If you’ve got a kid or teen in your life that’s interested in making videos or becoming a Youtuber or Tik Tok star, there’s plenty of ways to help encourage their creative side. These gifts are picked out specifically for children who want to learn filmmaking and other cool ways of making videos. These gifts are perfect for aspiring directors, producers, screenwriters, documentary filmmakers, or digital video creators. Some gifts are fun while others are to help teach them filmmaking skills. Check them out.

Cool Gifts for Aspiring Filmmakers

1. 100 Movie Set Terms Poster

Perfect for the dorm room of a filmmaking major, this brightly colored poster features 100 movie set terms with accompanying illustrations. These terms used by professionals on film sets will help anyone looking to work on TV or Hollywood movies.

Available in three sizes: 12″ x 18″, 18″ x 24″, 24″ x 36″

2. The Movie Making Book: Skills and Projects to Learn and Share

If your elementary or junior high aged kid isn’t interested in filmmaking, this book is the perfect guide for them to up their skills. With tons of ideas and projects perfect to learn movie-making skills, your budding director just needs a smartphone or digital camera to get started.

The authors Dan Farrell and Donna Bamford run a film school for young people in London called Sparks, and this book draws on their experience. Kids can learn basic filmmaking skills like how to make basic shots and even creative angles to use. Once they’ve mastered the skills, they can try out 14 projects to help inspire them to make their own movies.

Recommended Age Group: Grades 2 to 7

3. We’ll Fix it in Post Filmmaker Mug

This phrase often uttered by filmmakers on set is always regretted in post production. When there’s a problem, we’ll fix it in post. Aspiring filmmakers will appreciate this funny mug. Include some of their favorite hot chocolate, tea, or coffee to create a nice gift bag.

Available as either a 11 oz. ceramic coffee mug.

4. Future Movie Director T-shirt

Let the aspiring filmmaker in your life display their career goals. This cool t-shirt features the title “Future Movie Director” along with a projector, film strip, popcorn, and a clapper board.

Available in men’s, women’s, and youth sizes in five colors.

5. Movie Clapper Enamel Pin

This the coolest accessory for any aspiring filmmaker’s backpack or jean jacket. This enamel pin features a modern movie clapper (SMPTE Time Code Film Slate) with a timecode. This pin has a cool feature though: it glows in the dark! Makes a fun stocking stuffer for any aspiring filmmaker.

6. Vintage Style Movie Clapboard Slate

This wooden vintage style clapper board makes a fun decoration for a dorm room or bedroom. Or your budding filmmaker can use it for their next video project. Just use chalk which will easily wipe off when they need to change the take number.

7. Movie Color Palette Poster

This gift is so much cooler than a typical movie poster. EeekPrints makes these beautiful posters featuring color palettes from movies. Each poster has a still frame from a movie, with the color swatches below. Perfect for framing or hanging on the wall as is. Movies available include Amélie, Parasite, Lady Bird, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and many more.

8. Vintage Director Megaphone

Perfect for decoration or for kid filmmakers to use on their projects. This vintage style megaphone is 13″ long and says “Director” on the side in gold letters. This fun item is made in the US.

9. Go Away, I’m Writing the Next Blockbuster Notebook

A great gift for anyone interested in writing movies or TV. The aspiring filmmaker in your life can start on their screenplay idea with this notebook. It has the warning message, “Go Away, I’m Writing the Next Blockbuster.

This spiral-bound notebook is available with ruled lines or graph paper. 120 pages.

Check out more gifts for screenwriters.

10. VTech Kidizoom Action Camera for Kids

If your kid is too young to have a smartphone for video making or wants to make action videos of themselves on their skateboard or hoverboard, then this is the perfect gift. Designed for kids on the go, this action cam comes with a waterproof case, three different mount types, and a wrist strap. In addition to taking regular pictures and videos, the camera can also do stop motion videos and time-lapse photos.

This action camera is meant for elementary aged kids, so if you want some more appropriate for a teen, consider these action cameras under $100.

Recommended Age Group: 4 to 9 years old

Check out more action cameras for kids.

