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:
- 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.
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:
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.
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
Book Description
•Practical and comprehensive—the only book of its kind •Revised edition focuses on the changing world market for television
Broad in scope and rich in detail, This Business of Television has been the essential sourcebook for producers, writers, broadcasters, network executives, and other television professionals since the first edition was published in 1991. And as the television business continues to evolve This Business of Television evolves along with it. This comprehensive guide to the legal, economic, and production aspects of the industry has been completely revised and restructured to reflect the rapid changes in television today, both domestically and internationally, A user's guide to television contracts, plus directories of associations, governmental agencies, and producers and distributors, make this book an invaluable resource for anyone involved with—or simply interested in—the business of television.
Customer Reviews:
An excellent resource.......2005-10-08
This book (textbook) is an excellent resource for just about everything in TV. The disk included is a great utility to have for printing out your own contracts. I only with this book could be updated, say, every two years.
Stolen 3 times... This book is hot!!!.......2002-04-04
This book is so hot that it's been stolen from my office library 3 times. I'm on my 4th purchase of this book. I felt like I could have an intellegent conversation about any aspect of the television business after using this book. It is my main resource for getting quick answers that are easy to understand. This is required reading for those getting started and a great resource for those that have been in the industry a while. It also includes a computer disk containing forms such as U.S. Copyright registration and others found in the book that you can import to your word processor.
Ron Hebert
Producer
2002 Emmy Awards - Pacific Southwest Chapter
Imagine the Future, Study the Past.......2000-11-08
This Business of Television is a landmark volume in our practice (micro-economic forecasting for the entertainment industry). Here are the top three reasons why.
Reason # 3: it is incredible that guys of this stature would take the time to compile such an essential and complete perspective of the television business. Goodenough, a seasoned entertainment lawyer, law professor, and a scholar pioneering the study of law and evolutionary biology, brings the structure and rigor, while Blumenthal, a prolific TV, multimedia, and online entertainment producer and businessman brings the been-there-done-that street savvy.
Reason # 2: it is, after all, the business that pays for the content (the subscriber, pay-per-view, advertising, syndication, and the latest, e-commerce revenue models) and the content that drives the migration to new technology (streaming media webcasting and video-on-demand, interactive TV, and wireless). The clear understanding of the financial systems supporting television and video entertainment offered by Oliver and Howard in this book facilitates the modeling of future monetary transactions.
Reason # 1: video programming spread from broadcast to cable and then to satellite in one generation. The last decade found it spreading to the PC via CD-ROM, DVD, and broadband Internet. In the future it will be found on our cell phones, wristwatches, car seat backs, and refrigerators. There will be innovations in business arrangements along the way, but those who cannot converse in the language of economics will be doomed.
The second edition proudly bears a jacket quote by Morty Morton, former producer of the Late Show with David Letterman, who remarked, "This Business of Television has gotten me through years of moderate success in the TV business. I'm now ready to burn the damn thing and open a restaurant."
Imagine the Future, Study the Past.......2000-11-04
This Business of Television is a landmark volume in our practice (entertainment industry economic forecasting) for three reasons.
Reason # 3: it is incredible that guys of this stature would take the time to compile such an essential and complete perspective of the television business. Goodenough, a seasoned entertainment lawyer, law professor, and a scholar pioneering the study of law and evolutionary biology, brings the structure and rigor, while Blumenthal, a prolific TV, multimedia, and online entertainment producer and businessman brings the been-there-done-that street savvy.
Reason # 2: it is, after all, the business that pays for the content (the subscriber, pay-per-view, advertising, syndication, and the latest, e-commerce revenue models) and the content that drives the migration to new technology (streaming media webcasting and video-on-demand, interactive TV, and wireless). The clear understanding of the financial systems supporting television and video entertainment offered by Oliver and Howard in this book facilitates the modeling of future monetary transactions.
