is a great starter drone for those who want to explore aerial photography, videography, and cinematography. 
• DJI Inspire 2 – Raising the price and feature set, the Inspire 2 was a solid professional drone. It’s a good option for professionals who want the perfect aerial shot.
• Sony Airpeak S1 & Gremsy Gimbal T3 Kit – Want to attach your mirrorless Sony camera to a drone? This package is for you. This package will take your Sony Alpha camera to the skies for stunning low-light footage and shallow depth-of field compositions. It will outperform all other drone cameras on the market by placing your mirrorless camera in the air. 
• MacBook Pro M1 Max ($200 off) or MacBook Pro M1 Pro ($300 off) – For creatives editing their own content, these two systems are going to be a killer portable solution. You’ll be able to play through both 6K and 7K video with the M1 Pro. The M1 Max turns it up to 11. 
• Adobe Creative Cloud: Creative Cloud is the standard platform for digital content creators and professional productions. The full ecosystem includes Frame.io, and now Substance 3D upgrade options. Creative Cloud should be on your list if you’re looking for a full-fledged suite to support your production. 
• DaVinci Resolve – Blackmagic Design has turned Resolve into a powerhouse that’s not only free but has amazing features if you opt for the Studio Version. It started out as a leading color grading toolkit, but has since evolved into a powerful NLE that includes audio, VFX, quick edit tools, and a lot more. 
• Final Cut Pro X – Final Cut Pro X is still one of the best NLEs available for Mac. Final Cut Pro X – Final Cut Pro X might be the best choice for your editing needs if you’re deeply involved in Apple’s ecosystem. 

Magazines, Publications and More

• ASC’s American Cinematographer is $30/year. Or $60 for two years. Each cinematographer must keep up with changes in the industry. American Cinematographer is for shooters what Variety is for agents. 
• Cinema Scope: $20 for one year or $40 for two years
• Legion M – You can not only get some sweet cinema merch by watching films like Mandy, Jay and Silent Bob Reboot?, and ArchenemyNot only can you help finance future films, but the Legion M investment platform is also available. You can make the filmmaker in your family a producer by making them a bonified producer.! 

Swag and Merch

Everyone wants to look their best or honor their favorite brands and gear. There are many fun accessories that you and your filmmaker friend might like!

• Gift Cards from B&H (when you’re not sure what to get!)
• Filmtools – When you want to look the part, Filmtools has the threads. Apparel includes hats as well as shirts and patches. 
• Kino Flo T-Shirt: $13
• American Cinematographer “Sketch” Camera Operator T-Shirt: $15
• Moviola Ball Cap: $15
• Stinger Pin: $15
• 9-Light Pin: $15
• Hoo-Rag Bandana: $20
• 5-Panel Hat (Black): $20
• Camera Head Man Sticker: $4
• Cat Stops Sticker: $4
• Aspect Ratios T-Shirt: $23
• C47 Patent T-Shirt: $23
• Designated Charging Station (DIT) T-Shirt: $23
• Director Evolution T-Shirt: $23
• DTF (Down to Film) T-Shirt: $23
• Fix It On Set T-Shirt: $23
• Mayonaise T-Shirt: $23
• More Room Tone T-Shirt: $23
• Steadicam Patent T-Shirt: $24
• Steadicam Silhouette T-Shirt: $24
• Patti Lapel T-Shirt “We Come To This Place for Magic”: $35

Television/Home Entertainment 

If you don’t make movies, you are watching them. This is an investment in you. The more sound and image you have at home, the better you will be able to analyze, learn and critique the work that will inspire you for your next project. 

You might even consider DIYing your own set. No matter your requirements, a television is more than a TV. 

• Samsung 55 inch HDR 4K LED TV $347.99 – This TV is huge and will give you great pictures. Surprisingly Enjoy a holiday discount and get a bargain! You deserve it. 
• Samsung 65″ HDR 4K LED TV – $447.99 – Okay. The same as above, but larger because you also deserve it.
• LG C2PUA 55″ 4K ($200 off) – Whether you’re gaming, watching your favorite show, or using these as a virtual backdrop, you can’t go wrong with an LG.
• Yamaha 5.1 Home Theater System – $649.95 Stream this product. Dune immediately. We trust you. 
• Bose Noise-Canceling Wireless headphones – $249 – Forget the cords, and you won’t be disappointed in the audio quality. You’ll love these headphones, whether you’re looking at, cutting, or taking notes. 

