Christmas Gifts for Film Editors 2022

December 2, 2022
19 min read
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Christmas Gifts for Film and Video Editors 2022

  • The Best Christmas Gifts for Film Editors 2022
  • Film Editing Books Giveaway!
  • Post Production Year End Sales

It’s that time of year again when we can spread a little love and Christmas cheer with a Christmas gift the film editor in your life will love.

This year I’ve tried to pick a range of gifts that will suit every budget, from $0.99 all the way up to $199. There are digital gifts, analogue gifts and a bunch of stuff in between, but hopefully there is something for everyone!

I posted my first Christmas Gifts for Film Editors back in 2012, so I guess this marks the 10th Anniversary!

Here’s a short list of the best Christmas gifts for film editors in 2022:

  1. Zenni Bluelight Blocking Glasses
  2. Masterclass.com All-Access Pass (2-4-1 holiday offer!)
  3. Apple Air Tags
  4. Collectable blu-ray releases – Speed, Heat, Sneakers, The Game…
  5. From Footage to Film and other Essential Books for Film Editors
  6. New Elgato Stream Deck Plus
  7. Complete Access to 300+ issues of Cut/daily!
  8. Brian Eno’s Oblique Strategies Creativity Cards
  9. Incredibly useful USB night light
  10. Buy Me A Coffee Wishlist – Crowdfund the thing you really want!

Christmas Giveaway! Win Career Changing Editing Books!

Win one of these outstanding books on Film Editing!

Thanks to the great people at Routledge you can win one of 5 books on Post Production simply by signing up to my free weekly newsletter Cut/daily!

If you’re an existing subscriber you’ll be automatically entered, but if not, sign up before December 24th 2022 to be in with a chance of winning one of these superb books:

If you’re one of the 5 winners selected at random from the Cut/daily list of current subscribers, you can choose any one of these excellent books, hand-picked by me, and the team at Routledge will have it shipped to your door, worldwide.

Sign up to Cut/daily for free now!

A Free Gift To You – The Gift of Laughter

This is without doubt, my favourite funny video of 2022.

The team at Zulu Alpha Kilo, created this bitingly funny short, delightfully skewering competition case studies. Having edited some of these kinds of case studies myself in the early days of working for different Ad agencies, the whole thing is superbly crafted.

Post Production Christmas and End of Year Sales for 2022

Although it feels like Black Friday/Cyber Monday only just finished some post production brands and services are extending or renewing their sales during Christmas through to the end of the year.

I’ll be updating this list as more sales become available, but here’s a quick run down of brands that had a sale last year and so might run one again this year!

EXCLUSIVE – 30% OFF ANY RIVERSIDE.FM PLAN

riverside.fm discount code 30%

Riverside.fm, the easiest way to record video calls and interviews for high quality results, is offering my readers an exclusive 30% discount with the code: HOLIDAYS22

The biggest savings are on the annual Pro plan, which is already nearly 20% cheaper than paying for the same plan on a monthly basis ($24 vs $29/month). With a further 30% off you could save a total of $146!

So for just $202 you could get 15 hours a month of 4K video recording for a whole year!

Having researched and tested a lot of different options along the way, click here to read more about why I think you should use Riverside.fm, or sign up for a free account to try it for yourself.

AUTODESK – 15-20% OFF UNTIL DECEMBER 19TH

Save 15-20% on Autodesk’s Media and Entertainment tools such as 3Ds Max, Maya, Arnold Renderer and more.

The discount amount is different in different regions.

MASTERCLASS.COM HOLIDAY 2-4-1 OFFER

You can still take advantage of Masterclass.com’s 2-for-1 holiday offer which allows you to get two of their annual all-access subscription for the price of one.

So find a friend and split the cost to double the learning at half the price!

I am a HUGE fan of Masterclass.com and include a subscription in my best gifts for film editors list almost every year because learning something new is surely preferable to getting something new?

I have also reviewed many of their existing film courses on the blog, including:

But there are now close to 180+ world-class experts to learn from so the value of the all-access pass has sky-rocketed in recent years, with new classes added every month. Recent additions include The Duffer Brothers (Stranger Things) teach Developing an Original TV series, Yo-Yo Ma teaches Music and Connection and Jimmy Chin teaches Adventure Photography.

