Authors:‭  ‬Gunnar Erickson,‭ ‬Harris Tulchin and Mark Halloran
ISBN:‭ ‬978-0-825603723-0

Click Here To Purchase The Independent Film Producer's Survival Guide: A Business and Legal Sourcebook


Although I am not an independent film producer nor do I aspire to become one,‭ ‬nonetheless,‭ ‬I have to admit the business of film production has always fascinated me.‭

With The Independent Film Producer's Survival Guide:‭ ‬A Business and Legal Sourcebook,‭ ‬attorneys Gunnar Erickson,‭ ‬Harris Tulchin and Mark Halloran have put together a reader-friendly and informative guidebook exploring and revealing some of the secrets concerning the various aspects of independent film development,‭ ‬production and distribution.‭ ‬

With their seventy years combined experience in the field of entertainment law focusing on the independent film market,‭ ‬the authors endeavor to guide independent film producers through the difficult tasks of dealing with complex legal issues and mastering the business side of film.‭ ‬As they point out,‭ ‬it is not their intention to guide you in terms of your artistic quest or the technical mechanics of the making of films.‭ Moreover,  as rightfully mentioned,‭ ‬the book is not a do-it-yourself kit.‭ ‬It is imperative that you secure experienced advice to supplement the book.‭    

The Independent Film Producer's Survival Guide is organized into twenty chapters covering a multitude of topics as deal making,‭ ‬development process,‭ ‬getting the star elements,‭ ‬different kinds of financing,‭ ‬presales,‭ ‬production loans,‭ ‬setting up production,‭ ‬hiring writers,‭ ‬directors,‭ ‬actors,‭ ‬producers and other production personnel,‭ ‬releases,‭ ‬music in film,‭ ‬selling your completed independent feature,‭ ‬distribution,‭ ‬sales agency,‭ ‬licensing agreements,‭ ‬digital promotion,‭ ‬marketing and distribution,‭ ‬key issues in online distribution,‭ ‬and profits.‭ ‬Within these sections,‭ ‬the authors address in layman terms such issues as copyrights and titles,‭ ‬true stories,‭ ‬satires and parodies,‭ ‬optioning material,‭ ‬agreements,‭ ‬offers,‭ ‬counteroffers,‭ ‬reliance letters,‭ ‬deal memos,‭ ‬and a host of many other important steps in the process of producing a film.‭ ‬In addition,‭ ‬readers learn about the role of agents,‭ ‬managers,‭ ‬lawyers,‭ ‬casting directors,‭ ‬producers,‭ ‬directors,‭ ‬movie festivals,‭ ‬workshops,‭ ‬seminars,‭ ‬grants,‭ ‬different types of agreements,‭ ‬tax incentives,‭ ‬importance of soundtrack albums,‭ ‬music publishing,‭ ‬product placement in the financing process,different kinds of agreements,‭ ‬accounting issues,‭ ‬and many other elements of the process.‭  ‬Included are basic forms required in the course of doing the legal production work for most motion pictures,‭ ‬however,‭ ‬again it is strongly advisable that you engage an attorney versed in this branch of law to help you with the legal work.‭

There is a great deal on the plate here,‭ ‬however,‭ ‬fortunately the authors have served it in  an easily and digestible format,‭ ‬weaving together the multifaceted and complex world of independent film production without being pedantic.‭ ‬Apparently, according to the authors,‭ ‬there has never been a book that delves into the‭ “‬nuts and bolts‭” ‬of the legal and business aspects of independent film production.‭ ‬This indispensable book brilliantly fills the void and is a must reading for anyone who is involved in film production and even moviegoers that want to know more about the‭ “‬nitty gritty‭” ‬of the business side of films and what do all those people and companies mentioned in the credits at the beginning or end of the film actually contribute to the process.‭
 
Click Here To Purchase The Independent Film Producer's Survival Guide: A Business and Legal Sourcebook