The Movie Business: The Definitive Guide to the Legal and Financial Secrets of Getting Your Movie Made
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • A must-read
  • Best book on the business of filmmaking
The Movie Business: The Definitive Guide to the Legal and Financial Secrets of Getting Your Movie Made
Kelly Crabb
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Similar Items:
  1. The Movie Business Book, Third Edition (Movie Business Book) The Movie Business Book, Third Edition (Movie Business Book)
  2. The Independent Film Producer's Survival Guide: A Business and Legal Sourcebook The Independent Film Producer's Survival Guide: A Business and Legal Sourcebook
  3. Producing, Financing, and Distributing Film: A Comprehensive Legal and Business Guide Producing, Financing, and Distributing Film: A Comprehensive Legal and Business Guide
  4. Risky Business: Financing & Distributing Independent Films Risky Business: Financing & Distributing Independent Films
  5. Marketing to Moviegoers: A Handbook of Strategies Used by Major Studios and Independents Marketing to Moviegoers: A Handbook of Strategies Used by Major Studios and Independents

ASIN: 0743264924

Book Description

Making a movie may be part art and part science, but it's 100 percent business.

In this comprehensive and accessible guide, Kelly Charles Crabb shares the information necessary to understand the legal and financial challenges involved in getting a film from story to the silver screen and beyond.

Drawing on over twenty years of experience in the entertainment industry, as both lawyer and producer, Crabb reveals his insider's knowledge on:

and everything else you need to know to make a serious run at producing and exploiting a movie. Offering hands-on illustrations from actual movie contracts to show how the basic deals for each of the many stages are assembled, the author explains in plain and simple terms what the contracts contain and why. It gives the big picture and the finer points of movie making -- from concept to raking in the last dollar after the film is completed.

While it may not transform you into a lawyer or an industry accountant -- and that's not what you want anyway -- it will take you through all the business and legal principles you need to know to be a successful and knowledgeable professional producer.

Download Description

"Making a movie may be part art and part science, but it's 100 percent business. In this comprehensive and accessible guide, Kelly Charles Crabb shares the information necessary to understand the legal and financial challenges involved in getting a film from story to the silver screen and beyond. Drawing on over twenty years of experience in the entertainment industry, as both lawyer and producer, Crabb reveals his insider's knowledge on: Understanding copyright and intellectual property law Obtaining financial backing Selecting and hiring the key players Overseeing the filming Locking in the theatrical, home video, and TV distribution Understanding merchandise licensing and everything else you need to know to make a serious run at producing and exploiting a movie. Offering hands-on illustrations from actual movie contracts to show how the basic deals for each of the many stages are assembled, the author explains in plain and simple terms what the contracts contain and why. It gives the big picture and the finer points of movie making -- from concept to raking in the last dollar after the film is completed. While it may not transform you into a lawyer or an industry accountant -- and that's not what you want anyway -- it will take you through all the business and legal principles you need to know to be a successful and knowledgeable professional producer. "

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars A must-read.......2006-09-12

This is arguably one of the best contemporary books on the market that addresses the legal and financial aspects of producing a feature film. While the book does go quite heavily into the legalese producers must consider, it's still accessible enough for the novice producer or filmmaking enthusiast to walk away with a weighty respect for the intricate behind-the-camera activity that occurs in regard to film development, production, and distribution.

p.s. this is not a publisher's ghost plug for the book, but a straight-forward review from an independently-minded reader.

5 out of 5 stars Best book on the business of filmmaking.......2006-01-02

This book will definitely help anyone with a script or movie from getting taken to the cleaners by a producer or distribution company. In addition, A man I highly admire, Jerry Molen, wrote the foreword for this book. This book assisted me in getting my last movie, The Indie Pendant, made. And, you should look for me to be talking about it on my new radio show, The Indie Film Hour, coming in 2006 on World Talk Radio.com. www.vdefilms.com
The Independent Film Producer's Survival Guide: A Business and Legal Sourcebook
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • IT TAKES YOU STRAIGHT TO SCHOOL (wink)
  • MUST Have
  • Good book for everyone that wants to know the business
  • More Than a Great Book--It's a Public Service
  • The bible of independent film producer
The Independent Film Producer's Survival Guide: A Business and Legal Sourcebook
Gunnar Erickson , Harris Tulchin , Mark Halloran , and J. Gunnar Erickson
Manufacturer: Schirmer Trade Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0825673186
Release Date: 2005-02-01

Book Description

This seminal book explains the nuts and bolts of the legal and business aspects of independent film productions. Contracts, distribution and financing are explained in down-to-earth language. Basic contracts and other forms used in the industry are included.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars IT TAKES YOU STRAIGHT TO SCHOOL (wink).......2007-09-19

The book gave me moe information than needed. It talks about the complications in distrubution deals, the unions, music, digaital cameras, and a few other things upcoming producers need to know about the industry before signing into or onto something. I highly recommend it to producers, writers, and directiors. It remind us that the film world is like a whole other business on another planet.