For screenwriters, novelists, and playwrights

You’re not a tech guru, but you still make movies like everyone else. This section is for you, or those you know who fit this description. These gift ideas will help you get through the holidays, no matter what medium it is: film, stage, or nightstand. 

Software

• Final Draft – $250 – Many pros use this software. They call themselves the industry standard, but you can get by just fine with other choices—still, many people like the feel of using the program many other people use as well. 
• Highland 2 – $50 – give yourself some software designed by A-list screenwriter John August. You wouldn’t want anything that isn’t devoted to your needs. 
• Fade In $79 – Another popular option for professional writers. This one looks neat on the page, and it’s also very fun to use. 
• Save the Cat – $189 per year – The most popular book and software that you don’t actually use to write screenplays, this can help you structure your story or just drive you crazy when you realize you’re missing specific beats. 

Writers: Goodies

• Personalized idea notebook $23.99 – Give your favorite filmmaker a journal to keep track of their thoughts and ideas. Let them be creative and write it down. 
• Writer Emergency Survival Guide – Got screenplay problems? This guide will encourage you to think outside the box, and push yourself to create better screenplays.
• Writer Emergency Pack – A deck of cards you can play when you hit writer’s block? Yes, indeed! Yes, you can! Just don’t attempt to play blackjack. 
• These are the best screenwriting books, which offer many useful information for those who want to learn more about screenwriting. 

For Cinephiles and Movie Nerds

This section is dedicated to movie lovers. Here are some gift suggestions for movie lovers and sitcom fans. 

Streaming Services

Many great filmmakers learned from film-watching. It’s a wonderful way to not only get inspired but also learn. 

• MUBI: $10.99/mo. or $95.88/year. – This curated platform is for streamers who are looking for rare indie films, classic art films, and foreign titles that you won’t see on Netflix.
• Shudder: $5.99/mo. Shudder: $5.99/month or $56.99/year Shudder us if you are a film lover or a person who enjoys the spookiness of the season. There’s more horror, thrillers and supernatural suspense than you can handle.
• The Criterion Channel: $10.99/mo. $999.99 per year This is the gold standard in classic cinema, regardless of era, country or genre. Let’s face it, the box/poster art is more than worth the price.
• IFC Films Unlimited: $5.99/mo (must have Amazon Prime) – Devoted to independent film, this is the streamer where you can enjoy and support the indie film community in the purest sense.
• Sundance Now: $6.99/mo (must have Amazon Prime) – Do you miss actual Drama? It’s a large genre that is almost extinct at the multiplex. Sundance Now steps in to save the day. 

Gear to Start Your Own Podcast

Gifts in Special Edition

• Box sets for DVD. You can watch the best gifts! Choose from a variety of styles and themes to find the perfect gift. Choose your favorite. Your guilty pleasures. Go nuts! 
• Exclusive edition action figures Prices are subject to change. You have many options. They are perfect for your desk, and even to use as toys. These are great fun.
• Movie posters by MONDO, $50-$80 Decorate your office or home with your favorite movies. Have a good conversation with your friends. Pick the most and worst movies that you enjoy. 
• Grogu (Baby Yoda), a life-sized version The Mandalorian $375

Ralphie’s Favorite Things Christmas Story

• Red Ryder – But don’t shoot your eye out. 
• Leg lamp – Careful, it’s fra-geee-lay. 
• Ovaltine – The drink Little Orphan Annie likes to guzzle. 

Get stuff from Die Hard This seems like a lot of fun 

• Christmas book – Share the holiday classic with your kids. 
• Mug – Sip coffee like Roy Rodgers. 
• 4K Blu-ray – Own the pristine holiday classic film. 

Let us know if you have any questions. Merry Christmas!