Looking for some end-of-year gift ideas for your favorite filmmaker (or yourself)? Here are some little things that will make life easier or more enjoyable on-set or in production or in leisure. Some of these are new, some are old classics. All are super useful and are in my toolbox at all times.
Luxi Light Meter for smartphones
Check exposure using your portable smartphone.
Slugline screenwriting app
Write, write, write. This app stays out of your way.
X-Rite Color Checker Passport
With the rise of tools that can detect and use a color chart (i.e.: DaVinci Resolve Lite), you should shoot one for reference with every setup.
8″ Velcro Cable Ties
Because you have cables.
Transcend USB 3 Card Reader
Fast and small card reader.
Anker USB 3 7-port Hub
Expand your USB ports, including a high-powered one for tablets.
Anker Bluetooth Keyboard for iPad
Write on the go with this super slim keyboard for your tablet.
Bare-drive USB 3 dock
Easy loading and archiving of data.
Sennheiser HD-280 Headphones
Great set of over-the-ear headphones.
F&V Z96 LED Light
The classic portable LED light. Don’t leave home without a few.
Lenmar Meridian iPhone battery case
This case keeps you connected and charged all day. And night.
The Filmmaker’s Eye book
Color Correction Handbook, 2nd ed.
Ted Hope’s Hope for Film book
Film Lighting book
Making Documentary Films book
Roger Corman book
Any of the above books are not only useful, they are enjoyable as well.
StreetWalker HardDrive Camera Backpack
Not only will this backpack hold a 17″ MacBook Pro (should you still have one), it can also hold the new Mac Pro tube with ease. Or, you know, a camera setup.
* Disclosure: Most links above are affiliate links, meaning I get a little perk if you buy something. It costs you nothing.