5 out of 5 stars MUST Have.......2007-05-12

If you wanna get into any sort of video field, or wanna know how the industry functions, and what are the legal and business issues you have to deal with...

...this book is a MUST Have.

5 out of 5 stars Good book for everyone that wants to know the business.......2007-01-19

not only did I get this for myself but I got two other friends their own personal copies (got tired of them borrowing mine). It will keep you out of legal trouble in the film industry and give you insight as to how things are structured.

5 out of 5 stars More Than a Great Book--It's a Public Service.......2004-06-16

This is more than a great book--it's a public service. The
authors share insights from their decades of legal and
entertainment production experience, in essence offering
thousands of dollars of free legal advice to aspiring
independent producers. Beyond offering a roadmap of business-
planning steps, the book includes templates of numerous legal
forms that an independent producer might need. Meanwhile, in
clear and artful prose, they alternate between You're-Not-God
straight talk and You-Can-Do-It encouragement. Between the
lines, there seems to be a genuine interest in helping
important stories and quality independent work to see the
light of day. I've read other books on the business side of
entertainment that were helpful, but this stands out as the
best of the lot.

5 out of 5 stars The bible of independent film producer.......2003-08-27

If you are or want to become an independent film producer, this book will give you all of the business/legal knowledge of filmmaking you need. Even though I have not finished the book yet, I've already found this book to be extremely valuable. Because I am planning to produce a new film next year, I even called up Mr. Tulchin directly for legal advice. He was very friendly and took the time to give me great advices and was very knowledgeable in not just U.S. based entertainment law but also international entertainment law as well. Read this book and you will find it worth more than what you paid for!!!
Producing, Financing, and Distributing Film: A Comprehensive Legal and Business Guide
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • Not ground breaking
  • A must for first time producers
  • A realisticly insightful literature for producing movies
Producing, Financing, and Distributing Film: A Comprehensive Legal and Business Guide
Donald C. Farber , Paul A. Baumgarten , and Mark Fleischer
Manufacturer: Limelight Editions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Direction & ProductionDirection & Production | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
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  5. The Complete Film Production Handbook, Third Edition (Book & CD-ROM) The Complete Film Production Handbook, Third Edition (Book & CD-ROM)

ASIN: 0879101075

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:

3 out of 5 stars 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.

4 out of 5 stars 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!!

4 out of 5 stars 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.
Contracts for the Film & Television Industry
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • For those serious about producing
  • Excellent resource
  • Irena Tully, Impulse Films & Prestige Entertainment
  • Decent book - no CD
  • A fine and thorough book
Contracts for the Film & Television Industry
Mark Litwak
Manufacturer: Silman-James Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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  1. Dealmaking in the Film and Television Industry From Negotiations Through Final Contracts: 2nd Edition Expanded and Updated Dealmaking in the Film and Television Industry From Negotiations Through Final Contracts: 2nd Edition Expanded and Updated
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  3. The Independent Film Producer's Survival Guide: A Business and Legal Sourcebook The Independent Film Producer's Survival Guide: A Business and Legal Sourcebook
  4. Hollywood Dealmaking : Negotiating Talent Agreements Hollywood Dealmaking : Negotiating Talent Agreements
  5. The Complete Film Production Handbook, Third Edition (Book & CD-ROM) The Complete Film Production Handbook, Third Edition (Book & CD-ROM)

ASIN: 1879505460

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars For those serious about producing.......2007-06-08

Good basic legal information oriented towards the independent feature film producer but useful for anyone who wants to produce film or other distributed video. Won't replace having an attorney but will allow you to do some things by yourself and understand what is going on when you need to hire one. Similar to "The Independent Film Producer's Survival Guide" but with enough distinct material (example contracts for instance) to be worth having both.

