The Independent Filmmaker's Law and Business Guide: Financing, Shooting, and Distributing Independent and Digital Films

by Jon M. Garon

Today’s explosion of independent and digital filmmaking demands a brass-tacks guide to the business and legal aspects of the process. What fundraising options are available to a filmmaker? When should a filmmaker establish a corporation or limited liability company? How do screenwriters protect their work? What are a director’s legal obligations to the producer, cast, and crew--and what are their obligations in return? And why must the filmmaker pay special attention to products and artwork that might appear in the background of a shot?

 

This indispensable resource addresses the legal, financial, and organizational questions that an independent or guerrilla filmmaker must face, and the problems that will doom a project if left unanswered. It demystifies issues such as founding a film company, obtaining financing, preparing a budget, securing locations, shooting, granting screen credits, and distributing, exhibiting, and marketing a film.

 

Newly updated and expanded, this second edition explores concepts such as executing a digital distribution strategy through the use of YouTube and “webisodes,” the importance of international distribution, and legal issues particular to documentaries. Six handy appendixes provide sample contracts, copyright circulars, Documentary Filmmakers’ Statement of Best Practices in Fair Use, studio contact information, and more.

Genres: Film

464 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2002

Reviews

[Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative, especially regarding the various forms of businesses (corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, etc.) But the distribution chapters were less detailed. Garon does himself a service too, by reminding every reader that they should consult a lawyer before starting any business, so as to avoid penalties and maximize incentives.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear, comprehensive, and up-to-date for the age of digital distribution and streaming. I can't imagine a better resource for an independent filmmaker. Stellar work by the author, and absolutely recommended!

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the best one volume legal and business guide for independent film-making that I've come across (not that you shouldn't read others.) Garon covers all of the bases from conception of a project and formation of the venture through distribution of the finished film. Add a decent book of form contracts (and specific legal advice when you need it) and you are ready to start production.

[Awab AlShwaikh · Rating 4 out of 5]

الكتاب رائع وممتاز، ومفيد جداً لكل المهتمين بالصناعة السينمائية والتلفزيونية، خصوصاً أولئك المنتجين المستقلّين والذين يرغبون بانتاج مواد سينمائية وتلفزيونية على حسابهم الخاص دون الاضطرار للرضوخ لشركات الانتاج المختلفة.

[Ashleigh Cutler · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do like how useful this book is, but I still have to re-read it simply because I don't fully grasp it all.