Producing Financing Distributing Film [Hardcover]

Donald C. Farber (Author), Paul A. Baumgarten (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 30, 1973

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.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 198 pages
• Publisher: Drama Pub; 1st edition (August 30, 1973)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0910482314
• ISBN-13: 978-0910482318
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 2.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,325,966 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A realisticly insightful literature for producing movies, March 22, 2001

By 

Usman Zuberi (Chicago, IL, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Producing, Financing, and Distributing Film: A Comprehensive Legal and Business Guide (Paperback)

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.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A must for first time producers, September 4, 2006

By 

Ernesto Alcantara - See all my reviews

This review is from: Producing, Financing, and Distributing Film: A Comprehensive Legal and Business Guide (Paperback)

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!!

1.0 out of 5 stars Very disorganized, April 21, 2011

By 

Katrina (Saugus, MA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Producing, Financing, and Distributing Film: A Comprehensive Legal and Business Guide (Paperback)

There are better books out there on the subject. Just reading the first chapter is confusing, it's very disorganized, repetitive and circular, basically it needs an update and an editor.