5 out of 5 stars Excellent resource.......2007-05-13

Comprehensive and a terrific resource. The goal is not to use the book instead of legal advice, but it is a terrific starting point.

5 out of 5 stars Irena Tully, Impulse Films & Prestige Entertainment.......2007-02-09

This is a useful and inspirational book that explains a variety of legal film production matters and provides drafts of contracts for basically every aspect of film & TV production. And it covers all major players in the colossal process of making a film, helping to make sure that whatever your role in the production is, you understand your rights.

3 out of 5 stars Decent book - no CD.......2007-01-03

This book is a good collection of legal contracts for the industry, but it doesn't have a CD-ROM or associated website where you can download the contracts as a starting-point template.

I believe the author is gouging us by forcing us to buy the CD separately. Very cheesy business practice. I hope you have OCR software to scan these pages into your computer.

5 out of 5 stars A fine and thorough book.......2001-07-10

Litwak provides about as much as a professional could share in this throrough outing. He also shares 'boilerplate' contracts for virtally all key players in a film production. Of course, direct experience is the best teacher, but EVERY neophyte in film or television must own this book, and its a handy reference for seasoned professionals and part-timers.

Also check out his companion book, "Dealmaking..." which has priceless cues on what gray areas to avoid in negotiating with lawyers and their clients.

Essential for producers, directors, writers and anyone hoping to get financed or paid or both!
Hollywood Dealmaking : Negotiating Talent Agreements
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Make your agent read this...but you should read
  • AWESOME RESOURCE FOR ANY BUSINESS AFFAIRS EXEC!
  • FABULOUS RESOURCE.
  • good Read
  • Super Helpful Book on Entertainment Industry
Hollywood Dealmaking : Negotiating Talent Agreements
Dina Appleton , and Daniel Yankelevits
Manufacturer: Allworth Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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  3. How to Agent Your Agent How to Agent Your Agent
  4. The Hollywood Rules The Hollywood Rules
  5. An Agent Tells All An Agent Tells All

ASIN: 1581152280

Book Description

Two entertainment attorneys and Hollywood insiders explain all the ins and outs of negotiating in the movie industry, including back ends, gross and adjusted gross profits, deferments, box office bonuses, copyrights, and much more.

This easy-to-follow reference-written clearly, without confusing legal jargon-is packed with expert insights on distribution, licensing, and merchandising. The book's invaluable resource section includes definitions of lingo for acquisition agreements and employment deals, twelve ready-to-use sample contracts, and a directory of entertainment attorneys in both New York and Los Angeles. With the negotiating tips in this guide, agents, writers, directors, actors, financiers, and filmmakers will save thousands of dollars in attorney fees.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Make your agent read this...but you should read.......2004-01-31

This is a great resource for dealmaking, but most actors and writers that I know aren't negotiating their own deals. The trick is to get your agent to work harder at creating opportunities, so that they actually have deals to make. Yes, your agent should read this book ... but for myself, as an actor/writer the book HOW TO AGENT YOUR AGENT...is my bible. It helps me kick my agents in the butt ( without them knowing)and I get results...they're working harder and I'm getting work. Also I liked that book with all the casting directors pictures...just in case you see them in Starbucks and want to say hello.

5 out of 5 stars AWESOME RESOURCE FOR ANY BUSINESS AFFAIRS EXEC!.......2003-10-27

Best book I ever bought dealing with the industry, bar none! I can't believe it's under $20!

5 out of 5 stars FABULOUS RESOURCE........2003-01-24

THIS IS THE MOST USEFUL BOOK I HAVE SEEN ON THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY. BEST DEAL-MAKING BOOK ON THE MARKET. 5 STARS!

4 out of 5 stars good Read.......2003-01-15

Good but I liked the lingo section in the book Twelve Step Plan To Becoming an actor in LA but it was definetly helpfulGood Read

Josh Simon CAlifornia

5 out of 5 stars Super Helpful Book on Entertainment Industry.......2002-08-15

I work at a Production company and a lot of contracts we hand to outside lawyers, but this is a good tool for me because it goes into details and discusses each point in a contract. This is something I'd love to have had many years ago, when I just got started in the business, and now that I have it, I am learning a lot of new things. There isn't any other book out there- quite like this.
The Pocket Lawyer for Filmmakers: A Legal Toolkit for Independent Producers
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Good deal
  • A Law Student's Perspective
  • Good Legal Advice Has Never Come So Cheap!
  • Commentary
  • You need this book!
The Pocket Lawyer for Filmmakers: A Legal Toolkit for Independent Producers
Thomas A. Crowell
Manufacturer: Focal Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0240808428

