Book Description
The first, most crucial step in making a film is finding the funds to do it. Let Louise Levison, who wrote the innovative business plan for "The Blair Witch Project," show you how. Whether you're planning a feature, short, documentary, or large format film, this unique guide teaches you how to create a business plan that can be presented to a potential investor. In jargon-free terms, the author leads you through every step. Each chapter concentrates on a different section of the business plan, including the industry, marketing, financing, distribution. There are supplementary exercises and spreadsheets on the CD workbook so you get comfortable crunching the numbers--no math degree required!
The fifth edition contains completely revised and updated industry data, updated information on the market for short films, as well as a new chapter on nontraditional films such as documentaries.
* Includes a CD workbook with forms, spreadsheets, and hands-on exercises
* A sample business plan is included as a helpful reference
* Learn how to develop business plans for features, shorts, documentaries and more
Customer Reviews:
This book is useless.......2007-08-31
This book is useless. I am an independent producer, and I found out the hard way that no financier wants to look at a business plan. If they are in the business they want to see a script and maybe, a budget. If they are not in the business, they want to see LLC documents. See The Biz, Schuyler M. Moore, Silman-James Press, Beverly Hills, 2002.
A great place to start for the indie filmmaker.......2007-07-17
A great place to start for the indie filmmaker
I am an independent filmmaker. I also run a film festival called The Gangrene Film Festival. I have striven for years to get a feature length project off the ground. The task is daunting and scary for someone who doesn't know the business.
Filmmakers & Financing is an excellent place to start. I found this book highly useful. The book teaches in a simple, step-by-step format how to put together an excellent business plan for your film. It teaches what investors are looking for in a business plan and how you can get their ear with a professional, well-researched prospectus.
It is not enough just to be an artist and to be passionate about your craft as a filmmaker; these things won't get you financial backing. You must explore the market and analyze your future film's possible place in that market. This book teaches you how to do just that.
Hope this helps.
-Craig Nybo, co-author of Total Human: The Complete Strength Training System
Filmmakers and Financing: Business Plans for Independents, Fourth Edition.......2007-03-08
A decent book into the ins & outs of film making from the production side of the house. Though not 100% comprehensive it makes an excellent addition to a production library.
Good Book.......2007-02-20
This is a really good book. It was very helpful in defining many of the sections of a business plan and is a great jumping off point.
I expected more...........2006-09-26
I bought this book to get detailed information about how to build a business plan for my start up Film Company. I was very excited when I saw the overview of this title and the fact that it now included a CD-ROM.
After going through the entire book in just a few days (I must admit it's a quick read) I found that the explanations were just slightly above basic knowledge and the CD contains only a few forms and worksheets to fill out. The best chapter (Chapter 10), which has a sample business plan, is NOT included in the CD-ROM! This was a complete disappointment since I expected to use this as digital blue print to fill in the blanks for my own business plan.
All things considered I did learn some useful principles on how to prepare and present information to potential investors and how to analyze some number (getting them boils down to research and a lot of work, which the Levison herself will admit to) but I really expected more out of the author of the business plan for the Blair Witch Project.
Book Description
The original edition of this book, long out of print, was published almost 20 years ago. The decades since then have brought enormous changes to the business side of moviemaking, requiring that the new edition be totally rewritten. This is, then, a brand new book and one that has been most eagerly awaited. In it, three experts in entertainment law carefully explain the complex procedures involved in bringing a film to the screen, from acquiring rights and financing, to negotiating workable agreements with artists and craftspeople, to distributing and exhibiting the finished motion picture. Clear, concise, and - above all - authoritative, this book cuts a pathway through a jungle and is an essential reference for the teacher of film, the independent producer, the would-be filmmaker, and anyone interested in the business of making movies.
Customer Reviews:
Not ground breaking.......2007-03-13
Although this book is not ground breaking, it gives a filmmaker/producer a good understanding of how to go about in the business of film.
A must for first time producers.......2006-09-04
Being a first-time independent producer I had little knowledge of all the legal elements involved in movie deal making. I must say that even though at first this book was a little difficult to understand, given the nature of some legal terms used, it has been essential to get a clear picture of everything that must be covered to ensure proper production, financing and distribution of any film project.
The book doesn't go into detailed forms or explanations of complex contracts. It does, however, highlight the most important points of views on both sides of the negotiating table so you're better prepared when taking part either one. Furthermore, there are basic rules of thumb that will allow you to understand key business aspects and demand more from your legal advisors when making contracts for the entire production process (from development through distribution).
