No Film School presents the 2022 Holiday Gift Guide to Filmmakers

Are you having trouble finding the perfect gift to give the film-maker in your life? Even if you’re just looking for something to pamper yourself, we have you covered.

Imagine this. You’re in the middle of holiday season and are about to open a present that has your name written on. The box feels heavy and you dare not shake it—the contents might be fragile! It’s the perfect camera for you. Perhaps you are looking for the perfect DVD set. LOST? Oder what about Stanley Kubrick? Barry Lyndon? It could be!!

Nope. Not even close. That’s just a pair.

Even though we all love winter and want to stay 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 choose the right 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! Keep reading if you don’t see what you are looking for. You can also send the entire article to mom or dad or someone else looking for Christmas gifts. You can trust me.

This is for the Cinematographers, Gear Heads, and Creatives

This section can be used to help someone love photography, as well as creatives who make a living from it. 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. This camera is perfect for hobbyists and professionals alike. 
• Fujifilm GFX 100S ($500 off) – The GFX 100S Medium-format camera is the cheapest on the market. Since its inception, landscape and portrait photographers love this camera. You also have solid video options. The GFX may not be the best choice for beginners but it can provide pros with a better 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. This camera is great for video as well as photos. The Fujifilm X-T5 is now available in wild. 
• ​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 features fully-dedicated modes for video and photo, and a frame capable of producing 8K video. 45MP. This kit may prove to be essential for wedding photographers. This kit is also great for the film and document work.
• ​Sony FX30 (New Release) – Sony’s FX30 cinema camera, which is APS-C/Super35-sized sensor-sized again, is the cheapest on the market. This camera is a great companion for single shooters whether they are digital content creators or cinematographers.
• BMPCC 6K (New Release). – Blackmagic Design has released the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2 as their most recent product. This is not only the most affordable RAW-capable camera on the market but also boasts an image quality that rivals many cameras costing a thousand times as much. It’s a great choice for beginners or those who are trying to save money.
• 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. This Canon camera is the first to offer internal 8K 60P Cinema RAW light recording.
• Canon EOS R7 & Canon EOS R10 – These are two very inexpensive APS-C options available from Canon. Both the R7 & R10 combine 4K video with a compact size. The R7 also gives you 4K60 10-Bit Video, HDR-PQ & C-Log 3. These cameras are both excellent entry-level choices for videographers as well as photographers. 
• Canon EOS C70-This is Canon’s small Super 35 cinema camera. But don’t let this fool you. This camera packs an impressive punch, and it has been updated frequently to make sure that it is one of the best supported on the 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 are your best options for film-makers. The lenses can be used like tanks and have precise focus control. They also give off a lot of character, which is something that many other lenses cannot do. For creatives wanting to add a cinematic edge, here are some of our favorites (that don’t cost too much).
  • 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 is the perfect set for doc shooters who need quick framing. 
  • Sirui Mars 1.33x Anamorphic Lens Set- Sirui produces some of the best anamorphic lenses available. The MFT-mount set is almost half the price of a single lens made by other brands. Although they aren’t as sharp as higher-end glass, the results can still be stunning.
  • Sirui Venus Anamorphic Lens Set (1.6x Anamorphic Lens Set) – This set is the same price as the full frame version, and comes with an RF Mount. This lens set would replace the RED Komodo that you paid for. This set won’t break the bank and you will have amazing images to help with your projects. 
  • IRIX Cine entry set – IRIX has a relatively new lens line up compared with other manufacturers. Solid glass is extremely cost-effective and creates amazing images. The entry set includes a 21mm (20mm) and 45mm (EF-mount). You can also get these lenses in PL, RF, Sony E and Leica L. 
• Photography Lenses Although not as precise as cinema lenses but still a good way to save some money, photography glasses can work well. Many may include optical image stabilization or autofocus. We have selected a few of these. 
  • 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 – If you are shooting Fuji, you need this lens. This lens is fast and sharp with a distinct character, which may be lacking in the other two. We think so. 
  • 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. The lens is available in full-frame versions with the Sony E and Canon RF mounts.
  • 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. 
• Accessories You will need to have a matte box, follow-focus unit and batteries. These are some items that you will need to kit your camera for productions. 
  • 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. This kit is still solid and will not break the bank. 
  • 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 system can handle any type of lens and costs just below $300.
  • SmallRig MagicFIZ Wired Follow System – SmallRig created cages for many cameras and wanted to get a slice of Tilta’s cake. This is why they released a low-cost wireless follow-focus solution.
  • Atomos Ninja 5″ 4K Monitor/Recorder. The Atomos Ninja, one of only two monitors/recorders that are capable recording ProRes Raw. The monitor itself is amazing. 
  • Blackmagic Design Video Assist 7″ – If Atomos was the first RAW recorder, then the BMD Video Assist is the competition. The monitor/recorder allows creators to use BRAW with cameras. You can also get it in a smaller size at 5″. 
  • SmallHD 702 Touch 7-inch Monitor – You’ll see this monitor on many ARRI cameras. This monitor is not cheap, but will work well for you and your colleagues. Although it won’t capture RAW or other video formats, the camera will produce a bright, accurate image. 