Book Description

* You have an idea you want to pitch to a production company; how do you safeguard your concept?
* There's a painting in the background of your independent film; is it necessary to clear the rights?
* The screenplay you and a friend wrote gets optioned; how do you split the proceeds fairly?
* How do you get a script to popular Hollywood actors or deal with their agents?
Find quick answers to these and hundreds of other questions in The Pocket Lawyer for Film and Video, the next best thing to having an entertainment attorney at your beck and call. Written by a TV-producer-turned-entertainment-lawyer, this no-nonsense reference provides fast answers in plain English: no law degree required! The Pocket Lawyer is designed to help producers reduce legal costs by providing the vital information needed to make informed decisions on the legal aspects of film, video, and TV productions.

Film and video production is a litigation lighting rod: actors get hurt, copyrights are infringed, and contracts are broken. Big-budget producers have lawyers on retainer, but many independent filmmakers are left legally exposed. Arm yourself with the practical advice in this book. You will not only avoid common pitfalls, but become empowered in your daily work. Too many otherwise competent producers turn over every aspect of the deal negotiations to their lawyers and agents. This book explains the principal deals common to every production, putting producers back in the co-pilot seat with their representatives.

The format is carefully designed for quick reference, so you get the answers you need, fast. Features include:
* Clause Companion: explains the meaning and impact of typical contract clauses, taking the headache out of reading them.
* F.A.Qs: instantly answers the most commonly asked legal questions.
* Warnings: alerts you to critical areas and common mistakes.
* Pro-Tips: advice on unions, escrow accounts, etc. for producers who want to distribute their video widely.

Key features
* Avoid legal pitfalls with this quick reference guide: get instant answers
* Written in plain English for filmmakers, not lawyers
* Three books in one: a handy manual on film contracts, a step-by-step guide to critical legal issues on and off the set, and a quick reference on copyright and intellectual property issues

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Good deal.......2007-08-16

This is a really good book with much info, and at a really good price, too!

5 out of 5 stars A Law Student's Perspective.......2007-08-01

Mr. Crowell has done the art and legal worlds a great service by distilling so many critical issues of intellectual property into an enjoyable and widely informative format. The index and chapter systems make quick searching easy; and the humorous and humble prose let's you relax while learning. The demystification of legalese is not an easy task, but it's much needed, and Mr. Crowell has thrown a valuable contribution into the fray. Being a film and music artist, as well as a law student, Mr. Crowell's work is a must read for any with a similar background; and it goes a long way to supporting those artists who seem to underestimate themselves when it comes to the legal side of their creative endeavors. The Pocket Lawyer for Filmmakers empowered me, and I'm sure it will do the same for countless others.

5 out of 5 stars Good Legal Advice Has Never Come So Cheap!.......2007-06-16

This book has allowed me to craft a sound legal structure around my ideas, and my film making has become a true business venture. "Pocket Lawyer" has already saved me from several minor blunders, like not posting a Notice Release when shooting in public, and it will undoubtedly save the day in bigger ways as my projects grow. Where was this book when I was in film school? Valuable legal advice has never come so cheap--well worth the $21.75.

5 out of 5 stars Commentary.......2007-06-12

The Pocket Lawyer for Filmmakers: A legal Toolkit for Independent Producers is a perfect text book for film students, and for anyone wishing to get a quick grasp on the complexities of the legal business of film financing, producing and selling too. It's an easy read, and a great reference book for Instructors and independent Film Producers / Filmmakers.Il Giardino Armonico

