The Hollyweird Gift Guide
For the writers and filmmakers in your life
The holiday season is upon us! And as a gift to myself (and you) I’ve decided not to waste any more time writing about writing, but instead to write about PRESENTS!
None of these are paid promo or affiliate links because HOLLYWEIRD CANNOT BE BOUGHT. These are just 10 cool things I like and wanted to share with you, so that you can either share them with the film lovers in your life, or yourself!
So without further ado… here is…
The Hollyweird Gift Guide for the Writers & Filmmakers in Your Life
The Best Streaming Service Out There (Criterion Channel)
My favorite streaming service. Hands down. Sign up for the deep collection cred, stay for the curated monthly playlists and their “live” Criterion 24/7, which gives you the chance to recreate the old days of channel surfing, dropping in on whatever Criterion’s decided to program at any given time. Plus, I have been consistently surprised by just how many (good) new releases they license.
The #1 Tool for Building Decks (Shotdeck)
If you really want to help your filmmaker friend or loved one out, you’ll sign them up for a year-long membership to Shotdeck which I have obsessively pored over for what must be hundreds of hours while building decks for film and television pitches. Search by setting, prop, color, aspect ratio, mood, or crew members to find exactly the kind of images you’re trying to use to showcase what you want to make next.
An Extremely Decadent Chocolate Subscription
Okay, nobody needs to spend $50/mo on chocolate. But then again, gifts are not about need. Was this the year you finally sold that script? Or are you calling in some exciting opportunities for the year ahead? Either way, writers love treats. And having a new fancy chocolate bar to nibble on every week of the year is a great way to incentivize getting your work done for the day.
An Even More Decadent Piece of Movie Memorabilia
Okay so let’s say you wanted to spend $4500 on a poster. Thanks to the fine folks at Film Art Gallery you can, on an original one-sheet for Singin’ in the Rain. Which, to be fair, looks incredible. If you’re looking for something not in the $4500 range, Film Art Gallery has some great finds, truly.
Some Good Slippers
One of the perks of being a writer is never needing to get properly dressed or leave the house. One of the cons of such a sedentary lifestyle? Cold toes. Depending on how “traditional” you’re looking for, I’d vote LL Bean of glerups.
A Lot of Good Pens
What more could you want for the holidays than a box of office supplies? Staples will sell you a dozen of my personal favorite pens for under $20. It’s a much better deal than the movie poster.
Any of These 20 Books
I’ve put together a syllabus of 20 books screenwriters should read. Take your pick!
The Famed Hobonichi Daily Planner
This cult daily planner is the perfect, analog, way to keep track of your calendar, goals for the month (and year), and any and all important meetings you have coming up. Hobonichi heads tend to sell these out (it’s a thing) so if you’re in the market for a daily planner for 2026, you should get on it ASAP.
A Hollyweird Hat
Whether you want to rep the newsletter or simply rep this insane place to live and work, here’s your chance. Now comes in faded black, blue, or red. Almost everyone picks red.
And there you have it!
There will be one more edition of the newsletter next week, and then will be on hiatus for the remainder of 2025.
But Hollyweird will return to your inboxes with A SPECIAL EDITION JANUARY 1st — My 2025 in Review as a Working Screenwriter. It’s become an annual tradition.
For the completists out there here are 2024, 2023, 2022, and 2021.