Gimbals: Drones, Computers and Many More

• DJI Mavic 3 Classic: The Mavic 3 was an amazing drone back in its day. DJI has brought it back with its Mavic 3 Classic. This is a great choice for digital content but it can also be used in cinema. 
• DJI Mini 3 Pro- The DJI Mini 3 Pro is a tiny drone that packs all the pro features you need in an easy to use package. It also falls below the US Federal Weight Limit, meaning it won’t require a US license. For creatives who are interested in aerial film, photography or videography, this drone can be used as a starting drone. 
• DJI Inspire 2 – Raising the price and feature set, the Inspire 2 was a solid professional drone. Although it may be getting older, the Inspire 2 is still an excellent option for professionals who want to get that perfect aerial shot.
• Sony Airpeak S1 & Gremsy Gimbal T3 Kit – Want to attach your mirrorless Sony camera to a drone? This is the right package. 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 into 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. The M1 Pro will give you more power than the M1 Pro to process 6K or 8K video. Just the M1 Max turns it up to 11. 
• Adobe Creative Cloud – Creative Cloud is the industry standard for professional content creation and production. This full platform includes Frame.io as well as Substance 3D upgrades. Creative Cloud should be your first choice if you’re looking for an entire 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. This NLE started out as a leading color-grading toolkit, but it has evolved to be one of the most popular on the market, offering audio, VFX and easy edits. 
• Final Cut Pro X – Final Cut Pro X is still an excellent NLE for Mac. Final Cut Pro X – Final Cut Pro X might be your best choice for all of your editing needs if you’re deeply involved in Apple’s ecosystem. 

Magazines and Publications, plus More

• ASC American Cinematographer $30/year 60$ for two years. Each cinematographer must keep pace with industry trends. American Cinematographer is for filmmakers what Variety is for agents. 
• Cinema Scope: $40 for two years or $20 for one
• Legion M – You can get sweet movie merchandise from movies like Mandy, Jay and Silent Bob RebootPlease see the following: ArchenemyYou can help to fund the future film with the Legion M investment platform. You can make the filmmaker in your family a producer by making them a certified producer.! 

Swag and Merch

Everybody wants to be a star or recognize their favourite gear. It’s also possible to find some little things that 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. You can find apparel such as shirts and hats. 
• 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 have the time to make movies, then you should be watching them. It’s an investment in your self, it is. Better sound and pictures at home will allow you to analyze and learn from the work and help you decide what your next project should be. 

You might even consider DIYing your virtual TV. No matter what your requirements, TVs are more than just TVs. 

• Samsung 55 inch HDR 4K LED TV $347.99 Surprisingly Enjoy a holiday discount and get a bargain! You deserve it. 
• Samsung 65″ HDR 4K LED TV – $447.99 – Okay. Similar to above but bigger 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 are here to help. 
• Bose Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones $249 – Forget the cables and enjoy superior audio quality. You’ll love these headphones, whether you are watching or cutting or taking notes. 

The Screenwriters and Novelists.

You’re not technically savvy, but your movies are just as good. This section will be for you, or those that you know who fit this description. This section is for you, regardless of whether your writing style is for stage, film or the nightstand. Here are some ideas for gifting the holidays. 

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 specific needs. 
• Fade In $79 – Another popular option for professional writers. This one is clean and easy 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. 

Writing Tips

• Personalized idea notebook $23.99 – Give your favourite filmmaker a journal where they can write down ideas and thoughts. You can let them express your genius by writing it down. 
• Writer Emergency Survival Guide – Got screenplay problems? This guide encourages you to think out of the box, and will challenge your ability to create better screenplays.
• Writer Emergency Pack – A deck of cards you can play when you hit writer’s block? You bet! You can get out of any jam as long as you don’t play blackjack. 
• This list of the top screenwriting books is a great resource for anyone who struggles to write. 

Cinephiles and Movie Nerds.

This section is dedicated to movie buffs, regardless of whether or not you are a fan. These gift ideas are for those who love sitcoms or cinema. 

Streaming services

Many great filmmakers learned from film-watching. This is a wonderful way to not only learn, but also support the industry. 

• MUBI: $10.99/mo. – $95.88/year The curated platform is for streamers who are looking for rare indie films and classic art films. It also includes foreign titles that you won’t see on Netflix.
• Shudder: $5.99/mo. Or $56.99/year Some people may have moved on from the spooky season, but Shudder has the perfect sub for them. You can’t handle more horrors and suspenseful thrillers.
• Criterion Channel: $10.99/mo. Or $99.99/year. This is the gold standard in classic cinema from all eras, countries, and genres. Let’s face it, the poster art and box/poster art are worth the cost.
• 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? This is a huge genre and almost does not exist anymore in multiplexes. Sundance Now steps in to save the day. 

Gear to Start Your Own Podcast About Movies

Limited Edition Gifts

• Box sets for DVD. You can see the best gift! You can pick and choose what people like from the wide range of contemporary to classic items. Select your favourites. Your guilty pleasures. Go nuts! 
• Exclusive edition action figures Price may differ. There are many options, whether you’re looking for Todd McFarlane artwork or a simple bust that you can make yourself. They are both great to have on your desk and for fun. These can be very entertaining.
• Movie posters starting at $50-$80 from MONDO You can decorate your office or home with favorite movies. Have a good conversation with friends. Pick the most and least favorite movies. 
• Grogu (Baby Yoda), a life-sized replica 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. We wish you a happy holiday!