The 2022 Screenwriter’s Holiday Gift Guide

Since screenwriters require a variety of unique materials to help them with their work, finding the right gift can be a bit tricky. Fortunately, there are plenty of amazing gift ideas out there to help you choose just the right thing to help them take their craft to the next level. From the latest software and books to other creative tools and supplies, this holiday gift guide is sure to inspire your special screenwriter to reach new heights.

Final Draft 12

Final Draft is the industry standard of screenwriting software, used by the pros in Hollywood. If a screenwriter wants to be taken seriously, they need to know Final Draft! Writers can collaborate with each other, easily track revisions, and outline and plan their scripts beat-by-beat before writing. It’s a must-have for any professional or aspiring screenwriter.

Masterclass Subscriptions

Masterclass offers premium access to fantastic advice from the world’s top experts, including screenwriters like Aaron Sorkin, Shonda Rhimes, and more! These masterclasses offer an affordable and efficient way for screenwriters to educate themselves on a variety of topics. 

TSL 360

For a deep dive into a screenwriting education, go for a TSL 360 membership! With unlimited access to over 100 educational and inspiring videos featuring Hollywood’s leading writers, agents, managers, producers, and consultants, this is the gift that keeps on giving. New videos and interviews are being added every month! Help the screenwriter on your list navigate the complexities of Hollywood without ever having to leave the couch. (Except for snacks, of course.) Plus, there’s a free 3-day trial if you want to try it out first before gifting it.

Laptop Stand

Hours of screenplay revising can take a toll on the body, especially if a writer is crouched over a laptop all day. Laptop stands raise the laptop screen to eye level for better ergonomics, reduced strain, and a more relaxed posture while typing.

Top-rated brands on Amazon include Rain Design, Roost, and Nulaxy. 

WeScreenplay Script Coverage

Typing FADE OUT at the end of a first draft is only the beginning! It’s vital that screenwriters get feedback on their scripts throughout the writing process so that their scripts have the best chance of faring well in the marketplace.

WeScreenplay offers three levels of format-based coverage from professional readers who can help writers take their scripts to the next level! All coverage packages include a 72-hour turnaround time at no additional charge. Buy a bundle to save.

Coffee Shop Gift Card

Especially in Los Angeles, coffee shops are often filled with working and aspiring writers clacking away on their keyboards while downing lattes (and those cake pop thingys.) Help fuel your favorite screenwriter’s Hollywood ambitions (and caffeine addiction) with a gift card to his or her favorite coffee shop! Who knows—once that script is finished, you might get thanked in an Oscar speech one day. No links here, just go to their favorite shop and pick one up.

Screenwriter Swag

Ah, screenwriter swag — cheap, writer-focused, and practical at least sometimes. We’re talking mugs, apparel, and weird gag gifts based on great films!

Etsy has a ton of great items for writers, including the “Filmmakers Gotta Make” tote, a personalized “Writer’s Block,” and a mug that says “Be Careful, or You’ll End Up in My Screenplay.”

Also, A24 has a super weird and amazing online store that sells so many weird and amazing things, like a Daniel Kwan Kids’ Book Set, an Online Ceramics x X Pearl Duffle, and a Marcel the Shell Heavy Metal Figurine.

Screenwriting Books 

Every screenwriter can benefit from reading screenwriting books to get a solid foundation in the craft. Classics like Save the Cat by Blake Snyder, Story by Robert McKee, Writing the Pilot by William Rabkin, The Writer’s Journey by Christopher Vogler, and The Screenwriter’s Bible by David Trottier are readily available online and contain a wealth of valuable information. Additionally, Screencraft’s e-books are comprehensive guides to the industry that can be downloaded onto a tablet quickly and easily. 

Screencraft E-Courses

Has the screenwriter on your list been talking about finishing a script forever, but never gets around to it? Give that kick in the pants he or she needs to write that screenplay and get it out there.  Courses include:

• Write Your Screenplay in 60 Days
• Write Your Comedy Pilot in 30 Days
• Write Your Drama Pilot in 45 Days

The Criterion Collection

The curators at the Criterion Collection are committed to showcasing the best films from around the world in state-of-the-art restorations. Select from almost 1300 films to help the screenwriter on your list gain a valuable film education. The Criterion Collection also has a streaming channel, so consider gifting a subscription!

Grammarly Premium

Let’s face it: not everyone is gifted with good grammar. Grammarly Premium helps take the stress out of writing by performing critical grammar and spelling checks, doing advanced checks on punctuation, grammar, context, and sentence structure, offering vocabulary enhancement suggestions, and much more. Now your fave screenwriter can enjoy writing without worry!

Plot Devices’ Storyclock Workbook

Screenwriters love a good notebook — especially when it’s designed to help them work out the structure of their stories. The Storyclock Workbook from Plot Devices is a fantastic tool that will do just that.

Rebecca Norris is a producer, writer, and filmmaker with her production company, Freebird Entertainment. Her recent award-winning feature film, Cloudy With a Chance of Sunshine, has been distributed on Amazon Streaming and DVD. Rebecca is also a script analyst and consultant who has read for many companies, including Sundance, ScreenCraft, Bluecat, and the International Emmys, as well as her own script consultancy, Script Authority. Rebecca blogs for Screencraft, The Script Lab, WeScreenplay and Script Magazine, exploring the film writing and production process and encouraging writers to produce their own work. Follow Rebecca’s posts on Twitter at @beckaroohoo!