Five Star Gift Ideas

For your son who is passionate about documentary filmmaking and storytelling, I have a few creative and meaningful gift ideas that can inspire and enhance his love for the craft.

1. Subscription to a Documentary Streaming Service: Consider getting him a subscription to a popular documentary streaming service like Netflix, Amazon Prime, or CuriosityStream. This will provide him with a vast library of documentaries to explore, study, and draw inspiration from.

2. Filmmaking Masterclass: Help your son refine his skills and broaden his knowledge with a masterclass taught by renowned documentary filmmakers. Platforms like MasterClass offer classes taught by renowned experts like Ken Burns, Werner Herzog, and Martin Scorsese, who share their techniques and experiences in documentary filmmaking.

3. Documentary Filmmaker's Toolkit: Put together a toolkit with essential tools and resources he may need in his documentary filmmaking journey. This could include a high-quality microphone, a versatile camera lens, tripod, lighting equipment, and professional-grade editing software.

4. Books on Documentary Filmmaking: Expand his understanding of the craft by gifting him a collection of books on documentary filmmaking. Some highly recommended titles include "Directing the Documentary" by Michael Rabiger, "Story" by Robert McKee, and "The Documentary Film Makers Handbook" by Genevieve Jolliffe and Andrew Zinnes.

5. Storytelling Workshop: Enroll him in a storytelling workshop or seminar where he can learn how to craft compelling narratives and create impactful documentaries. Look for local workshops, film festivals, or even online courses that focus on storytelling techniques specific to documentary filmmaking.

6. Portable Equipment: If your son enjoys capturing footage on the go, consider getting him portable filmmaking equipment that can enhance his shooting experience. This could include a lightweight camera stabilizer or drone, enabling him to capture unique and dynamic shots.

7. Customized Filmmaking Journal: A personalized journal can be a thoughtful gift. Consider having a journal designed specifically for documenting his creative ideas, storyboarding, and reflections on his documentary projects. This can serve as a valuable tool for his brainstorming sessions and keeping track of his progress.

8. Funding for a Documentary Project: Support his passion by providing financial assistance towards a documentary project he is working on or plans to embark on. This could cover expenses like travel, equipment rental, or hiring crew members, ensuring that he can fully realize his vision.

Remember, the best gifts are often those that cater to your loved one's specific interests and passions. By nurturing your son's love for documentary filmmaking and storytelling with a thoughtful and personalized gift, you will undoubtedly inspire him and encourage his creativity.

Or you can get him a star map with an important date you share.

Madeline Moran Weiler says about Under Lucky Stars star maps:

“The map was absolutely beautiful! My grandson was thrilled with it (it was a Christmas gift) and has already asked me if I would consider getting another one for him as a graduation gift in a couple of years.”