Schreibman - The indie producers handbook : creative producing from A to Z

In The Indie Producers Handbook: Creative Producing from A to Z, Myrl Schreibman has undertaken a doubly daunting task. The first is to define the producers role in the seemingly paradoxical context of a popular art form where the very best films are uniquely personal visions realized in fully collaborative ways. Oil and water must be made to mix. The second challenge is achieving success in the arena of independent film production where the freedom to create without boundaries inevitably hits the wall of limited resources.

To help producers navigate these complexities Schreibman provides down-to-earth pragmatic advice that draws on his long experience as an independent filmmaker and film school educator. He provides us with both specific information that can be used for day-to-day problem solving and wise counsel on the producers mission that can serve to chart a life-long career.

Most importantly, we gain an appreciation of how a creative producer must be an adroit juggler of multiple rolesat once a financial provider, resource manager, social engineer and above all, an obsessed visionary.

Robert Rosen, Dean, UCLA School of Theater Film and Television

Myrl Schreibmans book delivers what it promises in its title: it is a handbook for everyday use for the producer who works in the independent market, and is creative. I also recommend it to directors, since it has all the important knowledge a director has to master in order to succeed in the business of filmmaking. This book is not only a great tool, it is user-friendly and well organized, so it is an easy tool to use as well.

Gyula Gazdag, Artistic Director, Sundance Institute; International Film Director

With all my years in the business I can attest that this book provides the right insight and knowledge for producing a film. I am very impressed. For the independent producer the enormous details and creative tips within these pages will definitely put the most value for the dollar on the screen. After reading this book, all the would be producer needs is persistence, luck, and a little magic!

Lewis Horwitz, CEO Lewis Horwitz Organization

Myrl Schreibmans insights into the precise yet seemingly chaotic process of production are founded on a keen intelligence and ability to analyze, as well as a creative mind that never falters for ways to save the day. In his new book, he shares and imparts his unique perceptions and prescriptions regarding laying the groundwork and deployment of a successful production. Like a chart for a navigator in stormy seas, his writing points the way for those who might otherwise be lost, eaten by the proverbial sharks, or dashed upon the unforeseen rocks of mischance.

Robert Fiveson, Executive in Charge of Production, Jones Entertainment Group, Ltd.

Schreibmans book tells the details of creative producing and should be read by every student studying directing or producing. It wouldnt hurt the screenwriters, too. In fact, I even know some professional producers and directors who would gain new insights into their art and craft if they read this book. A must read if you want to seriously be a part of this business.

Abby Singer, Producer, AFI Faculty

After reading Schreibmans book I know it is a must read if a) you are interested in any way in the motion picture business, b) you are interested in working on production, c) you currently work in the industry. This is an excellent guide to ensure the understanding and knowledge of motion picture production. I even learned a few things I didnt know and Ive been at this game for over thirty years! Schreibman knows what hes talking about.

Roger Burlage, Independent Producer, CEO Trimark Entertainment

Copyright 2001, 2012 Myrl A. Schreibman

All rights reserved.

Published in the United States by Watson-Guptill Publications, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, a division of Random House, Inc., New York.

WATSON-GUPTILL is a registered trademark and the WG logo and horse designs are registered trademarks of Random House, Inc.

Originally published in the United States by Lone Eagle Publishing Company, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, a division of Random House, Inc., in 2001.

Cover design by Lindsay Albert
Creative direction by Sean Alatorre
Photo of the author courtesy of John Josepho

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Schreibman, Myrl A.
The indie producers handbook : creative producing from A-Z /
Myrl A. Schreibman.
p. cm.
Includes index.
eISBN: 978-0-7704-3351-2
1. Motion pictures--Production and direction. 2. Low budget motion pictures. I. Title.
PN1995.9.P7 S345 2001
791.430232--dc21 2001029485

Select references:
Film Production: The Complete Uncensored Guide to Independent Filmmaking, Greg Merritt, Lone Eagle Publishing, L.L.C., 1998.
The Practical Art of Motion Picture Sound, David Lewis Yewdall, M.P.S.E., Focal Press, 1999.
The Industry Labor Guide, 2000 Edition, Entertainment Publishers Inc.
The Directors Guild of America Basic Agreement, 1987.
The Directors Guild of America Freelance Live and Tape Television Agreement of 1993.
The Screen Actors Guild Codified Basic Agreement of 1989 for Independent Producers.

Some definitions used in the Producers Vocabulary are courtesy of Filmmakers Dictionary, 2nd Edition; copyright Ralph A. Singleton and Lone Eagle Publishing, 2000.

Some of the information contained herein relating to issues of specific guild or union contracts are an interpretive summary. The reader should review the final contracts of all guild and union agreements for precise interpretations of the particulars of each contract.

v3.1

My deepest appreciation and warmest friendship is extended to all the wonderful people who helped make this book a reality: my teaching assistant (and now a director in his own right) Jason Moore, for convincing me to write this book for student filmmakers everywhere; Gil Cates, Lew Hunter and Bob Rosen for their generous words and thoughts included in the book; Adrian Morales for keeping me healthy during its writing; Robert Fiveson for his long-standing friendship; Debbie Allen, Kelly Asbury, Steve Benson, Roger Burlage, John Caldwell, John Coffey, Alex Cox, Del Crooks, Tom Denove, Len Ephraim, Stu Fox, Gyula Gazdag, Eugene Robert Glazer, Bob Gordon, Carla Green, David Haber, Lewis Horwitz, Rawn Hutchinson, John Josepho, Steve Kaminski, Madeline Kozlowski, Sandra Lawton, Joe Lisuzzo, Jeff Margolis, William McDonald, Maggie Murphy, Nancylee Myatt, Nancy Richardson, Chip and David Selby, Lennie Shapiro, Johnny Simmons, Abby Singer, Penelope Spheeris, Herb Stein, Steven M. Stein of Ratner & Prestia, Martin Terrones, Truman Van Dyke, Jamie Wooten and David Lewis Yewdall, for their comments and contributions; Will Gotay, Delia Salvi and Patsy Lake for their endless support and affection; my son, Petty Officer 2nd Class Eyan Schreibman USN, for his love and his belief in me; and most of all: my students, who took reams of notes in my producing classes and whoafter they went to work in the businesscame back to tell me that they utilized what they had learned. I also thank the hundreds of people I have worked with and met in the industry over the years who have instilled the knowledge and wisdom that only experiences and relationships can teach. And a very special appreciation to the holy trinity: my publisher, Jeff Black, whose energy and wisdom have been invaluable; Norman Hollyn, who pushed for clarity with his notes on the original manuscript; and of course my editor, Lauren Rossini, whose stern, gentle compassion nurtured the life of the book. Finally, to the many others who have so freely given, I thank you.