Reason # 1: video programming spread from broadcast to cable and then to satellite in one generation. The last decade found it spreading to the PC via CD-ROM, DVD, and broadband Internet. In the future it will be found on our cell phones, wristwatches, car seat backs, and refrigerators. There will be innovations in business arrangements along the way, but those who cannot converse in the basic economics will be doomed.
This segues into a jacket quote by Morty Morton, former producer of the Late Show with David Letterman, who remarked, "This Business of Television has gotten me through years of moderate success in the TV business. I'm now ready to burn the damn thing and open a restaurant."
Imagine the Future, Study the Past.......2000-11-04
This Business of Television is a landmark volume in our practice (entertainment industry economic forecasting) for three reasons.
Reason # 3: it is incredible that guys of this stature would take the time to compile such an essential and complete perspective of the television business. Goodenough, a seasoned entertainment lawyer, law professor, and a scholar pioneering the study of law and evolutionary biology, brings the structure and rigor, while Blumenthal, a prolific TV, multimedia, and online entertainment producer and businessman brings the been-there-done-that street savvy.
Reason # 2: it is, after all, the business that pays for the content (the subscriber, pay-per-view, advertising, syndication, and the latest, e-commerce revenue models) and the content that drives the migration to new technology (streaming media webcasting and video-on-demand, interactive TV, and wireless). The clear understanding of the financial systems supporting television and video entertainment offered by Oliver and Howard in this book facilitates the modeling of future monetary transactions.
Reason # 1: video programming spread from broadcast to cable and then to satellite in one generation. The last decade found it spreading to the PC via CD-ROM, DVD, and broadband Internet. In the future it will be found on our cell phones, wristwatches, car seat backs, and refrigerators. There will be innovations in business arrangements along the way, but those who cannot converse in the basic economics will be doomed.
This segues into a jacket quote by Morty Morton, former producer of the Late Show with David Letterman, who remarked, "This Business of Television has gotten me through years of moderate success in the TV business. I'm now ready to burn the damn thing and open a restaurant."
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.
Customer Reviews:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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:
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.
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!
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!
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
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.
Book Description
This comprehensive, ready-to-use collection of 44 model business and legal forms will save anyone involved in the performing arts thousands of dollars in legal fees! Written by an entertainment lawyer and producer, Business and Legal Forms for Theater includes samples for every aspect of theater law, including author agreements, commissions, production license, play publishing, and more. Artists, producers, directors, theatrical designers and even box office managers will have everything they need to prepare their own contracts, negotiate the best possible deal, and minimize legal risks. Accompanying CD-ROM includes all forms, checklists, and contracts in both Mac and PC formats.
Customer Reviews:
Concise info, presented clearly.......2007-01-18
This book is a must have for managers in theater. It covers most of the typical contractual issues managers face. This book's biggest asset is the CD. The CD allows you to download and modify virtually all the documents included in the book.
You need to have a bit more than a cursory understanding of the legal principles behind some of the language in the agreements, but if you have that knowledge you will refer to this book time and again.
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:
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.
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
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.
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:
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.
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
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.
Book Description
The Dance of Legislation has long been considered a classic description of the legislative process. In it, Eric Redman draws on his two years as a member of Senator Warren Magnuson's staff to trace the drafting and passing of a piece of legislation-S.4106, the National Health Service Bill-with all the maneuvers, plots, counterplots, frustrations, triumphs, and sheer work and dedication involved. He provides a vivid picture of the bureaucratic infighting, political prerogatives, and Congressional courtesies necessary to make something happen on Capitol Hill. In a Postscript to the 2000 edition, Redman reflects on how that process has, and has not, changed in the thirty years since the book was first published.
Customer Reviews:
Great for scholars and casual observers alike.......2004-06-09
This book deserves its reputation as a classic. Redman's story-telling skills are wonderful, he writes well, and clearly explains everything going on in the sometimes arcane world of legislative procedure. He makes the dullest-seeming motions and committee hearings come alive.