5 out of 5 stars You need this book!.......2007-04-14

This is an outstanding tool for anyone and everyone working in film. If you're a creative artist, it's easy to forget that making a film is a business venture--and one you hope will turn a profit! "The Pocket Lawyer for Filmmakers" is a welcome wake-up call. Thomas Crowell gently reminds readers to protect their interests and keep an eye on the bottom line at all times. If thoughts of "business" and "protecting your interests" make your eyes glaze over, have no fear. "The Pocket Lawyer" is a breeze to work with. It's clearly written, full of helpful examples, and anticipates every question you could have. The book follows the entire process of making a film, from forming a production company to distributing a completed film. Each chapter tells you what to expect at every step, and how to deal with it. Personally, I found the sections translating copyright law into simple English massively useful. Also, the book includes a stripped-down "law library" that gives filmmakers a primer in intellectual property and labor law. Whether you're a novice screenwriter wannabe (like me!) or a seasoned independent producer, you need this book! "The Pocket Lawyer for Filmmakers" is indispensable.
Dealmaking in the Film and Television Industry From Negotiations Through Final Contracts: 2nd Edition Expanded and Updated
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Excellent resource
  • Irena Tully "Impulse Productions"
  • Useful Book
Dealmaking in the Film and Television Industry From Negotiations Through Final Contracts: 2nd Edition Expanded and Updated
Mark Litwak
Manufacturer: Silman-James Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

CommunicationsCommunications | Skills | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Business LawBusiness Law | Reference | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Performing ArtsPerforming Arts | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Television | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1879505665

Book Description

Dealmaking is the first self-defense book for everyone working in the film and television industry, Addressing a general, non-attorney readership, it is a fascinating, highly accessible and practical guide to current entertainment laws peculiarities and "creative" practices. Armed with this book, filmmakers can save themselves thousands of dollars in legal fees as they navigate the entertainment business's shark-infested waters. Whether you are a professional or wannabe producer, writer, director, or actor, Litwak can help you make the most of your business dealings while steering you clear of contractual traps.

The second edition of this popular book contains hundreds of updates and revisions of the first edition and includes two new chapters: Legal Remedies and Retaining Attorneys, Agents, and Managers.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Excellent resource.......2007-05-13

Comprehensive and a terrific resource. The goal is not to use the book instead of legal advice, but it is a terrific starting point.

5 out of 5 stars Irena Tully "Impulse Productions".......2007-01-31

This book is invaluable to anyone embarking on a filmmaking venture, as it provides a clear understanding of and essential guidance to entertainment dealmaking. It initially saves producers a lot of money in legal fees and it's also essential for writers, directors and actors since it covers all aspects of the film and television industry. It offers a myriad of detailed sample contracts and litigations, and spans subjects from copyright, purchasing rights, depiction & location releases, protection of titles, employment contracts, hiring crews, casting sessions, soundtracks & music rights, distribution agreements, trademarks, right of privacy, constitutional limitations, defences & privileges, remedies and basically every important attribute from early deal negotiations to final agreements. www.impulsefilms.com


4 out of 5 stars Useful Book.......2004-11-28

This book is a handy reference for business and legal users. The text strikes a good balance between being useful as an informational reference and being overly encyclopedic. The forms reflect many good contracting practices. www.ambroziaklaw.com.
Clearance & Copyright: Everything the Independent Filmmaker Needs to Know
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Clearance & Copyright: Everything the Independent Filmmaker Needs to Know
    Michael C. Donaldson
    Manufacturer: Silman-James Press
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

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    ASIN: 1879505304
    The Writer Got Screwed (but didn't have to): Guide to the Legal and Business Practices of Writing for the Entertainment Industry
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • #1 BOOK FOR FILM & TV WRITERS
    • THE BOOK WHICH STARTED MY CAREER
    • A Must Have for Anyone who Writes
    • One of the Best Re: Writing for the Entertainment Industry
    • Good for newbies
    The Writer Got Screwed (but didn't have to): Guide to the Legal and Business Practices of Writing for the Entertainment Industry
    Brooke A. Wharton
    Manufacturer: Collins
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

    IndustryIndustry | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
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    Similar Items:
    1. Breakfast with Sharks: A Screenwriter's Guide to Getting the Meeting, Nailing the Pitch, Signing the Deal, and Navigating the Murky Waters of Hollywood Breakfast with Sharks: A Screenwriter's Guide to Getting the Meeting, Nailing the Pitch, Signing the Deal, and Navigating the Murky Waters of Hollywood
    2. The Screenwriter's Legal Guide The Screenwriter's Legal Guide
    3. Writing Treatments That Sell: How to Create and Market Your Story Ideas to the Motion Picture and TV Industry, Second Edition Writing Treatments That Sell: How to Create and Market Your Story Ideas to the Motion Picture and TV Industry, Second Edition
    4. The Script Selling Game: A Hollywood Insider's Look at Getting Your Script Sold and Produced The Script Selling Game: A Hollywood Insider's Look at Getting Your Script Sold and Produced
    5. Pitching Hollywood: How to Sell Your TV and Movie Ideas Pitching Hollywood: How to Sell Your TV and Movie Ideas

