ABSTRACT

In Production House Cinema: Starting and Running Your Own Cinematic Storytelling Business, renowned video storyteller Kurt Lancaster offers both students and professionals a practical guide to starting their own video production company and creating cinematic, client-based video content. Utilizing practical know-how along with in-depth analysis and interviews with successful independent production houses like Stillmotion and Zandrak, Lancaster follows the logistics and inspiration of creating production house cinema from the initial client pitch all the way through financing and distribution. The book includes:

  • An examination of the cinematic and narrative style and how to create it;
  • A discussion of the legal procedures and documents necessary for starting and operating a production house;
  • Advice on crafting a portfolio, reel, and website that both demonstrates your unique style and vision and attracts clients;
  • A guide to the financial business of running an independent production house, including invoicing, accounting, and taxes—and how much you should charge clients;
  • Tips for how to better communicate with clients, and how to develop and shape a client’s story;
  • A breakdown of how to select the right gear and equipment for a shoot, on budget;
  • Cinematic case studies that offer detailed coverage of several short films made for clients.

chapter

Introduction

The Business of Cinematic Storytelling in a Video Production House

part |78 pages

Creating Your Own Independent Production House Business

chapter |28 pages

Telling versus Showing

The Tools of Cinema in Client-Based Storytelling

chapter |14 pages

Creating a Vision

The Cinematic-Style Video Production House

chapter |17 pages

Making it Legal

Filing an LLC, Writing Contracts, Music Rights, and Getting Insurance

chapter |16 pages

Creating Presence

The Portfolio Reel and Website that Reflects Your Style and Vision

part |78 pages

Running an Independent Production House Business

chapter |14 pages

Making Money

The Cost of Doing Business, Generating Income Streams, Setting Up Invoices, and Planning Your Taxes

chapter |29 pages

Developing a Client's Story

Making a Connection, Finding the Story, and Writing a Pitch, Proposal, and Budget

chapter |32 pages

Cinematic Gear on a Budget

What You Need and What it Does

part |54 pages

Crafting the Cinematic Style

chapter |19 pages

A Book Promotion Case Study

From Keywords to Storyboards in Stillmotion's “My Utopia”

chapter |15 pages

An App Promotion Case Study

Directing with Spontaneity in Zandrak's “Our Songs”

chapter |16 pages

A Crowdfunding Case Study

Financing Frame by Frame