Scholars of the Congress should read this, if for no other reason than to get a basic handle on how the Congress actually works, rather than how they think it works in fancy regression analyses. But more than that, it's the starting point for a whole genre of work such as Showdown at Gucci Culch, Conflict and Compromise, and The Bill (all of which are must-reads as well). Even a casual observer of politics can get excited and interested.
An EXCELLENT Read.......2002-10-22
This book is the most informative and best written book I have ever read on politics. It's filled with humor and candid comments about the United States Congress.
The Way the Senate Was.......2000-05-20
This book makes me nostalgic for the days when Members of Congress cooperated & got things accomplished. Great vignettes of Maggie! Very accurate rendition.
The Best Look At The Goings On Inside The U.S. Congress.......1998-08-08
The year was 1970, President Nixon was still in office, however, an intern by the name of Eric Redman was on hand in the halls of Congress to witness the fascinating dance of legislation as The National Health Service Corps was attempting to be born. This book provides a personal account of the birth and struggles of the attempt to pass a piece of legislation from within the private confines of who was then the second most powerful United States Senator, Warren Magnuson from the State of Washington. While the names have changed, the struggle for a balance between power, influence, and social consciousness and survival remains the same. This book is as fantastic look behind the scenes of the most influential body of power on earth contains the essential ingredients today as a quarter of a century ago. It is a must read for anyone with an interest in political legislation and stands alone in its own right as a factual story that is as fascinating and compelling as any! fictional novel you will ever read.
Book Description
At last, the definitive business and legal survival kit for anyone presenting live entertainment! The entire range of individuals involved in entertainment-- performers, writers, and directors to box office managers, theater board members, and theater owners--will find comprehensive answers to questions on every aspect of theater business and law. Written by attorney, producer, and playwright, this book reveals hundreds of insider strategies for minimizing legal costs, negotiating contracts, and licensing and producing plays. It also features expert, practical advice on such topics as tax risks and liabilities, safety regulations, organizing the theater company, financing, box office management, not-for-profit management, and much more. Plus everything is explained clearly, written without a lot of legal jargon.
Customer Reviews:
It's okay... but save your money for a more thorough book.......2006-02-10
This book has been in my collection for a long while and I do reference it occassionally, but for the money a better book is Stephen Langely's "Theatre Management and Production in America." Also, "Producing Theatre" by Farber is good too. If you just need some really basic nuts-n-bolts, "The Stage Producer's Guide..." is not bad. I give it a 3 out of 5.
Good reference but something missing.......2004-09-13
It covers a lot of things that a neophyte producer might not think of but it doesn't cover a few things that I would've expected. One thing- it doesn't mention anything about forming an LLC (Limited Liability Company) in relationship to producing theater and there's almost no coverage of negotiating an "enhanced" production with an existing non-profit and commercial venture which I believe is the way that many new plays and musicals are developed and first presented.
Perhaps that's more sophisticated than the author intended but that's what I was hoping to get some insight into. I suppose I'll have to spend a lot of money on a lawyer instead!
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- The Places In Between
- The Postmodern Condition: A Report on Knowledge (Theory and History of Literature, Volume 10)
- The Rwanda Crisis
- The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work: A Practical Guide from the Country's Foremost Relationship Expert
- The Tyranny of Tolerance: A Sitting Judge Breaks the Code of Silence to Expose the Liberal Judicial Assault
- The Utility of Force: The Art of War in the Modern World
- The World Is Flat [Updated and Expanded]: A Brief History of the Twenty-first Century
Books Index
Books Home
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General
| Theater
| Performing Arts
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
The Movie Business Book, Third Edition (Movie Business Book)
Producing, Financing, and Distributing Film: A Comprehensive Legal and Business Guide
The Independent Film Producer's Survival Guide: A Business and Legal Sourcebook
Risky Business: Financing & Distributing Independent Films
Marketing to Moviegoers: A Handbook of Strategies Used by Major Studios and Independents
