Looking for a good book or website on the film business

[Foster Kane]

Can anyone recommend a good book or website on the business and legal matters of the film business?

Through Wikipedia and reading articles online, I have a basic idea of how the film business works but I am interested in learning the specifics about financing a film, distributing a film and the legal issues that are involved in selling a film.

 

[Kholi]

Shaking the Money Tree is an old school favorite

 

[Foster Kane]

Shaking the Money Tree is an old school favorite

Thank you. Can you recommend anything on buying or selling a film in the film market?

 

[Kegan]

Not in the way of a book, but FilmSpecific.com is a great resource for that kind of stuff. Has proven to be invaluable in the post/business side of things when winding down our feature. You have to pay a monthly or yearly membership but it's worth it.

Kegan

 

[totitefilms]

You can check "The Reel Truth" by Reed Martin or "The Declaration of Independent Filmmaking: An Insider's Guide to Making Movies Outside of Hollywood" by the Polish brothers

 

[wibblinwu]

Here is a great one for distribution
http://independentfilmblog.com/

Independent Film Blog was founded by Stacey Parks, author of The Insiders Guide To Film Distribution (Focal Press), a comprehensive guide for filmmakers and producers focused exclusively on the ins-and-outs of independent film distribution and how to navigate its harsh waters.

 

[Kegan]

Stacey Parks also owns and posts regularly on FilmSpecific.com - just an added bump!

Kegan

 

[MichaelP]

And Stacey Parks also has a book on distribution.

Michael

 

[Foster Kane]

Thanks everyone. Any suggestions on the legal matters like waivers and contracts?

I found this one on Amazon.


The Pocket Lawyer for Filmmakers: A Legal Toolkit for Independent Producer

 

[trickhog]

Litwak is my lawyer and he really knows what he talks about. I have a feeling if he ever updates this book, some of the lessons we learned the hard way will be included.

http://www.amazon.com/Dealmaking-Te...=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1299792854&sr=1-5

He also has a book on contracts. I'm sure you can navigate to it through that same link.