Five Star Gift Ideas

For your friend who is passionate about writing and directing short films, I have some gift ideas that can inspire and support their creative pursuits.

1. Filmmaking Books: Consider gifting them books that delve into the art of filmmaking, providing insights, tips, and techniques. Some popular choices include "Rebel without a Crew" by Robert Rodriguez, "On Directing Film" by David Mamet, and "Save the Cat! Writes a Novel" by Jessica Brody.

2. Screenwriting Software: Help them streamline their writing process by gifting professional screenwriting software such as Final Draft or Celtx. These tools provide specialized formatting and features that make writing scripts easier and more organized.

3. Creative Journal: A beautiful notebook specifically designed for screenwriters could be a great gift. Look for one with prompts, storyboards, and sections for character development, helping your friend keep their creative ideas organized and accessible.

4. Film Festival Passes: Purchase tickets or a pass to a local film festival that showcases short films. This will not only expose your friend to new ideas and techniques but also provide networking opportunities with like-minded filmmakers.

5. Photography Course: Visual storytelling is essential in filmmaking, and improving their photography skills can enhance their directorial vision. Look for a local photography workshop or an online course tailored to beginners or aspiring filmmakers.

6. Filmmaking Equipment: Depending on your budget, you could consider gifting them essential equipment like a portable tripod, a high-quality microphone, or a smartphone gimbal stabilizer to enhance their filmmaking capabilities.

7. Film Subscription: A subscription to a specialized streaming service like Criterion Channel or Mubi will provide your friend with access to a vast collection of classic and independent films, serving as a source of inspiration and exposure to diverse storytelling.

8. Film Production Books: If your friend is also interested in the technical aspects of filmmaking, books on film production could be a great choice. For example, "The Filmmaker's Handbook" by Steven Ascher and Edward Pincus covers all aspects of the filmmaking process, from pre-production to post-production.

9. Script Analysis Software: Gift your friend software like StudioBinder or WriterDuet, which can help them analyze and break down scripts structurally and visually, a valuable tool during the pre-production stage.

10. Filmmaking Workshops or Masterclasses: Look for local or online workshops where industry professionals teach various aspects of filmmaking. This can help your friend sharpen their skills and gain insights from experienced filmmakers.

Remember, the most meaningful gift is one that shows your thought and consideration for their passion. By catering to their love for writing and directing short films, you can be sure that your friend will appreciate the effort put into finding a gift that supports their artistic endeavors.

Or you can get her/him a star map with the date when she/he was born.

Cara Alyssa Schafer says about Under Lucky Stars star maps:

“Beautiful gift idea for your loved ones and/or friends! I purchased one for my loved ones birthday and he loved it! Very special and personal”