Customer Reviews

Surviving Production: The Art of Production Management for Film and Television

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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!

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.

Surviving Production was one of the first books I read when I started producing independent films in 2001. It was suggested to me by another filmmaker and always comes up in conversation when discussing how to get a good foundation. It is a must read!