The Ultimate Gift Guide for Film Students (What They Actually Need)
Shopping for a film student? Here’s what you need to know: they don’t want movie posters, novelty clapperboards, or “future director” t-shirts.
Film students need practical tools that’ll help them survive—and thrive—in one of the most demanding creative fields.
Whether they’re just starting their first semester or preparing to graduate into the professional world, the right gifts can make a real difference in their education and early career.
This isn’t your typical “gifts for film students” list full of generic movie memorabilia. These are practical, thoughtful gifts that working film professionals actually use—curated by people who’ve been there.
From essential learning resources to professional-grade gear, here’s what film students actually need (and want).
Episode 169 Hacks to Reaching Creative Flow
The #1 Gift Every Film Student Needs
Bundle #1: The Film Student Starter Pack ($60-80)
What’s included: - Get Reelisms Book ($28) – Essential set knowledge - Professional gaffer tape ($25-35) – The most-used item on any set - Quality headlamp with red light mode ($30-40) – For dark set work
Why this works:
Covers the essentials every film student needs: knowledge, practical gear, and hands-free lighting. Everything gets used immediately.
Perfect for: First-year students, birthday gifts, “congrats on getting into film school” presents
Episode 168 | Lighting Secrets with Jim Plannette, ET Gaffer!
Bundle #2: The Professional Prep Kit ($100-130)
What’s included: - Get Reelisms Book ($30) – Set survival guide - Water Bottle ($70-90) – For those “thirsty” moments - Durable set bag ($60-80) – Built for schlepping gear
Why this works:
Prepares students for professional-level work. These are tools they’ll use throughout their entire career.
Perfect for: Students preparing for their first PA job, graduation gifts, serious filmmaking students
What’s included: - Get Reelisms Book ($30) – Set survival guide - Create Your Own Content Course ($500) – For those “DIY” storytelling moments - Durable set bag ($60-80) – Built for schlepping gear
Why this works:
Prepares students for professional-level work. These are tools they’ll use throughout their entire career.
Perfect for: Students preparing for their first PA job, graduation gifts, serious filmmaking students, someone making their first film!
Must Have Products For Beginners
“This film was made on belief — belief in people, belief in cinema, and belief that small stories still matter.”
Bundle #3: The Learning & Gear Combo ($80-110)
Why Get Reelisms is the Perfect Gift for Film Students
What’s included: - Get Reelisms Book ($28) – Practical set knowledge - Create Your Own Content($350) – Protect their projects - Recommendation for Get Reelisms Podcast (free) – Ongoing learning
Why this works:
Combines education with essential data protection. Every film student needs reliable storage—losing a project is devastating.
Perfect for: Students working on thesis films, editors, anyone managing large video files
Why Get Reelisms is the Perfect Gift for Film Students
1. It’s Actually Useful
Unlike novelty gifts that end up in a drawer, Get Reelisms gets used constantly. Film students keep it in their set bags and reference it throughout their education and early career.
2. It’s Unique
Most film students haven’t seen anything like it. It’s not another screenwriting book or camera manual—it’s the practical knowledge they’re missing.
3. It Shows You Understand Their World
Giving Get Reelisms shows you “get it.” You understand that film school is challenging, that practical knowledge matters, and that they need real-world guidance.
4. It Levels the Playing Field
Not every film student has industry connections or mentors. Get Reelisms gives them insider knowledge regardless of their background or network.
5. It Builds Confidence
Walking onto a professional set for the first time is intimidating. Get Reelisms helps students feel prepared, competent, and ready to contribute.
Bundle #4: The New Parent Film Student Bundle
Bonus Learning Resource: Get Reelisms Podcast
Free ongoing education for film students.
The Get Reelisms | An Ode to Filmmaking podcast features conversations with working film professionals about the realities of the industry.
What film students learn: - Real stories from real sets (not theory) - Practical advice from working professionals - Insider perspectives on different crew positions - Honest talk about challenges and rewards
Perfect for: - Commutes to class or set - Background listening while editing - Inspiration during challenging projects - Learning about departments they’re curious about
How to gift it:
Include a note with the Get Reelisms Book recommending the podcast. Pair it with quality headphones for the complete learning package.
Listen here: [Link to podcast]
What Film Students DON’T Need
Skip these common (but useless) gifts:
❌ Novelty clapperboards – Cute, but they’ll never use it
❌ “Future Director” apparel – Cheesy and unprofessional
❌ Movie posters – They probably already have favorites
❌ Generic film books – They’re drowning in textbooks already
❌ Cheap equipment – Bad gear is worse than no gear
❌ Director’s chairs – Takes up space, never gets used on real sets
Instead, get them:
✅ Practical knowledge (Get Reelisms Book)
✅ Professional-grade gear (gaffer tape, multi-tool, headlamp)
✅ Essential storage (external hard drives)
✅ Ongoing learning (Get Reelisms Podcast)
How to Present Your Gift
Make it special with a thoughtful note:
“Film school teaches you theory—this teaches you survival. Here’s to your success on set and beyond. Can’t wait to see what you create.”
Or:
“Every filmmaker needs a mentor. Consider this book your pocket mentor for navigating the chaos of real film sets. You’ve got this!”
Or:
“Film school is just the beginning. This book will help you bridge the gap between classroom and professional set. Excited to watch your journey!”
Pro tip: Pair the book with a specific piece of gear and explain why it matters. Shows you put thought into understanding their needs.
Ready to Give the Perfect Gift?
Start with the Get Reelisms Book—the essential guide every film student needs but film school doesn’t provide.
Shop here: [Link to Get Reelisms Book]
Explore gift bundles: Mix and match the book with essential gear for a complete package.
Listen to the Get Reelisms Podcast: [Link to podcast]
Follow us on Instagram for more film student tips, behind-the-scenes content, and practical advice: [@getreelisms]
The Author: Christine W Chen
Christine W Chen is a director/writer with over a decade of experience in the film industry. She is also a co-founder of Get Reelisms. A current DGA 1st Assistant Director, Member of the Academy of Motion Pictures and Sciences, Christine currently resides in Los Angeles. When Christine is not making movies, she loves to travel.