ABSTRACT

This book is about the practical realities of the film market today and how to make a film while minimizing financial risk. Film is a risky investment and securing that investment is a huge challenge. The best way to get investors is to do everything possible to make the film without losing money.

Featuring interviews with film industry veterans - sales agents, producers, distributors, directors, film investors, film authors and accountants - Daniel Harlow explores some of the biggest obstacles to making a commercially successful film and offers best practice advice on making a good film, that will also be a commercial success. The book explores key topics such as smart financing, casting to add value, understanding the film supply chain, the importance of genre, picking the right producer, negotiating pre-sales and much more. By learning how to break even, this book provides invaluable insight into the film industry that will help filmmakers build a real, continuing career.

A vital resource for filmmakers serious about sustaining a career in the 21st century film industry.

chapter |3 pages

Introduction

part 1|16 pages

One small problem

chapter 1|5 pages

A surprising discovery

chapter 2|9 pages

The journey begins

part 2|23 pages

The obstacles

chapter 3|4 pages

The culture of secrecy

chapter 4|3 pages

Fear and loathing

Commercial is a dirty word?

chapter 5|2 pages

This stuff is complicated

chapter 6|2 pages

Falling revenues

Falling demand for indies

chapter 7|5 pages

The downside of festival culture

chapter 8|5 pages

Trends in film journalism

part 3|22 pages

How films make money

chapter 9|4 pages

Rubber, meet road

chapter 10|7 pages

The players

chapter 11|4 pages

Monetization

chapter 12|3 pages

How much to DIY

part 4|50 pages

Making profitable films

chapter 14|2 pages

Sell the sizzle

chapter 15|2 pages

Development

Crafting a commercial success

chapter 16|5 pages

Genre

chapter 17|3 pages

Rising above genre

chapter 18|2 pages

More film elements

chapter 19|3 pages

Drafting

chapter 20|7 pages

Casting

chapter 21|6 pages

Producers and producing

chapter 22|3 pages

Financials

chapter 23|2 pages

Raising money the traditional way – beg

chapter 24|5 pages

Before you start begging

chapter 26|5 pages

Press – the gift that keeps on giving

part |7 pages

Conclusion

chapter |5 pages

Top ten lessons