This is the single best work on financing independent films. Mr. Lee presents an overall structure clearly and efficiently. This is not a "war stories" book. The landscape of the film business is changing rapidly and this is one of the only producing books about real producing. Mr. Lee and Ms. Gillen address one of the most difficult aspects of producing - financing---in a direct way that lays out the tasks and challenges an independent producer needs to know; they do not sugar-coat the business - it's all business; they explain the intricacies of financing while making it understandable. There is more to financing a film than developing a business plan and this book shows why.
While there are a few, very few, books that are no-nonsense for producers, this is the only producing book that addresses financing with practical, in-depth information geared toward working producers that is efficiently written and presented. You can count on me to continue to use it.---Don Smith, Associate Chair & Associate Professor, Film & Video Department, Columbia College
This is a timely book, detailing a proven method for success and providing relevant data for both investors and filmmakers, especially now that the Commodity Futures Trading Commission recently approved trading of film box office performance futures by Cantor Exchange and media derivatives by Trend Exchange.---Jillian Alexander, MBA, CM&AA, CHRC, Managing Director, Corporate Development & Strategy, Conduit Consulting LLC, Former VP-Corporate Development, SONY Pictures Entertainment and member SONY US Ventures team
Converging digital media and powerful new monetization models are growing entertainment amidst an overall slipping global economy. In show business, everyone is in love with the show, but it's the business of making significant money that turns on the big boys and girls inside the tent. Learn what they already know by reading this new edition.---Steve Ecclesine, Independent Producer (12 motion pictures and more than 700 Television episodes)
It is so sharply focused and so easy to digest, I am going to make it the official textbook for my online course in independent film marketing and sales across all platforms.
Regarding internet marketing strategies, Chapter 4 clearly states insights we have all heard about but are often 100 overwhelmed to focus in on. While clearly stating such marketing is not easily done and requires a full-time person, the writers Lee and Gillen make it seem easy enough to use the "most effective social network sites...that specialize in unique communities. There are thousands of these. As of January, 2010, there were 37 global social network sites with 10 million or more members each, plus the following five global social network sites with 100 million or more members". There are also really useful case studies on District 9 and Paranormal Activity.
Finally, Chapter 6 makes financing into an almost scientific activity, with clearly written and easily understood descriptions of various financial models which previously seemed veiled in obscure terms.---Sydney Levine, SydneysBuzz on IndieWIRE and IMDb, Online Instructor: UCLA Extension
If you've ever wondered how most films can "lose" money while the studios remain in business, you'll find the answers here. This is a comprehensive and revealing examination of how distribution works and how the money flows.---Robert Goodman, Videography
