Brief Overview
Used by most film schools as a text detailing the finance, distribution and business processes of motion picture producers, The Producer’s Business Handbook provides a comprehensive orientation to those who are, or who desire to become producers, as well as those focused specifically in finance, distribution, banking, completion bonds, legal, company operations and other aspects unique to the business of motion pictures. In addition to thorough orientation, this book also provides website access to powerful greenlighting, finance, spreadsheets, organization charts and other worksheets enabling readers to put what they learn to use.
- About the Author
The Third Edition of The Producer’s Business Handbook releases Summer 2010 - Look inside the book at Amazon.com
- Order the book at Amazon.com
If you’re planning to produce a movie or thinking about investing in a movie and want a realistic, in-depth look at the business of show business, you need to read The Producer’s Business Handbook -and then you’ll want to read it again.
The Producer’s Business Handbook stands alone in describing the entire inner workings of the financial engines that keep the “business” part of the movie business humming. Only within the covers of this book will you find such a wealth of knowledge that removes the mysteries of financing, marketing, and distribution. The author provides another way of understanding the movie business that will change your thinking forever.
“Finally, we have a comprehensive guide to the business of making movies the way movies are supposed to be made — and written by someone who knows whereof he writes.” Producer, San Diego, CA USA
John Lee’s accomplishments are many, but this book is especially valuable to the independent film commnunity and I am glad to mention it on my own blog on the international film business at http://SydneysBuzz.blogspot.com
This is one of the most informative books I have ever read on producing. Honestly, like others are saying about this book it should be what is taught in film schools. This is some of the best stuff I have ever read. This book is supremely helpful and insightful. Page to page and chapter to chapter this book is excellent. I recommend you pick this up immediately if you want to make a movie or are interested in production.
This book covers everything from the producer’s business stand point in every aspect that one could think of. From getting financing, to handling it, to spending it, to marketing, all the way to the theatrical runs and other income. Now a lot of the numbers and stuff in here could be confusing, notice how I said could be, because in most books they are just that. The authors here have done a marvelous job making this not only easy to read but easy to understand. They break everything down and present it in the simplest terms and even include charts and other visuals. They even breakdown what production companies and studios do and what they are meant for- it really is an excellent read.
If you are interested in filmmaking I highly recommend this book, because it really is that helpful and easy to read. I am on my second read through. So, if you are out and about or looking for something to get online I say pick this up.
This is the single best work on financing independent films. The landscape of the film business is changing rapidly and this is one of the only books addressing one of the most difficult aspects- financing. There is more to financing a film than developing a business plan and this book shows the practical, in-depth information, efficiently written and presented. -Don Smith, Associate Chair & Associate Professor, Film & Video Department, Columbia College
This is a timely book, detailing a proven method for success and providing relevant data for both investors and filmmakers. -Jillian Alexander
MBA, CM&AA, CHRC,Managing Director, Corporate Development & Strategy, Conduit Consulting LLC, Former VP-Corporate Development, SONY Pictures Entertainment and member SONY US Ventures team
This updated and new version is extremely well written, with the latest information on how to finance and gain distribution in the current economy, and have a successful film.
Each of the authors have a proven track record, and great examples that producers can relate to.
A must read. Highly recommend it to both new and experienced film makers. The business of film is fast changing, and I praise the authors for keeping us up with the times.
This is an exceptionally in-depth book on producing motion pictures. I’ve read quite a few books on the subject and never one with this particular focus. The authors give a very detailed look into the world of packaging, green-lighting and distribution of film. While many books seem to emphasize prep and principal photography, this book covers the territory most miss – that long development process. If the producer has set up the project correctly, production should be a formality.
The book focuses on the business side of the “film business” that might be troubling for those who choose to only focus on the artistic side. The authors provide a glimpse of the corporate side.
This book is dense, packed with data and I recommend it.
If you are in any way, shape or form connected to the film industry, especially independent film, you need this book. It is an absolutely fabulous companion to “Film Production Management” and “The Complete Film Production Handbook”, both by Focal Press. This book is on top of what is happening in the new media realms as well as the business side of creative, development, audience, distribution – both domestic and international, greenlighting and staying on budget and on schedule.
It’s rare to find a book that does not blow impossible pipe dreams into would-be filmmakers’ minds but rather gives the reality of what it is to be in the business. This book is about the business side and should absolutely be required reading for any film studies student.
The hardest part of filmmaking is the funding. “The Producer’s Business Handbook” gives in depth information to help make it happen and to keep your production in the black, rather than running into the red.
The book links to the website for important forms to the producer to keep you focused, on track and organized. It is not just boring facts and figures but gives real, practical advice in down to earth language. It makes no bones about why these things are so important and helps independent producers know how to navigate through an area that can be treacherous and quite frankly, very cutthroat. There is a lot of good advice here that no filmmaker can afford to be without.