With Christmas (and Hanukkah) nearly upon us, we have compiled a list of gift ideas for the documentary filmmaker or fan in your life.
Netflix Subscription – $4.99 a month and up ($59.88 + for a year)
This one is easy and cheap. Netflix has a broad selection of independent and documentary films, which are often difficult to find at your local Blockbuster or other movie rental store. Not to mention, the convenience is unmatched. You receive the DVD via mail, and when you are finished watching the movie, simply mail it back – no postage required. It’s the perfect gift for those who always respond with “Eroll Werzog who?” when you ask them if they have seen the latest critically acclaimed documentary.
Super 8mm or 16mm film Camera – from under one hundred dollars to a few hundred dollars (e-bay).
Most independent documentary filmmakers work with high definition video since 35mm film cameras are very expensive, especially with the shooting ratios so high for documentaries. But the benefit of film can still be integrated into documentaries – and cheaply – with the use of old Super 8mm or 16mm film. Your film-lover will love playing with this toy! Now they can be the abstract artist they’ve always wanted to be.
Gift Certificate to B&H Photo Video
If you are feeling generous, give your filmmaker a gift certificate to B&H Photo Video, one of the largest and most trusted retailers of photo, video, lighting and other technology needed for the production of videos. It’s like a crack store for film-makers.
Final Cut Express ($199)
Not everyone can afford a state of the art edit suite to cut their labor of love on. Final Cut Express offers anyone with a Mac the ability to make documentary masterpieces. Providing many of the features of Final Cut Pro for a fraction of the price (and rising way above the barely usable iMovie), Express is perfect for editing documentaries, which generally don’t incorporate fancy editing tools or special effects. Give the gift of endless hours in post-production!
Books!
The documentary filmmaker is constantly learning about the topics they cover, as well as their own chosen craft. These books serve as excellent references for both young and experience filmmakers:
The Art of the Documentary: Ten Conversations with Leading Directors, Cinematographers, Editors and producers
Making Documentary Films and Reality Videos
Support (free)
And the biggest gift you can give to your documentary film-maker is support. It’s a tough field, with endless self-doubt, anxiety and little reward. Obviously they would not be in the field if they did not love it, but give them a pat on the back, say their latest film was awesome, and tell them everything will be ok. They will be grateful.
doh! wish I’d read this before xmas,