Five Star Gift Ideas

For your daughter who loves writing and directing short films, there are a few gift ideas that can enhance her creative process and help her pursue her passion.

1. Filmmaking Equipment: Consider getting her some basic filmmaking equipment like a high-quality camera or a tripod. These tools will allow her to improve the technical aspects of her films and provide better visual content.

2. Film Editing Software: Editing is a crucial part of the filmmaking process. Invest in professional film editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro. These programs offer advanced editing tools, effects, and transitions, giving her the ability to create polished and professional-looking films.

3. Film Festival Pass: Inspire and motivate your daughter by getting her a pass to a local or international film festival. This gift will expose her to a variety of films, expand her knowledge, and give her the opportunity to network with other filmmakers. Attending film festivals can be a source of inspiration and can help her gain insight into the industry.

4. Workshops or Courses: To further develop her skills, consider enrolling her in a filmmaking workshop or online course. There are various options available, ranging from scriptwriting to cinematography. These courses will provide her with valuable knowledge, techniques, and guidance to improve her filmmaking abilities.

5. Books on Filmmaking: Expand her understanding of the craft by gifting her books on screenwriting, directing, and film theory. Some popular options include "Save the Cat!" by Blake Snyder, "Directing Actors" by Judith Weston, and "In the Blink of an Eye" by Walter Murch. These books offer insights from experienced professionals, providing her with valuable advice and inspiration.

6. Storyboarding Tools: As a director, storyboarding is an essential skill. Surprise her with a professional storyboard artist kit that includes a storyboard notebook, pencils, markers, and templates. These tools will aid her in visually planning out her films and communicating her ideas to the cast and crew.

7. Film Poster or Memorabilia: Consider getting her a film poster or memorabilia from her favorite directors or movies. Not only will this decorate her space, but it will also serve as a reminder of the films and directors who inspire her.

8. Subscriptions to Film Magazines or Websites: Encourage her passion by subscribing her to popular film magazines or online resources such as Sight & Sound, American Cinematographer, or Film Comment. These publications provide in-depth analysis, behind-the-scenes insights, and interviews with industry professionals.

9. Collaboration Resources: Filmmaking is often a collaborative process. Invest in resources that can facilitate her collaborations, such as a subscription to a film collaboration platform like Frame.io or a cloud storage service like Dropbox. These tools will enable her to easily share and collaborate on film projects with others.

10. Supportive Words: Lastly, don't underestimate the power of encouragement and support. Write a heartfelt letter expressing your pride in her passion for filmmaking. Share your observations about her growth as a filmmaker and your confidence in her skills. This personal and meaningful gift can boost her morale and motivate her to pursue her dreams even further.

Remember, the best gift is one that reflects both her passion and your understanding and support for her creative journey.

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

Luann Skinner says about Under Lucky Stars star maps:

“I ordered the star map 8 days before my daughter's birthday. It arrived in 7 days just in time for her birthday. Thank you! She loved the star map.”