Get inspired and learn from the best, it will help to broaden your creative horizons!

The Best Christmas Gifts for Film Editors 2022

This year’s must have desk trinket

So what are the best Christmas gifts to give to the film editor in your life in 2022?

Here are some of the things I’ve enjoyed (or would enjoy!) this year and I hope they will too.

My top pic for the best gift to give a film editor from last year would have to be Roger Nygard’s excellent book Cut To The Monkey: A Hollywood Editor’s Behind-The-Scenes Secrets to Making Hit Comedies, a brilliant, funny and practical read stuffed with excellent lessons on the art, craft and business of film editing.

Editors have different styles, attitudes, opinions and approaches.

Editors are people, not machines; we don’t just push buttons, we bring a lifetime of emotions and thoughts and experiences to every edit.

But what is crucial for comedy is that editors laugh in the right places.

It also helps to smell nice and be a pleasant person to be around a lot.

– Roger Nygard, Cut To The Monkey

Enjoy my full review including some key takeaways in this in-depth post, or pick up Cut To The Monkey for under $20 on Amazon. You won’t regret it!

The Best Christmas Gifts for Film Editors

If you’re more of a visual browser then you can skip over to this Amazon page which collates all of these gifts and many others from previous lists, in one easy to peruse location.

I’ve ordered this year’s list with the more expensive gifts towards the end, so you can keep scrolling the more generous/hopeful you are!

1. Zenni Blue-light blocking glasses

There’s no real way around this, you’re likely to be staring at a screen for most of your working day. And then when you stop working and pull out your phone to doom scroll on Twitter or crack today’s Wordle.

But with the help of blue-light blocking glasses you can save your eyes from strain, headaches and the negative effects of all that blue light being blasted in your face from your digital displays.

Are Blokz and computer glasses the same?

Yes and no. Blokz are blue-light blocking lenses that are designed for all-day wear and protection from blue light.

Whether you’re a heavy computer user or not, Blokz can be worn like regular glasses to protect your eyes from harmful blue light emitted from any digital device, as well as artificial fluorescent and LED light exposure.

Blokz Plus and Blokz Plus Anti-Fatigue provide extra protection and symptom relief from heavy screen use, so they are great options for computer work or gaming.

Zenni

Although, I don’t know how they affect your colour perception if you’re grading…

Check out them out for yourself at ZenniOptical.com

2. Masterclass All-Access Pass

While I love that I can learn more about the craft of filmmaking from industry-veterans on Masterclass.com, one of my favourite things about Masterclass is the breadth of visionary voices that are available in their always growing library.

I love learning new and interesting things from genuine experts and Masterclass.com has that in spades.

Here are some of my favourite non-film courses on Masterclass.com

Don’t forget, you can take advantage of Masterclass.com’s 2-for-1 holiday offer which allows you to get two memberships for the price of one. Find a friend and split the cost!

Masterclass filmmakers on film editing

All that said, here are some of my previous in-depth reviews of just some of the many film classes available on Masterclass.com and a round up of some of collective wisdom on the art and craft of film editing.

3. Apple AirTags

As editors we are often walking around with expensive stuff. Sometimes that stuff gets lost or stolen. But this gift will give you the big ‘undo’ you’re looking for.

Although not a particularly cheap gift at $99 for 4 Apple AirTags, they could easily repay themselves 10x fold if they help you track down that missing laptop, hard drive or other expensive gear that you’ve accidentally mislaid, or has walked off by itself.

While similar tracking devices from Tile have been around for a long time, the AirTags come with the benefit of Apple’s design simplicity and eco-system embrace.

From the stories I see on Twitter, secreting them into places that a would-be thief or airport baggage handler won’t find them is a good idea, whilst making sure there’s one in every bag while travelling seems equally sensible.

Apple’s AirTags use bluetooth to privately ping other devices on the FindMy network to identify their location. They are water resistant and the (replaceable) battery should last for about a year or so, depending on how often you ping it.

Never lose things again, at least not without knowing where you’ve lost them.

Check them out for yourself on Amazon Global Stores.