    ASIN: 0062732366

    Amazon.com

    You've got to love a lawyer who advises, "Don't make your lawyers rich." Entertainment lawyer Brooke A. Wharton provides an authoritative and, yes, entertaining primer for the beginning entertainment writer not just on the legal and business issues of writing for the industry, but also on how to get a career jump-started. The first section covers copyright, libel, and contracts, so that if you can't "control the exploitation of your scripts and written work ... at least [you'll] know when you're being screwed." The following section delineates the murky differences between the roles of agent, lawyer, and manager. The gist of it is that you don't need all three, but which ones you need depends on the type of person you are and the type of agents/lawyers/managers they are (industry insiders are not prone to job-title limitations). The next section has a series of interviews with writers, agents, and a producer, all of whom help to enlighten us about the various writing jobs the industry offers, from film to television to cyberspace. (If you're surprised to learn that "most writers working in the film industry do not make their living from the sale of a spec screenplay," I've got a good deal for you on some land in Florida.) Finally, there are lists of competitions, fellowships, internships, and agencies. And what about jump-starting that glamorous career? Contacts, baby. Contacts. And wouldn't you know, if you ain't got 'em, Wharton's got great advice on how to make 'em.

    Book Description

    An indispensable roadmap to success, The Writer Got Screwed is the first book to untangle the legal and business aspects of writing for the entertainment industry. It is for the young TV production assistant waiting for a big break, the executive with a treatment tucked away in a bottom drawer, the techie targeting the new field of cyberspace writing, or anyone who is inspired to write screenplays.

    Savvy Hollywood entertainment attorney Brooke Wharton decodes legal jargon, explains how to protect creative work, shows how to read between the lines of a contract, and advises how to avoid getting sued and screwed along the way. Useful resources, including a list of agencies, competitions, fellowships, internships, and legal organizations, make The Writer Got Screwed an essential part of every writer's tool chest.

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars #1 BOOK FOR FILM & TV WRITERS.......2005-12-28

    There are a lot of books out there on writing for the entertainment industry, but this was the one book that got me started. A lot of writers tend to pass around gossip and poor information, but this book set me straight from the beginning, and is now joined by Wharton's website/blog: brookewharton.com(rated in top 10 for film blogs). This is the one book that anyone writing for film or television should START WITH. I'm mystified by a previous reviewer who said that Wharton doesn't talk about the WGA (there's a whole chapter on the guild), and also that she doesn't discuss acquisitions vs. development (it's called spec sales vs. assignments in the 1st 10 pages of the chapter on writing for film). Clearly this person couldn't have read the book. If you need real answers, buy the book.

    5 out of 5 stars THE BOOK WHICH STARTED MY CAREER.......2005-12-16

    After graduating from film school, I had no idea how to start my career as a writer in the film industry. "The Writer Got Screwed" not only showed my how to start my career, but showed me the different kind of careers which exist for Writers in the Entertainment Industry. Most books don't explain what WRITERS working in the entertainment industry need to know: THIS BOOK DOES. If you want to work in the legal department of a studio, take classes in copyright and contracts. If you want to work as a writer in the entertainment industry, THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU.

    5 out of 5 stars A Must Have for Anyone who Writes.......2005-12-04

    This book is one of those needles in a hay stack. It's not out there like all the other books for writers. But if you find it... you have found gold. It is written so that it is easy to understand and has tons of great information in it. A must have.

    5 out of 5 stars One of the Best Re: Writing for the Entertainment Industry .......2005-09-27

    Very few books explain how to start your career, the different forms of representation (agents, managers, and attorneys), how to protect your work (copyright registration vs. registering with the WGA), how to protect yourself (contracts-what do they mean?) and give lists of available resources (scholarships, WGA approved agencies, production companies, legal resouces/attorneys) for writers working within the entertainment industry--"The Writer Got Screwed" delivers on all of these areas. Whether you are working in film, television, feature animation, soap operas, or interactive, "The Writer Got Screwed" provides interviews with writers who work in these areas and valuable, RARELY FOUND, information regarding how these started their careers. This book is a terrific, must-have book for anyone who wants to write for the entertainment industry, and now is joined by a companion website at [...].