I went on to buy "The Independent Film Producer's Survival Guide" to analyze specific forms and contracts and other legal elements in further detail, but this book is definitely the starting point!!
A realisticly insightful literature for producing movies.......2001-03-23
There are so many film programs in the country but hardly any that provide the insight into the finance and legalities of the industry. Being a fresh graduate, I my self faced this problem. This book however, is a problem solver. Baumgarten's, Farber's and Fleischer's approach towards the business aspects of filmmaking is an insightful one and it provides vital information, especially for those who are just about to get their feet wet. I highly recommend this book to all the film students and especially to those who are concentrating in producing and directing.
Book Description
Film & Video Financing offers the independent producer a plethora of approaches to the complex and arduous task of financing the low-budget ($10 million or less) feature. Contents include information on current attitudes and approaches to finding investment through limited partnerships, equity investments, banking issues, split-rights deals, debt equity deals, blocked funds, foreign pre-sales, and much more. plus insider's tips from independent producers and money raisers for such films as sex, lies, and videotape, Dirty Dancing, and Kiss of the Spider Woman.
Customer Reviews:
Great no-nonsense book on budgeting for film and video........2002-04-25
Easy to read and understand. Lots of sources and referances. Great book to have if you are planning for a movie or video.
Customer Reviews:
Precise Information vital to success.......2007-08-18
The expansive knowledge, invaluable information and contained in this book are the tools required and needed to bring your project to reality. Ms. Dean willingly feeds the reader knowledge and ideas based on tried and true methods that never become outdated. In a time when filmmaking has become not just a dream; but, a life work option this book provides filmmakers of all levels the tools and inspiration need to complete their work. It is a map used by documentarians and filmmakers to aid in completing fully funded, successful works.
Great Resource for Starting Your First Film.......2007-07-04
Finally a book that tells you how to get it together and make your film. Gives you a plan and the confidence to go out there and make it happen. Great interviews with people who've done it. Should be mandatory reading for every film school grad who is trying to make their first film.
Customer Reviews:
very cautious.......2006-08-17
You can't complain about a lawyer making sure you know exactly how bad things can get--it's their job. The one problem I have with "Risky Business..." is that the author goes to extreme great pains (sometimes the reader's) to disclaim any potential harm that might arise from the reading of this material blah-blah-blah... There are several legal agreements presented with descriptions; that's good. There is very little explanation of how the money works (who gets what and where it says so in which agreement); that's not so good. As an overview to how complex this field is, the book is good. The point of all of it is, essentially, if you get this far in movie-making, get an entertainment attorney who knows how to protect you, 'cuz there's no way you'll be able to do it on your own. Glad I read it. Now I can pass it along to someone else.
Book Description
Today's explosion of independent and digital filmmaking demands a brass-tacks guide to the business and legal aspects of the process. What fundraising options are available to a filmmaker? When should a filmmaker establish a corporation or limited liability company? How do screenwriters protect their work? What are a director's legal obligations to the producer, cast, and crew-and what are their obligations in return? This indispensable guide answers the legal, financial, and organizational questions that an independent or guerrilla filmmaker must face, problems that will doom a project if left unanswered. It chronologically demystifies issues such as founding a film company, securing locations, casting, shooting, granting screen credits, distributing, exhibiting, and marketing a film. It even anticipates the "problems" generated by a blockbuster hit: sound tracks, merchandizing, and licensing.
Customer Reviews:
Great Resource for Starting a No Budget Film Company.......2006-02-28
Filmmaking is a leap of faith. A lot of people assume someone else will solve all the paperwork problems when distributions is locked. Unfortunately, if your paperwork is not in order and you can't furnish deliverables, you run the risk of losing the distro deal. Deliverables- what you provide to a distributor so they can do their job of marketing your movie- begin at the screenwriting stage.
If you are totally do it yourself and willing to make investments on yourself, why would you leave legalities to the VERY end when you have no choice (at least at the start you have the option of NOT hiring someone if they won't sign an actors release, avoiding a location if the owner won't sign. There's no "getting away" with anything.) This is stuff you hear about in film school, but it doesn't sink in until you experience the limitations caused by putting off the paperwork.
Author Jon Garon provides a legal book that is inclusive of all filmmakers, including no budget guerilla filmmakers. Even books that deal with guerilla filmmaking tend to gloss over the pertinent details that relate to Do-it-yourself-ers. He has some beautiful words of respect for guerilla filmmakers, too. That this is a law and business guide makes it a must have for anyone thinking about making a movie, be it for no money or millions.
