The Business of Film: A Practical Introduction

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.

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.