4. Collectable Blu-ray Box Sets

I love a collector’s edition blu-ray in the hopes that the behind the scenes extras, commentaries or making of features will be particularly insightful or delightful.

Here are some to check out:

  • Speed – New 4K scan and an insightful commentary track from director Jon de Bont and a hilarious commentary track from the writer and producer
  • The Game – 2K restoration from the original negative by The Criterion Collection supervised and approved by director David Fincher and cinematographer Harris Savides. Plus new commentary tracks!
  • Sneakers – New interviews and three new commentary tracks.
  • Steve Jobs – The best commentary track I’ve heard from Editor Elliot Graham and Writer Aaron Sorkin.

I’ve shared lessons learned from two of these over on Cut/daily:

5. From Footage to Film: Intimate Insights on Film Editing – $0.99!

My new favourite book on film editing, that’s incredibly accessible at only $0.99 on Kindle, is From Footage to Film: Intimate Insights on Film Editing by Israeli editor Arik Lahav-Leibovich.

It’s a concise, practical and insightful book that is well worth reading, especially for more experienced editors who are looking to learn how to work more effectively with directors, progress in their career and generally absorb wisdom from another professional editor.

I don’t screen the film for a test audience in order to get compliments – we’ll hear those, or we won’t, once the film is finished.

At the editing stage, we screen to get criticism. And even if the early exposure unnerves the director, I won’t back down on this matter, even at the cost of a confrontation.

I truly believe it is for the good of the film.

— Arik Lahav – Leibovich, From Footage to Film

I shared some lessons from the book in this issue of Cut/daily and in this recent article for Frame.io.

If you prefer to turn paper pages over digital ones you can also buy it in paperback.

Other Essential Books for Film Editors

If you’re after a new read on the art, craft and business of film editing here are a few, new and old, must read books. Click through for each book’s review.

But I’ve also reviewed a lot of other books on the blog over the years on a wide range of topics, and you can browse a full-list of every book reviewed on the blog here.

6. Elgato Stream Deck Plus

elgato stream deck plus

As I’m writing up this Christmas gift list, I’m also in the middle of finishing a detailed review and how-to guide to using the brand new Stream Deck Plus for video editing and colour grading.

The SD+ is the latest addition to the incredibly popular Stream Deck line of workflow peripherals, bringing with it two new interfaces – 4 infinite dials and a touch sensitive LCD display strip.

If you’re an existing Stream Deck user then you’ll likely be tempted to add this to your set up, because dials, while if you’re new to bringing one of these into your day-to-day editing workflow, you’re in for a treat.

Of all the interfaces, controllers and desk toys I’ve reviewed over the years, the Stream Deck is one of the most useful and constantly active devices I’ve worked with so far. Others have had their moment in the sun, only to fall into disuse and then get tidied away in a draw – while the Stream Deck has proved it’s worth time after time.

The Stream Deck + is so new that the SDK for third-party development isn’t even out yet, so given a few months I’m sure we’ll see lots of useful updates and new integrations arrive, making it all the more useful.

I’ll update this post with a full review soon!

The Stream Deck Plus costs $199/£199 which is only £49/$49 more than an original Stream Deck.

Check out the Elgato Stream Deck Plus on Amazon Global Stores.

7. Complete Access to 300+ issues of Cut/daily!

Cut/daily is my weekly post-production newsletter and I’ve been working insanely hard on it.

If you enjoy learning more about post-production in a bite-size weekly insight, then Cut/daily is for you.

Come for the knowledge, stay for the funny gifs.

People really seem to love it.

I’ve shared 5 of my favourite learnings from the first 130 issues in this post and a composite interview from the Cut/daily Meets… series which features six different Post-Pros sharing wisdom from their career journeys.

You can also check out these previous issues that are out in front of the email sign up, if you’d like to try before you (don’t even) buy.

For a one-off fee of only $49 you can get access to all previous 300+ issues and every free weekly issue going forward. That’s 16 cents an insight!

You can check it out for free and get a free email every Friday, by signing up for free (no credit card required) and read 50+ previous free issues too.

You’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain – sign up for free at Cut-daily.com

8. Brian Eno’s Oblique Strategies – Creativity Cards

Originally created in 1975 by Brian Eno, Oblique Strategies, is a set of cards that contains a series of prompts, suggestions, ideas and truths to help you either get out of creative rut or back into the flow.