11. Masterclass Membership

Even if your teen is too young to go to film school, they can still learn about film. With a Masterclass membership, they get unlimited access to courses on filmmaking from some of the best directors and writers in the field. Classes are led by greats like Spike Lee, Mira Nair, Ron Howard, Werner Herzog, Aaron Sorkin, Jodie Foster, David Lynch, Martin Scorsese, and more.

The courses cover the full breadth of filmmaking, from acting to screenwriting, and directing. With a subscription, they can take as many classes as they want at their own pace. A gift subscription is perfect to keep your teen busy over summer break.

12. Stopmotion Explosion: Complete HD Stop Motion Animation Kit

This kit is perfect for kids who are interested in animation or love Legos. It has everything they need to make stop motion animated video at home! Read the instruction booklet or watch the videos to learn how stop motion animation works, then use the included HD camera and software to make their own movie. They can use toys or modeling clay included in the kit to create characters to act our their stories. The software will help them edit and add audio or sound effects.

Software is compatible with Windows and Macs.

13. The Evolution of Cinema Laptop Sleeve

College-bound film students and budding editors will love this cool gift. This laptop sleeve features “The Evolution of Cinema” with silhouettes of the evolving film camera types over the year.

Laptop sleeves are available for a variety of Macbook sizes.

14. Director’s Chair

Every aspiring director needs their own director’s chair! Perfect for a bedroom or dorm room, this classic black director’s chair is functional and fun.

Available in classic height, counter height, and bar height.

15. Film School

The perfect shirt for aspiring filmmakers that dream of going to film school or are teaching themselves how to make movies. Classic design features a bold font that says “Film School.”

Available in men’s, women’s, and youth sizes in five colors.

16. Ring Light with Tripod Stand

If vlogging and online videos are what your teen is interested in, this is a great kit to help them get started. This ring light comes with three color temperatures, perfect for lighting all types of Youtube videos. It also includes a stand to hold their smartphone for recording. The Bluetooth remote makes it easy to start and stop video without having to get up. They can record in their bedroom or on the go.

17. My First Movie: Twenty Celebrated Directors Talk about Their First Film

An inspirational book for aspiring filmmakers, this collection includes stories from 20 amazing directors talking about their first films. It includes interviews with greats like Kevin Smith, Ang Lee, Oliver Stone, and more. Not only are these stories inspiring, they also get into the details of pitching movies, finding funding, and actually getting the film made.

18. Headphones for Editing

If your aspiring filmmaker plans on editing their own movies, they’re going to need a good pair of headphones. The best headphones for filmmakers is the Sony MDR7506. These over the ear headphones are used by many professional filmmakers and audio engineers.

19. Cheap Movie Tricks: How To Shoot A Short Film For Under $2,000

This handbook is the ultimate guide for young filmmakers looking to make independent movies cheaply. This book covers all the tips young indie filmmakers need to know to create a short film for under $2000. Essential reading for college film students and high schoolers, it covers every step of the filmmaking process, from planning and shooting to screening and promoting the completed film.

20. Pitchstorm Party Game

This is a game the whole family can enjoy! In this game, each player is a writer trying to pitch movie ideas to the worst studio executives. As you’re pitching your idea, you have to incorporate random ideas given to you by the executives. Perfect for parties and family game night, this is a game full of creativity and laughs.

Recommended Age Range: 14 years and up

Need more gift ideas? Check out these stocking stuffers for movie lovers, gift ideas for documentary filmmakers and gifts for screenwriters. Inspire your kids with these gifts for aspiring young writers.

The post 20 Gifts for Aspiring Filmmakers & Content Creators appeared first on Documentary Film Cameras.

Documentary Film T-Shirts

This shirt reads “I love documentaries” except the word “love” has been replaced with a heart, reminiscent of the iconic “I Heart NY” tourism shirts that everyone recognizes.

This is a great indie filmmaker shirt as well as a T-shirt for people who love watching doc films. Documentary film fans unite! This documentary film shirt is available in both men’s and women’s sizes in the color white only.

Non-fiction T-Shirt

Here’s another great documentary film shirt for filmmakers, people who love documentaries, or general fans of nonfiction. It reads “(non)fiction” in a simple typewriter font style. This is also a great shirt for journalists or reporters because it isn’t film specific.