This is the first book I've read that goes indepth as to the protections of a sole-proprietor vs. sole-Proprietor LLC (if your state allows it). I set up the LLC today, following his instructions. Took 10 minutes, online. Even went to the irs.gov for the employer id Number. He explains the risks of partnerships, and how you can unwittingly enter a partnership if you and your pals don't set forth an agreement at the start.
Financing is everyone's biggest complaint. This book explores the conventional and alternative financing models (investors vs. disposable income vs. debt financing/credit cards), and goes one better as to compare the risks and rewards of each. The golden quote is "I have never heard of anyone who has gambled her house on a film and won."
He even breaks down setting up your company and chain of command, running your company, working out deferrals and how those are paid back, and all sorts of issues you need to know but otherwise wouldn't think of. This book also includes info on contracts, actor and location releases, and music permissions.
Granted, this doesn't include a lot of boiler plate. But Mark Litwak has books for that. However, this book bests Litwak in the realm of detail and why certain provisions really matter. This book empowers the filmmaker to understand business and contracts, what to ask for, what to avoid, and so much more. This is a critical book to own. Particularly if you're broke. So get it!
Amazing!.......2003-03-10
I read this book, and it totaly helped me! I started my film, and learned so much from this book.
The author must be some sort of g-d! He anwered nearly everyone of my questions. It actually changed the way i've been shooting.
Thanks! If only you'll write some more books!
Excellent Resource.......2002-10-30
I found Mr Garon's book to be direct, informative and easy to read without losing any of the details. This had all the information of a definitive text while being an easy read. I was eagerly awaiting his book, it did not disappoint.
Book Description
This book is your reference guide for creating the perfect pitch, inspiring your winning application, finding and connecting with funding organizations, making a successful "ask," and landing the money to make your film.
Customer Reviews:
Great Book - with Fantastic Reference Section.......2007-07-31
When I opened this book, I expected two things. One: Due to the sub-title "Alternative Financing Concepts" - I expected a chapter on "How to Sell Your Body Parts!" and, Two: I expected this book to be boring.
Happily, I was wrong on both parts - but why do I need an extra kidney anyways?
Ms. Dean does a great job in making the art of film fund finding, well, fun. With years of experience on both sides of the business, she explains in a mix of interviews and stories the process of pitching your idea, looking for those willing to fund your film and all the nuances and approaches you should take. Not only that, she includes an EXCELLENT reference section (50 pages of a 250 page book) with names, addresses, phone numbers, websites, etc. That alone is worth the price of the book.
Much of the first few chapters in the book revolve around pitching your idea. Even if you are on the fence in terms of whether to make your film or not, Ms. Dean emphasizes a lot of the aspects of Pitching that can come in handy in any situation where you have the opportunity to talk about your idea.
With my own independent film on the horizon, and the aspect of me trying to sell a kidney to raise funds, I was surprised when the first half of the book focused mostly on documentaries. I wondered as I read through those pages as to how the rules and ideas and suggestions she was giving would fit my project: A feature film with 15 actors using an original script written by me. Not my documentary on the slaughter of innocent ants by rabid 10 year old boys with magnifying glasses.
Half-way through the book, though, she does focus on the aspect of how to find funding for your independent film and then she goes on in later chapters to deal with "Branding" (making your pitch unique with photos or other graphics), "Finding Partnerships" and even a chapter on "Federal Tax Laws" - and again, if you think these chapters are pages and pages of droning commentary - think again: Most of these are interviews with people in the trenches who have worked through the process, know the process, live the process.
One of the things I found surprising in this book is there is a lack of focus on story and the story you are trying to tell (whether it is in Documentary Form or Fictional/Non-Fictional 3-Act Structure Story Telling). A recent seminar I went to on Independent Film one of the speakers came right out and said: "Is your story worth telling?" Though Ms. Dean touches on it a little, there is not a lot of time spent on making sure that your story is one that has an audience. Granted, a book about film financing should be about film financing not a book on whether your documentary of sadistic 10 year old boys is worthy for a slot on PBS during their next pledge drive.
Another issue I have with this book is a common one: Create a list of all the websites mentioned in the chapters for easy reference. Though the expansive reference section alone is worth the price of the book, Ms. Dean sprinkles almost every chapter with names, websites, even phone numbers of people to contact. It would have been the icing on the cake to also include those in the reference section under a separate heading broken down by chapter. That way lazy writers like me don't have to skim through the chapters looking for the familiar www. Though, in their defense, they did a unique thing of highlighting the interviews so they could be found quickly.