    3 out of 5 stars Good for newbies.......2005-09-21

    Given all the 5 star ratings, I expected better. Not that this isn't a good book, but it depends on the reader's sophistication. If you don't know anything about some of the basic legal and business aspects of the publishing biz, this book is a good start. On the other hand, if you're a detail oriented person who really wants to dig in deep into this subject, you may find the content a bit light.
    The Biz: The Basic Business, Legal, and Financial Aspects of the Film Industry
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Complete, informative, funny-- what more can you ask for?
    • How hot is "the Biz?"
    • Handbook for Entertainment Lawyers
    The Biz: The Basic Business, Legal, and Financial Aspects of the Film Industry
    Schuyler M. Moore
    Manufacturer: Silman-James Press
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

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    Similar Items:
    1. Movie Money: Understanding Hollywood's (Creative) Accounting Practices, 2nd ed. Movie Money: Understanding Hollywood's (Creative) Accounting Practices, 2nd ed.
    2. Dealmaking in the Film and Television Industry From Negotiations Through Final Contracts: 2nd Edition Expanded and Updated Dealmaking in the Film and Television Industry From Negotiations Through Final Contracts: 2nd Edition Expanded and Updated
    3. The Movie Business Book, Third Edition (Movie Business Book) The Movie Business Book, Third Edition (Movie Business Book)
    4. Producing, Financing, and Distributing Film: A Comprehensive Legal and Business Guide Producing, Financing, and Distributing Film: A Comprehensive Legal and Business Guide
    5. Contracts for the Film & Television Industry Contracts for the Film & Television Industry

    ASIN: 187950569X

    Book Description

    Today's film industry is a legal and financial obstacle course that all independent filmmakers must learn to master. In view of this, The Biz--a highly accessible overview of the industry's important business, legal and financial aspect--is a must-read for all filmmakers. It includes thorough explanations and discussions of: Film-industry business jargon; Raising financing; Business structuring; Securities laws; Budgeting essentials; Dealing with the guilds; Loans; Completion guarantees; The legal and financial ramifications of distribution deals; Calculating net profits; Film-industry accounting practices and contingent payments; Copyright, publicity, and trademark laws; Screen credits; Talent demands; Litigation problems; Bankruptcy; Taxation of film companies; The Internet distribution of film . . . and much more. The Biz also includes a dozen useful sample forms and agreements.

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Complete, informative, funny-- what more can you ask for?.......2003-04-13

    I was afraid when I picked up _The Biz_ that it was going to be a dry read-- legal aspects of any business are not known for being a scintillating read. However, I am happy to report that it was not only a quick and interesting read, it was a genuinely funny one. Moore had me laughing out loud on several occasions.

    Even granted that this is not a book you read for the humor, it is refreshing to see a reference book so well written. My only quarrel was that I would have liked to see a bibliography included with the book in case I wanted to go in depth into any of the areas covered.

    5 out of 5 stars How hot is "the Biz?".......2001-02-05

    One thing about Professor Moore: the man rides motorcycles and has more energy than a 6-year old. He's not the average UCLA professor.

    Thus, you should be aware that the book reflects it's writer's personality. The book is not only informative, but a pretty fun read as well. Friends from other law schools tell me how dry and dull their entertainment law texts are - a fact which absolutely boggles my mind. The Biz is concisely written, and filled with lively examples

    5 out of 5 stars Handbook for Entertainment Lawyers.......2000-03-15

    Mr. Moore teaches at UCLA, and his course is extraordinarily well attended. His book is considered a must-have for lawyers working in Entertainment, and although the focus is law, I think it would be a handy reference for anyone new to the creative side of Entertainment, especially those seeking to protect themselves and their interests when making deals and such.

    Books:

    1. The Pursuit of Happyness
    2. The Screenwriter's Bible: A Complete Guide to Writing, Formatting, and Selling Your Script
    3. The Screenwriter's Bible: A Complete Guide to Writing, Formatting, and Selling Your Script
    4. The Search for the Manchurian Candidate: The CIA and Mind Control
    5. The Society of the Spectacle
    6. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre Companion
    7. The Varieties of Scientific Experience: A Personal View of the Search for God
    8. The Wizard of Oz: The Official 50th Anniversary Pictorial History
    9. The World's Religions: Our Great Wisdom Traditions
    10. Three Screenplays By Edward Burns

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