Broadcast your love of nonfiction content to the world with this nonfiction t-shirt. Makes a great gift as well. Available in men’s and women’s fits.

The Evolution of Cinema Film Shirt

From the days of old-fashioned cinema cameras through the present day of digital cinematography, filmmaking technology has changed quite a bit. This t-shirt pays homage to the filmmakers and cameras of yore through the present day. It features an image of an old cinema camera, a Bolex, a Panavision film camera, an ENG style video camera and a more modern video camera presented in an “evolution of man” style progression. Camera technology has changed a lot and this film shirt tracks the progress from the early 20th century up to the present day in five stages, each representing a different decade in Hollywood and the film/movie/television industry. This is a great shirt for filmmakers or fans of the history of cinema in general. It’s also a great film student shirt. This film shirt comes in black, blue, navy, red, and gray (men’s and women’s sizes available).

This is How we B-Roll T-shirt

This funny documentary t-shirt is for those filmmakers and editors who know the importance of picking the right b-roll. To the casual viewer, b-roll footage is just filler, but creators know how it can enhance a documentary and express a unique style.

This t-shirt declares “This is how we b-roll” with a variety of film and movie cameras from the history of cinema. Available in men’s, women’s, and youth sizes in black, navy, asphalt, royal blue, and brown.

You’ve probably seen plenty of film shirts for generic fiction filmmakers or cinema fans but this is more of a rarity: a documentary film shirt. This is a great shirt for documentary filmmakers as well as a documentary film fan t-shirt. Whether you’re a fan of older classic documentary films like Grey Gardens or Hoop Dreams or The Thin Blue Line, or you’re a fan of newer documentary films like Bowling for Columbine, Super Size Me or An Inconvenient Truth, this is the shirt for you. It takes a special breed to appreciate important indie documentary films as opposed to whatever fictional film Hollywood is putting out at any given time. Broadcast your love of documentary film with this non-fiction t-shirt. Documentary filmmakers and documentary film fans unite! This shirt for documentary filmmakers comes in men’s and women’s sizes in light blue, red, and gray.

Documentary Filmmakers Unite – Documentary Film T-Shirt

Here’s another great t-shirt for documentary filmmakers and documentary film fans. Although the pool of people who make documentaries is probably smaller than the pool of fictional filmmakers, we’re small and mighty! Documentary filmmakers need to support each other and form a community of their own. Embrace this message with this “documentary filmmakers unite” shirt.

This film shirt comes in men’s and women’s sizes in gray, light blue, olive green, and dark gray.

This is the shirt for those film students who dream of getting behind the camera and making their own blockbuster film. Whether they’re in college or university, this shirt proclaims what their focus of study is: Film School.

This is the shirt to wear to class or while producing their first short film. It makes a great gift for aspiring young filmmakers of all genres, including those who love documentaries.

Rock Out With Your Doc Out – Documentary Film Shirt

“Rock Out With Your Doc Out” is a funny shirt for documentary filmmakers with a sense of humor. It features an old-school VHS tape with the words on it, so it’s also a great shirt for retro tech enthusiasts. This film shirt will make it clear that you have both a sense of humor and that you’re a documentary film fanatic. Fun!

This documentary film shirt comes in men’s and women’s fits in white, baby blue, red, gray and orange.

If you liked these shirts for documentary film fans and documentary filmmaker shirts, you might also enjoy feminist shirts for women filmmakers.

The post 8 Shirts for Documentary Filmmakers & Film Fans appeared first on Documentary Film Cameras.

Feminist Filmmaker & Women in Film T-Shirts

Female Filmmaker Friday T-Shirt: “Shoot Like A Girl”

This #FemaleFilmmakerFriday shirt features a vintage image of a female camera operator from the days of yore. It has a retro feel to it and encourages people to “shoot like a girl.”

Available in black, olive green, and purple colors (sizes are available for women, men, and youth).

This shirt, like all the shirts on this list, is 100% cotton and stitched in a lightweight classic fit style.

Also available as a hoodie.

The Future of Film is Female T-Shirt

This shirt proudly forecasts the future of the filmmaking industry. It’s a play on the popular slogan “the future is female” which you may have seen. The text style for this film shirt matches the same familiar type of impact labels that are sometimes used on film sets.