Once again Michael Weise Productions has produced a great book, unique to the marketplace filled with all the nitty-gritty details of what it takes to find financing for your film. Hats off to them, and Ms. Dean.
Great introduction to film funding.......2007-07-31
This book aims at the beginning independent filmmaker. As such, it's an excellent introduction to thinking like a business person, opening your mind to new approaches to funding, and becoming aware of potential legal issues. The prose is highly readable, even energizing as her positive spirit infuses every page. Reading this book is like a late-night jam session crammed full of the excitement of ideas and possibilities. The interviews in the book are useful both for their good advice and for the sense they convey that there are very specific people available to help you get through the process. The information presented in this book makes film funding seem doable.
Ideal for documentary filmmakers: Over 100 funding organizations listed!.......2007-07-16
As a documentary filmmaker in desperately search for funds to make my film a reality, I can say that this book has helped me explore the infinite possibilities that lay out there in the universe waiting for me to tap on them. As the cover of the book evokes, Carole Dean gives you the best tips for you to catch those colorful funding butterflies that can not only bring you the moneys you need but will help you spread the word on your film and sow the seeds of what can become a forest of funding opportunities. The back of the book is an incredible resource that has over 100 funding organizations listed with contact information, you have months of research done for you to find the funding you need.
At last....a positive approach!!!.......2007-07-12
At last...a positive attitude successfully combined with real experience in the independent film world!! The admirable Ms. Dean, who started a business selling those end pieces of film from the major studios to aspiring filmmakers with tight budgets has her heart in the right place. She admires people who are following their dreams by taking those first steps and wants to help them keep steppin' to the finish line. I gleaned a lot out of the stories of how individual filmmakers got their films made. Read the book, then get to work on your film!
THE ART OF FILM FUNDING, BY CAROLE LEE DEAN.......2007-07-11
I FOUND THAT THIS BOOK HAS IMPORTANT IDEARS AND CONCEPTS FOR CREATIVES FILM FUNDING FOR INDEPENDENT FILMMAKERS AND DOCUMENTARIANS. I HIGHLY AND SINCERELY RECOMMEND IT. J.R.M.
Average customer rating:
|
Financing Your Film: A Guide for Independent Filmmakers and Producers
Trisha Curran
Manufacturer: Praeger Paperback
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Book Description
"This book offers practical advice on assembling a package attractive to potential backers, and includes suggested sources of funding, a detailed budget, and a distribution plan. A complete case history--John Sayles' presentation for Lianna--provides a concrete example of effective packaging." Back Stage
Book Description
Your dog deserves a "celebration of life" video. Here's how to video record your dog's life story or make a movie, DVD, training documentary, or Time Capsule starring your dog included in your intergenerational family.
Learn to record your dog's life story. Nearly everybody uses a camcorder to make videos of the family dog or takes pictures and puts them in a scrapbook to remember a dog as part of a family.
Put your videos on DVDs, Flash Drives, CDs, or save to your computer linked to your camcorder for editing. From the time you first bring home a new puppy, a "this is your life" video podcast or disc of your dog's memorable moments can become part of a family history video newsletter or keepsake heirloom album.
Learn how to conserve, protect videos, diaries, scrapbooks, or photos in digital or acid-free paper scrap books. Produce a personal, family, or salable video starring you and your dog. If you want to make the video available to others, you'll find instruction here on how to write, finance, produce, distribute, publicize, launch, promote, and market salable dog documentaries that include intergenerational family video newsletters or videos that feature prominently dogs or any pet.
Books:
- Flash 8: Projects for Learning Animation and Interactivity (O'Reilly Digital Studio)
- From So Simple a Beginning: Darwin's Four Great Books (Voyage of the Beagle, The Origin of Species, The Descent of Man, The Expression of Emotions in Man and Animals)
- Grandparents & Grandchildren: Shared Memories
- Great Books of the Western World (Great books of the Western world)(60 Volumes)
- Grindhouse: The Sleaze-filled Saga of an Exploitation Double Feature
- Henri Cartier-Bresson: The Man, The Image & The World: A Retrospective
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- Hollywood Babylon: The Legendary Underground Classic of Hollywood's Darkest and Best Kept Secrets
- Hollywood Rhapsody: The Story of Movie Music, 1900-1975
Books Index
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The Independent Filmmaker's Guide to Writing a Business Plan for Investors
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