Statements include things like:

  • Use an old idea
  • State the problem in words as clearly as possible
  • What would your closest friend do?
  • What to increase? What to reduce?
  • Are there sections? Consider transitions
  • Try faking it!
  • Honour thy error as a hidden intention

You can find sets of the physical cards on Amazon for over $100 or on this (random looking) webshop for £50.

Today, you can also buy Oblique Strategies as an iPhone or Android app, to have at the ready whenever you need them.

This version on the App Store by Nicolae Gherasim is only £1.79 and contains all 5 versions of the cards, in a minimalist digital format. You can even create a lock-screen widget to show you a different card every day.

A great gift for the Post Professional in your life who ‘already has everything’!

9. The Best Reading Light You’ll Ever Buy

This gift was on last year’s list (and the year before) but it’s just been too useful not to include again!

Having bought several kinds of reading lights over the years to try to get through some books in the evening while not disturbing my wife, this one is the clear winner.

It’s got a chunky grip which makes it ideal for working through massive tombs or clipping to a desk, shelf or night stand. It’s soft and deeply orange light means it won’t keep you artificially awake and doesn’t bother anyone else in the room.

The neck is entirely flexible and can be shaped into any position, while the light itself is pretty uni-directional, which prevents a lot of spill. The battery lasts for ages and charges quickly via a standard mini-USB cable.

All in all this light is amazing, especially if you’re up changing nappies at 3am and don’t want to wake your sleepy baby by blasting them with light.

I can’t recommend it enough.

Buy the best reading light you’ll ever own on Amazon Global Stores

10. Buy Me A Coffee Wishlist

I’ve always liked the idea of leverage. Especially when it comes to harnessing the power of a group to get something done. Whether it’s crowd-sourcing ideas, solutions, money or action; many hands make light work.

In this case, I’m looking to leverage the gift giving resources of everyone who might buy me a little something to get one big thing I really want.

By creating a wishlist on Buy Me A Coffee, a platform that helps creators receive donations from their supporters, you can make this happen too.

While for some people this will strike at the heart of what giving a gift is all about; thoughtfulness, surprise, uncomplicated mechanics – I for one, don’t mind being straightforward about making the whole system work more efficiently.

Anyway, it’s an experiment and we’ll see how it goes!

Check out my 1 item wishlist here or sign up to Buy Me a Coffee via my referral link here.

Give the gift of Giving – The Charity Options

Cancel Medical Debt for Pennies

If you’d rather step away from the consumer inferno that is the ‘holiday’ season and give some good (or even if it’s just virtue-signalling) then these three charities have got you covered in the UK and US.

As the majority of my readers are from the US, I thought I’d start with a charity who seem to offer the very best kind of ‘leverage’ when it comes to donations in and impact out.

RIP Medical Debt allows you to buy up the outstanding medical debt at pennies (or less than) on the dollar, meaning that a $5 donation could pay off $500 worth of medical debt.

To me this would make for an excellent stocking filler or secret Santa gift;
”I know we said the budget was only $10 but I thought I’d give you a $1000 gift instead…”

You can read more about RIP Medical Debt in this New York Times article, or watch John Oliver swear about it (a lot) and pay off nearly $15 million of debt for less than $60,000, here.

Support Young Refugees and Asylum Seekers in the UK

Giving at christmas to refugees

I thought it best to include the incredible charity my better-half works for, Refugee Support Network, (now re-branded as REUK) who do unbelievable, life-changing work with some of our nation’s most vulnerable people; unaccompanied asylum seekers.

To you and I, that means teenagers who have been forced to flee conflict, torture and worse in their home countries and have come to the UK seek refuge.

You can learn more about what they do and donate in a couple of clicks here.

More ideas for Christmas Gifts for Film Editors from Previous Years

calvin and hobbes christmas list

Some notable gift ideas from previous lists would include:

But honestly there’s tons of great stuff from recommended whiskeys to the best books on film editing.

Every Previous Year of Christmas Gifts for Film Editors

replacement lightning cable for iphone and ipad

Still hungry for more? Check out all the previous editions of this post here:

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