Gifts for Filmmakers: Christmas Gift Ideas for Film and TV Crew in Australia

Buying a gift for someone who works in film or TV is harder than it looks. The gear they actually use is expensive, very personal and usually already in the kit. Buy the wrong battery, filter or bag and it ends up in a drawer. So what do you get the camera operator, gaffer, editor or film student in your life?

Our answer this Christmas is Film Pin Society: enamel pins, keychains, stickers and storyboard stationery designed by people who work in the industry, for people who work in the industry. They speak the language of the set, they are affordable, and they are now available in Australia through Black Flag Distribution.

Pre-order now: The Film Pin Society range is currently on pre-order, with stock expected to land in December. This is the only shipment we are bringing in before Christmas, so we recommend ordering early.

Why Film Pin Society makes a great gift for filmmakers

Film Pin Society is a Brooklyn based, design driven brand that celebrates the people who make film and video. Their pins turn the tools and in jokes of a film set into something crew are proud to wear on camera bags, hats, jackets and lanyards.

• It shows you get what they do. A C-stand, an apple box or a roll of gaff tape means nothing to most people. To a grip, it is a badge of honour.
• It is affordable. Enamel pins are $34.95 RRP including GST, so they work as a stocking filler, a Secret Santa gift or a thank you for a whole crew.
• There is no risk of getting the specs wrong. Unlike camera gear, there is no mount, voltage or format to check.
• They are collectable. Once someone has one, they tend to want the set for their department.

Gift ideas for every department

Gifts for camera operators and DOPs

For the people behind the lens, start with the Cine Camera Enamel Pin or the 70MM Camera Enamel Pin, one of Film Pin Society's best sellers. Lens lovers will appreciate the 35mm Lens, the 50mm Atlas Anamorphic Lens or the larger Cine Zoom Lens pin. The Tripod and Camera Stabilizer pins round out the camera support side of things.

Gifts for camera assistants and focus pullers

A first AC will instantly recognise the Follow Focus Enamel Pin. The Timecode Slate pin and the Timecode Slate Keychain both glow in the dark, which makes them a favourite wrap gift for second ACs and clapper loaders.

Gifts for gaffers, grips and electrics

The Grip & Electric series is made for the lighting and rigging crew. Choose from the C-Stand, Apple Box, Sandbag, Gaff Tape Roll and 6ft Stinger pins, or go for a light: the 4K HMI, the glow in the dark 9 Light or the Fluorescent Light. The Grip & Electric Department pin is a great all rounder for the whole team.

Gifts for sound recordists and boom operators

The Microphone Enamel Pin and the Sound Department pin are made for the people chasing a clean take. The Jumbo Timecode Slate is a bigger, bolder option for a sound bag.

Gifts for editors, colourists and post production

Anyone who lives in a timeline will laugh at the Render Bar Enamel Pin. Also in the Post Production series are the Editor's Toolbar, Bars and Tone, Memory Card and Pre-comp pins, plus the Editor's Toolbar Keychain. Colourists and DITs will also enjoy the Color Chart pin.

Gifts for directors and writers

The Credits series makes a thoughtful gift for a premiere, a graduation or a first feature: Directed By, Written and Directed By, A Film By and Edited By. For the person running the set, the Director's Chair and Walkie Talkie pins are hard to beat.

Gifts for art department and hair and makeup

The Art Department and Hair & Makeup Department pins give credit to the crews who build the world on screen and keep the cast camera ready.

Gifts for film lovers and cinephiles

Not everyone on your list works on set. The Cinema Forever series is made for people who simply love movies: the Cinephile, Cinema, Analog Film, '80s TV, Rated R and The End pins. Nostalgic shooters will also like the Super 8, 16mm Film Camera and 80s VHS Camera pins.

Gifts for film students

Film students are planning, writing and storyboarding constantly. The Creative Workbook is a hardcover notebook with Brainstorm, Storyboard and Shot List sections, and the Storyboard Sticky Notes let them sketch shots and rearrange a sequence on the wall. Pair either one with a Doc Camera pin or the Frame Rate Pin Set for a gift that will actually get used.

Filmmaker gifts by budget

• Under $25: the Film Production Sticker Pack ($24.95), perfect for laptops, road cases and hard cases.
• Under $40: any Film Pin Society enamel pin ($34.95), or a Timecode Slate or Editor's Toolbar keychain ($39.95).
• $50+: the Frame Rate Pin Set with three pins ($49.95), or the Storyboard Sticky Notes ($49.95).
• Lastly the Creative Workbook ($54.95).

All prices are recommended retail prices in Australian dollars, including GST.

Wrap gifts and Secret Santa ideas for film crews

On many productions it is a tradition for heads of department to give their team a small wrap gift on the last day of the shoot. A department pin for each crew member is an easy, personal choice that people keep long after the job is done. Pins are also a great fit for a crew Christmas party Secret Santa, where a budget of around $30 to $40 is common.

Pre-order and Christmas timing

The Film Pin Society range is currently on pre-order, with stock expected to land in December. This is the only shipment before Christmas, so pre-ordering is the best way to secure the designs you want. Orders will be sent out as soon as stock arrives.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good gift for a filmmaker?

Something that celebrates what they do without trying to replace the gear they already rely on. Film Pin Society enamel pins, keychains and storyboard stationery are designed around film production, are affordable and do not require you to know which camera or lens they use.

Where can I buy Film Pin Society pins in Australia?

Film Pin Society is distributed in Australia by Black Flag Distribution. You can buy direct on blkflag.com.au or through participating Australian camera and production dealers.

How much are Film Pin Society enamel pins?

Individual enamel pins are $34.95 RRP including GST. The Frame Rate Pin Set of three is $49.95.

What is a good gift for a film student?

The Creative Workbook or Storyboard Sticky Notes are practical gifts they will use on every project, and a pin such as the Super 8 Camera or Directed By credit makes a nice addition.

What is a wrap gift?

A wrap gift is a small thank you given to cast and crew at the end of a production. Department pins and keychains are popular choices because they are personal, affordable and easy to give to a whole team.

When will my order arrive?

The range is on pre-order with stock expected in December. We will dispatch orders as soon as the shipment lands. If you have a specific date in mind, contact us at sales@blkflag.com.au before ordering.

Where to buy

We support our valued specialist retail partners and prefer that you purchase through them wherever possible: use the store finder to locate your nearest authorised dealer. If you would rather buy direct, we can also facilitate your order.

Shop the full Gifts for Filmmakers collection or email sales@blkflag.com.au with any questions.