Producing for Profit: A Practical Guide to Making Independent and Studio Films

by Andrew Stevens

Overview

In Producing for Profit: A Practical Guide to Making Independent and Studio Films, Andrew Stevens provides real-world examples and his own proven techniques for success that can turn passion into profit. Far more than just theory, the book outlines practical applications that filmmakers of all levels can use to succeed in today’s ever-changing marketplace. Readers will learn how to develop screenplays that are commercial, and how to negotiate, finance, cast, produce, sell, distribute, and market a film that will make a profit. The book contains numerous examples from the author’s own films, including sample budgets, schedules, and a variety of industry-standard contracts. This is the definitive book that every producer must have!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781138121058
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	06/29/2016
Series:	American Film Market Presents
Pages:	368
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Andrew Stevens has mastered almost every aspect of the entertainment business, from creative filmmaker, writer, director, and producer, to corporate executive, leader in trade and union negotiations and collective bargaining, the creative development and physical production of motion pictures, as well as film sales, distribution, finance, publicity, and marketing. He has produced and financed over 175 motion pictures, including the hit comedy The Whole Nine Yards and the cult classic Boondock Saints. His films have generated over $1 billion in worldwide revenues. He is a former award-winning and Golden Globe-nominated actor and continues to be active in the motion picture business in addition to being an author, educator, motivational speaker, and industry consultant. He served for a decade on the board of directors of the International Film and Television Alliance, (formally the American Film Marketing Association) and also served as chairman of the Independent Producers Association (IPA).

Table of Contents

Foreward by Roger Corman

Prologue

Chapter 1: What Is a Producer?

Chapter 2: Changes to the Independent Marketplace

Chapter 3: The Global Marketplace

Chapter 4: How to TAP into the Marketplace

Chapter 5: The Domestic Market, Festivals, and Market Value

Chapter 6: Identifying and Developing a Film Based on Trend and Analysis

Chapter 7: Now That I Have My Script, What Do I Do?

Chapter 8: Investors, Actors, Attorneys, Agents, Mangers, Business Managers

Chapter 9: Film Production Basics

Chapter 10: How to Manage Production Costs

Chapter 11: Mounting a Production

Chapter 12: Navigating the Actors Union

Chapter 13: Respect for the Dollar

Chapter 14: The Internet and New Media

Chapter 15: Marketing and Publicity

Chapter 16: Recap

Appendices

Editorial Reviews

"Andrew Stevens has mastered every facet of filmmaking and there isn’t a better teacher out there. This isn’t film school theory, it’s how to make a film in the real world and make a profit."

—Roger Corman, Oscar winner and legendary independent filmmaker

"A must-read for every independent filmmaker and film student who wants to understand the dynamics of the film industry and how to maneuver it while producing a film outside the studios. The insider experience of the author gives this guide extraordinary value."

—Adele Schmidt, Professorial Lecturer, Film and Media Arts Division, SOC, American University, Washington DC, and Director and Producer of the series on progressive rock, Romantic Warriors: A Progressive Music Saga

"In Hollywood Shuffle, learned the hard way how to make a movie and make a profit. Andrew Stevens not only streamlines the process but gives you a foolproof formula on how to get it done. This is the best money a filmmaker can spend and will pay for itself many times over."

—Robert Townsend, Award-winning Director

From the Publisher