Paul Battista - Independent Film Producing: How to Produce a Low-Budget Feature Film

INDEPENDENT

FILM

PRODUCING

INDEPENDENT

FILM

PRODUCING

HOW TO PRODUCE A LOW-BUDGET FEATURE FILM

PAUL BATTISTA

ALLWORTH PRESS

NEW YORK

Copyright 2013 by Paul Battista

This is a revised version of a book previously published under the title Independent Film Producing: The Outsiders Guide to Producing a First Low-Budget Feature Film.

All Rights Reserved. Copyright under Berne Copyright Convention, Universal Copyright Convention, and Pan American Copyright Convention. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the express written consent of the publisher, except in the case of brief excerpts in critical reviews or articles. All inquiries should be addressed to Allworth Press, 307 West 36th Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10018.

Allworth Press books may be purchased in bulk at special discounts for sales promotion, corporate gifts, fund-raising, or educational purposes. Special editions can also be created to specifications. For details, contact the Special Sales Department, Allworth Press, 307 West 36th Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10018 or

info@skyhorsepublishing.com.

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Published by Allworth Press, an imprint of Skyhorse Publishing, Inc.

307 West 36th Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10018.

Allworth Press is a registered trademark of Skyhorse Publishing, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

www.allworth.com

Cover and interior design by Mary Belibasakis

Cover based on a design by George Foster

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available on file

ISBN: 978-1-62153-387-0

Printed in the United States of America

Praise for

Independent Film Producing:

How to Produce a Low-Budget Feature Film

Pick a page, any page, Paul Battistas book is more than just Hollywood for Dummies. If ever there was a book where all the possible answers are given away, this invaluable manual is like having a good lawyer, Yoda, and a .44 magnum guiding you through the jungle known as the Movie Business.

Adam Novak / William Morris Endeavor

Although its nearly impossible even trying to get an independent film made, you must read this book, its that good!

Joe Boucher, Emmy Award-Winning Producer, King of the Hill and the Simpsons; writer of the well-regarded feature scripts King of Spring and Dude: The Legend; aspiring filmmaker

Without Paul Battistas book, Id still be an outsider sitting on the sidelines with a script and a pipe dream of making a film. Pauls instructive, straightforward language and well-organized content simplifies the process and outlines the steps necessary to produce an independent film. Step #1: Buy this book and hire a knowledgeable entertainment attorney!

Bob Heske, Writer/Producer of the film Blessid; writer/creator of the comic horror anthology Cold Blooded Chillers and the graphic novel The Night Projectionist

When producing your first indie film, you are only as good as your resources. As his client, Paul provided me clarity on the ever-shifting business of film. A straight shooter, he poured his experience and perspective into this guide. No matter how limited or extensive your knowledge base is, this book will fill in the blanks.

Dennis Dortch, Writer, Director, Producer, A Good Day to Be Black & Sexy, 2008 Sundance Film Festival, Official Selection, 2008 IFP Gotham Independent Film Awards Nominee for Breakthrough Director

Perhaps the most practical resource available for first time producers who desire to tackle independent films most challenging business elements. Like a canteen to the hiker, this book is a practical empowerment guide that belongs in every prudent producers backpack.

Steven C. Beer, Film Attorney and Producers Representative

As graduates of the Peter Stark Producing Program, we have read just about every book there is on filmmaking and producing. While most of them have fabulous anecdotes from established producers, few give such a comprehensive overview as well as specifics about what it actually takes to make your first independent film. This book provides thorough and precise advice and is a must read for all aspiring and established indie producers.

Oscar Eugenio Guido and Rebecca L. Brown, Producers Stylopik, LLC

This book is a must for filmmakers on all levelsbeginners and veterans. It is a thorough look at the complete process from a practical perspective with real world experiences.

Doug Deluca, Co-Executive Producer, Jimmy Kimmel Live

One of the most lucid and entertaining books out there. Paul knows his stuff, and he wants you to, also. Anecdotes, hard core infothe whole shot. His new sections on crowdfunding are timely and brilliant.

Eric Sherman, Author, Filmmaker, Educator, Private Filmmaking Consultant, Film and Entertainment Industry Consultant

This is a terrific book for anyone with any level of experience in the film businessvery practical, realistic and authoritative.

Jeffrey Schwarz, Producer, Spine Tingler! The William Castle Story and Wrangler: Anatomy of an Icon

In the book Paul digs into the details essential to getting a sellable film done and to the marketplace. Only an experienced entertainment attorney currently in the fray of the indie production wars can write with such authority, and Paul has ten years on the front lines, which he brings to the book. In the book he breaks down the producing process step by step and explains from experience the problems that will be faced and how to do things the right way.

Ted Betz, Writer, Director, Producer, The Unbreakable Sword

This book will open the eyes of filmmakers to the minefield of legal issues and production decisions that can create liability for the production or destroy the profitability of their films. I will carry this book in my computer bag from start to finish on our next project.

Tom Lockridge, Producer and Co-Writer, Unrequited; President and Co-Founder of Lucky Day Studios, LLC

As a client of Pauls for many years, I know that he gives you the facts in an industry thats made a business of selling the fiction. I recommend any person thinking about making a feature film to read this book before they begin.

Nicholas Tana, Writer, Director, Producer, Sticky: A Documentary on Masturbation

As a filmmaker its so important to be able to merge art with business. Your project has less of a chance to succeed without the understanding that there is more to your film than the creative aspects. Any first, second, or even third time filmmaker should have this book at their disposal so they can have a real solid framework of what to do from raising money to signing a distribution deal.

Carl T. Evans, Writer, Director, Producer, Criticsized, Frame of Mind, and Walking on the Sky

This book has been instrumental to me as a producer and a director, providing much needed guidance in a business that lacks a clear path to success. Pauls experience on the legal and business end of independent film producing sheds light on the common mistakes that many beginning filmmakers tend to make. Thereby, allowing you the reader to eliminate such common issues and to enjoy a much smoother production process!

Chris Sheng, Writer, Director, Producer, Knock Knock 2