This t-shirt celebrates the shift we all hope to see in the film industry: more opportunities for women filmmakers and creatives to work on movies and television.

This feminist filmmaker T-shirt is available in both women’s and men’s sizes in black only. Also available as a hoodie.

Shoot Like A Girl

For too long, the phrase “like a girl” has been negative. But today there are more women cinematographers than ever, and they’re quite talented! Support women in the camera department with this #FemaleFilmmakerFriday shirt. Their hard work and determination bring nuance and brilliant stories and visuals to our screens.

This is also a fantastic shirt for directors and other lady indie filmmakers.

Available in both men’s, women’s, and youth shirts in black, navy, royal blue, white, cranberry, lemon, heather blue, purple, orange & pink colors.

Women Filmmakers Unite! Shirt

Women in Film, Unite! That’s the message of this proud feminist filmmaker shirt. Women are becoming more and more represented in the film industry every year but there’s still a long way to go. With every passing decade, there are more and more female filmmakers working in all kinds of positions: women screenwriters, female directors, women editors, and female gaffers, and more.

Whether you’re a female filmmaker or not, you can help increase visibility and show your support women filmmakers with this shirt. Available in black, purple, and slate gray (sizes are available for women, men, and youth).

Also available as a hoodie for chilly weather.

The Future of Film is Female Feminist Filmmaker T-Shirt

Here’s another great shirt proclaiming “The Future of Film is Female.” This female filmmaker t-shirt is available in both men’s and women’s sizes in baby blue, yellow and pink. Whether you’re a woman filmmaker or a male ally or a fan, encouraging women in film is a great message to promote.

This is a great gift for women who already work professionally in the film industry, women who make documentary films, women in film school, and more. Also available as a hoodie.

Women’s Future Filmmaker T-Shirt

If you know a young woman or teen who dreams of making movies or working behind the scenes, this is the shirt for her. It’s a great tee shirt gift for aspiring young filmmakers and girls who want to work in Hollywood.

Available in women’s, men’s, and youth sizes in black, navy, brown, pink, and purple.

The Future of Film is Female Illustrated T-Shirt

Same message with a bold illustration to match. Yes, the future of film is female! And you can proudly show your dreams or your support of women filmmakers with this comfy and freshly designed t-shirt.

Comes in men’s, women’s, and youth sizes in black, navy, brown, pink, and purple.

Related:
Gift ideas for documentary filmmakers

Shirts for Documentary Filmmakers & Documentary Film Fan Shirts

The post 7 Feminist Shirts for Filmmakers: #FemaleFilmmakerFriday T-Shirts & Beyond appeared first on Documentary Film Cameras.

Documentary filmmakers are a unique breed–I’ll admit it. Often we aren’t quite the same as other filmmakers since our interests lie in translating reality to film and telling true stories. That sentimentality means we aren’t interested in the kind of gifts fiction filmmakers and screenwriters might enjoy. There is some overlap, but gifts for documentary filmmakers can be even more meaningful when you really customize them or the profession. So if you’re searching for the perfect gift for the documentary filmmaker in your life, this list will give you some great ideas. These presents are perfect for birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries, and any other gift-giving occasion.

Gifts for Documentary Filmmakers

1. Documentary Film Books

If you’re looking for a gift for an emerging-level documentary filmmaker–someone who isn’t well established and is maybe trying to break into the nonfiction film business–getting a book about documentary filmmaking can be a great option. Students and first-time documentarians can gain a lot of wisdom from these books. We’ve gathered together a list of the best books about documentary filmmaking. Check out the link below to pick a book from our complete list:

2. Women Filmmakers Unite T-Shirt

If you’re shopping for a documentary filmmaker or film student who happens to be a woman, this Women Filmmakers Unite T-Shirt makes a great gift. With a bold and colorful illustration of a female director and a woman sound engineer, this tee is great to wear on set or just hanging out. If you’re looking for a shirt that’s a little more understated, check out The Future of Film is Female T-shirt.

Also available as a hoodie for chilly weather.

