Producing for Hollywood: A Guide for Independent Producers

From first pitch to final cut, this unique overview chronicles the producer's journey through developing a winning prospectus, drafting a realistic time line and budget, raising money, the three phases of production, and distribution and marketing.

Budding filmmakers, television producers, directors, writers, and students get a crash course on the independent production scene in this riveting account of the business and its key players. Now revised to reflect the latest production trends in the entertainment industry, this book is packed with never-before-revealed secrets about the challenging and exciting role producers play in bringing a film or television pilot to the screen, told by two veteran, award-winning producers. Readers will learn what skills and traits they need to succeed as the mastermind behind an independent production, including insider tips on how to assemble and manage a talented ensemble of writers, directors, actors, and crew-members. The book also includes up-to-date contact information for film festivals and foreign distributors, as well as sample budgets, film partnership proposals, and other forms. Aspiring film and television artists will find the practical understanding and insight vital to success.

Paul Mason is the economics editor of the BBC’s Newsnight. He has covered globalization and social justice stories from locations around the world, including Latin America, Africa and China. He is the author of Meltdown and Live Working or Die Fighting. He lives in London.