Did you receive a seemingly useless “filmmaking” gift this holiday season? Don’t throw it away. Think outside the box, and get creative on your next shoot.
Top image via Shutterstock.
One of the simple facts about working as a videographer, documentarian, or video editor is that the odd “filmmaking” gifts, objects, and trinkets that you might stumble upon (on your own or as gifts) can actually help you as a filmmaker. Whether we’re talking about tools, lighting, or props, never count anything out before you’ve given it a chance.
Here are a few different ways you can capitalize on gifts you thought might be useless for a working media mogul.
Knick Knacks
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Whenever you get a chance to make use of weird gifts from loved ones, take it. You never know what it will do for your workflow. For instance, this holiday season, I received a glove with LEDs on the fingertips. This thing could be great for a Sci-Fi narrative prop, or simply as an unconventional practical light — if I use it creatively. We can get locked into our ideas of what does and what does not belong on our sets, so opening up to some strange elements can expand your toolkit in ways other filmmakers aren’t considering.
(Sidenote: if a friend or family member asks what you want (as a gift) and you don’t want to ask for something super complicated or confusing (for non-filmmakers), just ask for clothespins. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, just trust me. You can always use clothespins.)
Phone Accessories
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Remember selfie sticks? What an incredible moment that was for self-centered photography. Now, the rage appears to be lenses for your iPhone and Android devices — as well as stabilizers and tripods. While, at first, this might seem like another passing fad, phone-based filmmaking is on the rise, so never dismiss any method of improving your phone’s already-stellar image.
Furthermore, most phone tripods come with a base for a quarter-inch screw. That way, you can use it as a light stand, in case you need a small fill light and don’t have another stand or clip to attach to a tiny LED. Also, consider these whacky lenses as another way to get very specific shots. Instead of going back to a shooting location, loading out your gear, and reshooting, just use your phone.
Future Requests
One practical way to approach the holidays next year is to know what gear you need — and which brands and models won’t break the bank for your friends and family.
Moreover, if your friends or family have ever asked you “What should I get you for the Holidays?” and you already have enough clothespins, ask for tools. Tools are incredibly practical gifts (to give or receive) that we often don’t think about. A gift card to a hardware store will make any filmmaker smile.
And if that doesn’t do it for you, Adobe Creative Cloud subscriptions are an excellent way to improve any filmmaker’s life.