Related: Feminist Filmmmaking and #FemaleFilmmakerFriday T-Shirts

3. A Portable Cell Phone Battery Charger

Documentary filmmakers often times spend long hours “on location” and depending on where they are they might be far away from power outlets. As documentary producers spend a lot of time on their phones while they’re on the job, a portable battery pack for recharging cell phones can be a very thoughtful gift. This cell phone charger can recharge phones multiple times. It will also recharge iPads and other types of USB powered devices (in addition to the dual built-in flip-out cables, it also has a simple USB port that you can plug anything into).

4. Welcome to the Doc Side Tote Bag

This gift is handy and fun. The funny design on this tote bag will be appreciated by any documentary filmmaker. It features a movie clapper with the phrase “Welcome to the Doc Side.” Will it with other film goodies to create an awesome gift bag.

If tote bags aren’t your style, this design is available on other products like t-shirts, mugs, and water bottles.

5. Recycled Film Reel Wall Clock

This is an amazing, unique gift any documentary filmmaker will appreciate. PixelThis is an Etsy creator who makes clocks from recycled objects. This clock is made from an old 16MM movie reel that’s outfitted with a clock at its center. Perfect for home or film studio, this is a creative and unexpected gift any filmmaker or lover would enjoy. If this style doesn’t suit you, they have a variety of film reel clocks available.

6. Errol Morris: Interviews (Conversations with Filmmakers Series)

This is by no means an instructional guide about making documentaries but is instead a compilation of interview transcripts with master-documentarian Errol Morris. If you’re looking for a gift for a documentary filmmaker and they’re a fan of Errol Morris’ work like Fast, Cheap and Out of Control or The Thin Blue Line or Tabloid (or any of a dozen other great films), this might be a great gift. At times sardonic and always witty, Morris–himself a master interviewer–reveals some of his secrets, like trying to pay as little attention as possible when he’s interviewing someone.

7. Documentary Filmmakers Unite – Documentary Film T-Shirt

Here’s another great t-shirt for documentary filmmakers and documentary film fans. Although the pool of people who make documentaries is probably smaller than the pool of fictional filmmakers, we’re small and mighty! Documentary filmmakers need to support each other and form a community of their own. Embrace this message with this “documentary filmmakers unite” shirt.

This film shirt comes in men’s and women’s sizes in gray, light blue, olive green, and dark gray. See also our article with a list of other shirts for documentary filmmakers.

8. Film Projector Patent Print Art

This is a nice gift for a documentary filmmaker’s home or office. Catkuma Patent Press specializes in making beautiful art prints out of designs from patents. This print features the Motion Picture Projector patent from 1936. It has a nice industrial vintage look that goes well with many decor options. It’s also a nice way to mix up wall art that can trend towards documentary movie posters.

Comes in 11 different poster sizes in a variety of different print styles and colors, printed on heavyweight matte paper that’s perfect for framing.

9. GoPro Action Camera

Action cameras are a lot of fun and whether the filmmaker you’re choosing this for will use it professionally as part of their filmmaking process or if they’re just going to take it on vacations, a GoPro can be a great gift for documentarians. Although there are a whole series of different types of GoPro cameras, this model with a color LCD screen is the best choice for most people. It records brilliant 1080p color video with sound and can also do time-lapse modes as well as fun fish-eye super-wide effects. Plus, depending on what the next project of the documentary filmmaker is that you’re giving it to, you might just be equipping them with a camera they’re going to use professionally! We’d say that’s pretty neat.

GoPro not in the budget? Check out these cheap action cameras and affordable alternatives to GoPros.

10. Rock Out With Your Doc Out Laptop Sleeve

MacBooks are essential gear for documentary filmmakers and this sleeve is a fun way to protect their computer. It features a vintage VHS tape with the phrase on the label: Rock out with your Doc out. Great for aspiring filmmakers and fans alike.

This design is also available on shirts, mugs, and other items.

