The Business of Film: A Practical Introduction

by Stephen Greenwald, Paula Landry

Overview

This updated third edition introduces readers to the business of film at every stage of the filmmaking lifecycle, from planning and production to financing, marketing, and distribution. Celebrated authors Stephen R. Greenwald and Paula Landry offer a practical, hands-on guide to the business aspects of this evolving industry, exploring streaming, development, financing trends, regional/global/online distribution, shifting business models, exhibition, multi-platform delivery, marketing, VR/AR, virtual production, accounting, and more.

The book is illustrated throughout with sample financing scenarios and charts/graphics, and includes detailed case studies from projects of different budgets and markets. This new and expanded edition has been updated to reflect the new challenges facing the industry due to Covid-19 and how to navigate the new landscape of film financing and distribution. Other updates include coverage of new indie films and distributors, virtual production, the recent impact of global markets including the biggest streamers like Netflix, Apple and Amazon are how they are shaping the future of the business.

This is essential reading for students looking for foundational knowledge of the film industry and guidance on how to successfully adapt to constant changes in the entertainment business.

Extensive online support material accompanies the book including downloadable forms and templates, PowerPoint slides, quizzes and test banks, and other additional resources.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781032108742
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	10/27/2022
Series:	American Film Market Presents
Edition description:	3rd ed.
Pages:	398
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.82(d)

About the Author

STEPHEN R. GREENWALD has been professionally involved in the motion picture and related industries for over forty years as an attorney, film financier, corporate executive, producer and consultant, including as Chief Executive Officer of three public companies in the film business. Greenwald is Of Counsel at the law firm Garson, Segal, Steinmetz, Fladgate LLP. His experience has encompassed all aspects of the entertainment business, including development, production, international distribution, film financing, film and film library and literary work valuations; media company reorganizations and film studio construction and operation. He has arranged financing for film production and distribution in the United States, Europe and Australia, acting as a principal and general partner in approximately 20 partnerships formed to invest in motion pictures and real estate, some of the most innovative financing deals ever done.

Paula Landry is a writer/producer, film business and media consultant, interested in disruptive business models. Landry crafts feature films and episodic content, business plans, budgets and schedules, as well as branded content for Fortune 500 companies and non-profits. Landry is president of IdeaBlizzard Productions and is also the author of Scheduling and Budgeting Your Film: A Panic-Free Guide, now in its second edition and Applying Entrepreneurship to the Arts: How Artists, Creatives, and Performers Can Use Start-up Principles to Build Careers and Generate Income.

Table of Contents

PREFACE; INTRODUCTION; CHAPTER 1: A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE FILM INDUSTRY; CHAPTER 2: A BUSINESS OVERVIEW OF FILM; CHAPTER 3: MOVIE DEVELOPMENT; CHAPTER 4: MOVIE FINANCING; CHAPTER 5: MOVIE PRODUCTION; CHAPTER 6: MOVIE DISTRIBUTION; CHAPTER 7: MOVIE MARKETING; CHAPTER 8: FILM EXHIBITION, RETAIL & CONSUMPTION; CHAPTER 9: MOVIE ACCOUNTING; APPENDIX

Editorial Reviews

Praise for the Previous Edition:

"This book will be of great value to anyone interested or involved in the business side of the film industry. The authors’ unmatched insights and clear explanations of how the movie business works, from development and financing to distribution and marketing, provides essential information for filmmakers, film financiers and distributors, and others, seeking to understand how the film business works in this era of rapid technological change."
Alan U. Schwartz, Entertainment Attorney

"Behind the mystique, red carpets and dreams of glitz and glamour lies a business like no other. If this is a business you’re in or headed toward, you need to understand how it started, how it works and where it’s going – whether you’re a student or a producer prepping your first film. The knowledge in this book is gold, and it will expertly guide you over the steep learning curve that, for some, takes years to navigate. Buy it! Read it! It’ll make you a whole lot smarter, save you time and money and help to propel your career."
Eve Honthaner, President - Association of Film Commissioners International, Instructor, USC School of Cinematic Arts, Author of The Complete Film Production Handbook and Hollywood Drive

"The Business of Film: A Practical Guide to Achieving Success in the Film Industry is a great guide for anyone seeking to navigate the waters of the motion picture industry and an understanding of the essentials of production, finance, and distribution agreements and the deal making behind them."
Jeffrey P. Silberman, Esq., Literary Agent, Entertainment Attorney

From the Publisher