3rd Edition
The Business of Film A Practical Introduction
PREFACE
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 1: A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE FILM INDUSTRY
Movie Industry Themes
A Brief Business History Of Film
Convergence And Disruption
Fast Forward To Present Day
CHAPTER 2: A BUSINESS OVERVIEW OF FILM
Key Characteristics Of The Industry
Structure Of The Industry
New Media Players And Their Impact
Case Study: Norman and Me by Stephen Greenwald
Case Study: European Film Industry, An Overview by Michael Kalb
CHAPTER 3: MOVIE DEVELOPMENT
Where Films Come From
Process
Studio Versus Indie
DIY Filmmaking
Case Study: Relying on Genre: 2017 Horror Movie, Stephen King’s It
Case Study: The Nature of Copyright: European Author’s Rights Versus American Copyright by Michael Kalb
CHAPTER 4: MOVIE FINANCING
Corporate Financing
Picture Financing
Crowdfunding, Production Incentives, Soft Money, Blockchain
The Future
Case Study: How to Make $250 Million and Lose it, in a Year: The Story of the Film Business by Stephen Greenwald
Case Study: Adventures in Oz by Stephen Greenwald
CHAPTER 5: MOVIE PRODUCTION
Preproduction—Planning
Production
Postproduction
Impact Of Mobile, VR/AR And IMAX
Case Study: Cell Phone Feature Film Tangerine
CHAPTER 6: MOVIE DISTRIBUTION
Distribution Details
The Distribution Agreement
Changes In Distribution: OTT, Convergence, Disruptors
The Major Distribution Companies
Impact Of The Internet And Mobile Technology
Direct And Hybrid Models
Global Influences On Distribution
Case Study: Comic Book Movies Take Over the World: Wonder Woman
CHAPTER 7: MOVIE MARKETING
Marketing: Creating Awareness For A Film
Social Media
Trends In Promotion And Marketing
Film Festivals And Markets
Case Study: Million Dollar Mystery by Stephen Greenwald
Case Study: Marketing Moonlight
CHAPTER 8: FILM EXHIBITION, RETAIL & CONSUMPTION
Exploitation: Creating Availability Of A Film
Theatrical
Rethinking The Theatrical Experience
Streaming & New Business Models
From Video/DVD To VOD/PPV
Online And Mobile Platforms
Cable/Free-TV/Cutting The Cord
Impact Of Global Markets
Ancillary Rights
Case Study: Netflix in Movie Theaters -Okja
CHAPTER 9: MOVIE ACCOUNTING
GAAP Versus Contractual Accounting
GAAP—Corporate Accounting
APPENDIX
A. Option and Literary Purchase Agreement
B. Release For Submission Of Materials To Studio Or Production Company
C. Writer Theatrical Short-Form Agreement – Work For Hire
D. Life Story Rights Agreement
E. Directing Agreement
F. Actor Services Agreement
G. Product Placement Release
H. Script Readers Coverage Report Content and Format
I. Acceptable Genre Classifications
J. Film Festivals
K. Online Film Distribution Platforms
L. Popular Movie Industry Trade Magazines / Sites
Biography
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.
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