11. Masterclass Subscription

Film school is expensive and even if your filmmaker has been to it, there’s still more to learn. And how often do you get to learn from one of the greats? Masterclass makes it easy to learn filmmaking from a variety of the best professionals. A subscription is a fantastic gift for documentary filmmakers. That gives unlimited access to classes from greats like Werner Herzog and Ken Burns. Herzog well known for his documentary films like Grizzly Man and Cave of Forgotten Dreams. He has decades of experience to impart to documentary filmmakers. His class covers general film topics like teaching yourself storytelling, financing films, finding locations, and editing. He also has four lessons specifically about documentary filmmaking. Some students will get feedback from Werner himself. This is a great gift for any documentary filmmaker who is early in their career.

Ken Burn’s entire course is focused entirely on documentary filmmaking. He’s best known for his captivating historical documentary series that make wonderful use of archival footage and photographs. His classes cover all the topics needed to make a documentary, including finding the story, interviewing subjects, and sourcing archival materials.

12. International Documentary Association Membership & Magazine Subscription

For established documentary filmmakers a membership to the IDA (International Documentary Association) can be a thoughtful gift. Most documentarians are not members of this group but they publish a quarterly magazine and also have an online master-filmmaker seminar series for members only.

As part of an IDA membership, they also offer some other special filmmaker-centric perks. Memberships start at $55.

13. Movie Clapperboard Earrings

The clapperboard is an iconic symbol of filmmaking, and now it’s available as a pair of earrings. Handmade by Using Shapes, these movie clapperboards are made from wood with hypoallergenic posts. These are fun earrings perfect for wearing during a long day of shooting or while they’re editing their next documentary film.

14. I Heart Documentaries Sticker

Give your loved one a way to show what they love! This cool vinyl sticker says “I [heart] documentaries” and is ready to decorate their car, water bottle, laptop, or any other smooth surface. Makes a great stocking stuffer.

This design is also available on shirts, water bottles, and other items.

15. A Funny Documentary DVD

Everybody likes funny documentary films and depending on the documentary filmmaker you’re shopping for, a funny documentary might be a great option as a gift. For instance, a classic DVD like the “American Movie” documentary which spotlights the misadventures of a hapless filmmaker as he tries to complete a film would be a welcome gift in many documentary filmmaker households. Check out our list of the funniest documentaries.

16. 35MM Film Negative T-Shirt

This is a nice, subtle gift for any filmmaker. This t-shirt features a printed of a frame from a 33MM film negative. It’s got a cool vintage feel to it and the simple style is fantastic for any fashion sense.

There shirts are made to order, so you can select dark or light gray. Available in women’s size (picture) or mens/unisex.

17. I Came. I Saw. I Shot. Keychain

This gift is perfect for documentary filmmakers and camera shooters. The keychain comes with a film reel charm and a copper dog tag that is hand stamped to say “I came. I saw. I shot.” They also provide the option to add an initial charm to personalize the keychain. This is a thoughtful gift that’s perfect for carrying keys or attaching to a gear bag.

18. Camera Lens Travel Mug

Here’s a cute gift idea for filmmakers and photographers: it’s a travel mug that looks like a lens. It’s insulated to keep hot liquids warm and cold liquids cool no matter the weather. This mug is also comfortable to grip even with very hot liquids inside, plus it has a screw off lid. This particular model is not dishwasher safe but if that’s important you may find other models of the same product that are (see the related products to pick one out).

19. Yes, I am Still Working on my F-ing Documentary Mug

If you want to give your favorite documentary filmmaker a way to enjoy hot beverages at home, this mug is a great gift idea. It’s perfect for the documentarian who has been working on his project for a really long time. Make this an unforgettable gift by including some of their favorite coffee, tea, or hot chocolate with the mug.

This mug is available in 11 oz or 15 oz sizes and dishwasher and microwave safe.

20. Custom Filmmaker Portrait

If you want a documentary filmmaker gift that is completely unique, check this out! Cartoon Portrait specializes in custom gifts for all kinds of interests. They take a photo of your loved one and draw them as a filmmaker with a camera, lighting, and a script in hand. This one of a kind gift is great for professionals and aspiring filmmakers alike.

Related:
15 Stocking Stuffers for Movie Lovers
20 Gifts for Aspiring Filmmakers & Content Creators
15 Practical & Fun Gifts for Screenwriters

The post 20 Awesome Gift Ideas for Documentary Filmmakers appeared first on Documentary Film Cameras.