Surviving Production: The Art of Production Management for Film and Television [Paperback]

Deborah S Patz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 25, 1997

Surviving Production, a detailed account of setting up and managing a film production company, covers the prep, the shoot, and the wrap. It provides insider tips on setting up a production office, organizing the workspace, hiring and managing staff, script formatting, setting up a computer, filing, accounting, working with stars, handling customs and foreign locations, obtaining rights and clearances, and wrapping a production. Also included are production checklists, production schedules, and dozens of production forms.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Patz is a filmmaker with experience in both film and television.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Michael Wiese Productions (January 25, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0941188604
• ISBN-13: 978-0941188609
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,317,283 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I have been in a professional in film and television production since the 80s - primarily in management and coordination. My production background is diverse, spanning digital and film formats all the way up to IMAX 3D, family and children's programming, low budget features and science fiction extravaganzas.

Selected filmography includes:
L5: First City in Space, William Shatner's TekWar, Maniac Mansion, The Boys Club, The Big Comfy Couch, Ewoks/Droids, and the Emmy award-winning The Magician's House.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not what it says it is..., May 2, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Surviving Production: The Art of Production Management for Film and Television (Paperback)

Surviving Production is not exactly what it claims to be. Although it says it's a guide for managing a film production company, it's really a guide detailing the day-to-day resonsibilities of a Production Coordinator. Big difference. Based on the synopsis I thought I was buying a how-to guide for Production Managers. Production Coordinators aren't even mentioned.

Despite this, I gave the book four stars because it *is* a very thorough introduction to the role of Production Coordinator. But I'd like to see the synopsis mention that, rather than selling it as something else. Production Managers and others might find it useful if they want to understand just what it is a Coordinator does, but they're not going to find much information about how to do their own jobs.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Study Guide AND a Handy Reference, July 22, 2010

By 

Bill B - See all my reviews

This review is from: Surviving Production: The Art of Production Management for Film and Television (Paperback)

SURVIVING PRODUCTION is the most comprehensive guide to grappling successfully with the day-to-day challenges of producing for film and television out there. What for me has been most the valuable aspect of this book, however, is the fact that its contents--and its organization--lends itself to be not only a comprehensive study guide on the subject, but also a handy, keep-it-within-reach-'cause-you-know-you're-gonna-need-it reference guide capable of keeping production coordinators afloat whenever the seas of production get turbulent. Great job, Ms. Patz!

5.0 out of 5 stars THE Book for Production Coordinators, June 12, 2010

By 

MJZ "MJZ" (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Surviving Production: The Art of Production Management for Film and Television (Paperback)

By far, the most detailed book for Production Coordinators or any filmmaker wanting to know how a production office should be set up and how protocol is followed by a pro. Should be necessary reading for students that are just learning so they do things the right way. If you are working your way up the ladder as a Production Assistant the knowledge in this book will help get you noticed.