The Creative Producing Handbook: An Insider's Guide to Production

by Katherine Beyda

Overview

Written by the head of physical production at New Line Cinema, The Creative Producing Handbook: An Insider’s Guide to Production provides a detailed overview of creative film production and what it takes to make it as a producer or executive in today’s industry.

 

The book explains in detail the process of filmmaking, delving into the world of film and television production from script development through the entire production and postproduction process up to release.

 

The book starts by providing an introduction to the key players on a production and explores the differences between the studio and production company worlds. Beyda explains the process of getting to and through production in a linear fashion, beginning with scheduling, location decisions, incentives, and budgeting. The book provides explanations and definitions of the various unions and guilds and outlines some of the rules that filmmakers will need to be aware of. It further discusses clearances and product placement and then proceeds to visual effects, postproduction and music before ending with the worlds of marketing and publicity. The book provides examples and assignments to teach a reader how to formulate a plan for production that can be used to pitch a project or run a set.

 

This is a great resource for aspiring producers and creative executives who want to enter the film and television industry and provides an understanding of the filmmaking process for those who just want to know more.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781032842233
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	05/28/2025
Pages:	296
Product dimensions:	9.00(w) x 5.90(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Katherine Beyda is an Executive Vice President and is the head of Physical Production for Newline Cinema, a Warner Bros. Discovery company. Beyda was a freelance filmmaker for many years prior to joining the New Line team. She has overseen productions around the world, including The Hobbit films, the Conjuring franchise, The Wedding Crashers, Horrible Bosses, Game Night, Austin Powers in Goldmember, and many other films.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Preface

 

Chapter 1        The Journey Into the World of Production

Chapter 2        Things you Need to Know About the Film Business

Chapter 3        Studios and Production Companies

Chapter 4        The Main Players - Producers and Directors

Chapter 5        The Main Players , Part 2 - The Production Team

Chapter 6        The Script

Chapter 7        Script Breakdowns and Schedules

Chapter 8        The Budget and Critical Assumptions

Chapter 9        Tax Incentives

Chapter 10      The Greenlight Process

Chapter 11      Production Jobs by Department

Chapter 12      Prep

Chapter 13      Principal Photography

Chapter 14      Reporting and Tracking Costs

Chapter 15      Sustainability

Chapter 16      Unions and Guilds

Chapter 17      Working with Minor-Aged Actors

Chapter 18      Clearances

Chapter 19      Product Placement

Chapter 20      Visual Effects

Chapter 21      Artificial Intelligence

Chapter 22      Post Production

Chapter 23      Music

Chapter 24      Publicity and Marketing

Chapter 25      Set Vocabulary and Glossary

Assignments

Editorial Reviews

I’ve worked with Kate Beyda for over eight years on all four of the films I’ve directed. She’s one of the smartest, most experienced executives out there. I can easily say: you will not find someone with a deeper understanding of film production. She understands production big and small, down to the nuts and bolts details, but always with an eye for getting the best possible story on the screen.”

Michael Chaves, Director La Llarona, Conjuring 3, The Nun 2, Conjuring 4

 

"There is no replacement for experience in the bumpy road of film production, and Kate has encountered enough bumps  to become a master of the process.  She has been a partner and a friend for two decades, and her book will enlighten and entertain anyone interested in creative problem solving of film making.”

E. Bennett Walsh, Producer, Mortal Kombat franchise, The Kite Runner, Meg 2: The Trench

 

“I have had the pleasure of working with Kate Beyda on film projects for over a decade.  Kate has a rare combination of intellect, grit and heart that make her an outstanding leader able to navigate creative and critical challenges.  Most importantly she is a thoughtful and caring human being which is hard to come by in the entertainment industry.  Kate has taught me so much about navigating the politically charged landscape of modern film production.”

Michelle Morrissey, Executive Producer – Jackpot, A Family Affair, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, Horrible Bosses

 

"Kate Beyda is a true gem in the film industry. From her roots in indie films to her success with cult classics and major productions, her experience is unparalleled. She is one of the few people in the entertainment business who understands all aspects of the filmmaking process. I have had the pleasure of working closely with Kate many times. She's an exceptional resource for anyone eager to learn more about the entire process."

Eric McLeod, Executive Producer – Godzilla x Kong, Tropic Thunder, the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, the Austin Powers franchise, and many more.

 

“This book is an essential read for all filmmakers looking to successfully navigate the complexities of production budgeting and tracking production costs from a seasoned studio insider.”

Mark Mayer, EVP Production Finance, Warner Bros. Pictures

 

“I’ve had the privilege of working with Kate on over 65 movies. From large-scale visual effects extravaganzas to smaller, genre-driven stories, each project requires finding that equilibrium between creative vision and financial practicality. Kate’s key to success lies in understanding both the technical and the artistic elements of filmmaking by balancing the perfect combination of visual effects, practical production techniques, and problem-solving that can bring a director’s vision to life – while also adhering to the market pressures of keeping budgets lean.  Whether you're a film student, an aspiring filmmaker, or someone curious about the mechanics of the industry, this book is designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of how movies are made today.”

Mark Brown, EVP Visual Effects – New Line Cinema

 

“With the rare talent and experience of spending decades at both the studios and on set, Kate is equipped with the holistic knowledge of how movies come together from beginning to end. There is no better resource or instructor than the rare individual who has been on both sides of the trenches as she has.”

Dave Neustadter, EVP of Production – New Line Cinema

From the Publisher