ABSTRACT
David V. Picker is the unusual top executive who has served as President of Columbia Pictures, Paramount Pictures and United Artists. With this unique perspective, he traces the rebirth of United Artists and its business model that provided the transition from the golden age of Hollywood studios to the modern studio of today, allowing for a high degree of creative freedom after specific approvals. Other subjects include an introduction to revenue flow; distributor’s film rental; net producer’s share; gross deals; money “off the top;” formulas for breakeven; the acquisition of studios by larger companies; escalating costs; the impact of agents; training for the business; relationships; the unpredictable audience; changing management styles.
