Customer Reviews

Producing, Financing, and Distributing Film: A Comprehensive Legal and Business Guide

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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.

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!!

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.

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.

Be warned about this book. Not only is it outdated, a huge portion of the book does not apply to most independent producers. For example, it dabbles in legal talk about financing and distribution contracts and dealings with studios and banks -- two that are almost never going to happen for most people who are buying this book. It just gives out information without considering it's functionality in the independent market. Don't buy this book. Get a more efficient and realistic book about the independent production process. It just explains and explains without giving any examples or sample contracts. What a waste of money.

Great source for beginners and no law students in the basic aspects and concepts of law and regulations in the entertainment industry.