A guide to the finan
Trade Review
"Kurt Lancaster has done it again. He has identified a developing trend in the rapidly changing video landscape, talked to the right people, and asked all of the right questions. This book is a must read for any video student or professional considering starting their own production studio." —Wes Pope, co-director of the Multimedia Journalism master's program at the University of Oregon
"Production House Cinema combines wonderfully detailed advice about the pragmatics of launching a professional filmmaking studio with insights into the aesthetic and formal approaches vital to strong cinematic storytelling. Building on his excellent body of work as an author and professional producer, Kurt Lancaster offers comprehensive and clear "how-to" guides that every filmmaker -- from the beginner to the veteran – will find useful. I plan to assign this book to my production students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and to add it to my own collection of essential reading." —Jennifer Maytorena Taylor, Producer/Director, Specific Pictures, Assistant Professor of Social Documentation/Film and Digital Media at University of California, Santa Cruz
"In his book Production House Cinema, Kurt Lancaster has created THE complete one-stop shop for building your own production company—top to bottom. His extensive experience as a filmmaker combined with an acute business sense infuse this book with advice and recommendations both practical and creative. If you want to have your own storytelling business, purchasing this book is your first, most important investment." —William McDonald, Professor & Chair, Department of Film, Television and Digital Media, UCLA School of Theater, Film & Television
Table of Contents
Foreword by Patrick Moreau
Introduction: The Business of Cinematic Storytelling in a Video Production House
PART I. CREATING AN INDEPENDENT VIDEO PRODUCTION HOUSE BUSINESS
1. Telling versus Showing: The Tools of Cinema in Client-Based Storytelling
2. Creating a Vision: The Cinematic Style Video Production House
3. Making it Legal: Filing an LLC, Writing Contracts, Using Music, and Getting Insurance
4. Building Presence: The Portfolio Reel and Website that Reflects Your Style and Vision
Part II. RUNNING AN INDEPENDENT PRODUCTION HOUSE BUSINESS
5. Making Money: The Cost of Doing Business, Generating Income Streams, Setting Up Invoices, and Planning Your Taxes
6. Developing a Client’s Story: Making a Connection, Finding the Story, and Writing a Pitch, Proposal, and Budget
7. Cinematic Gear: What You Need and What it Does
Part III. CRAFTING THE CINEMATIC STYLE CASE STUDIES
8. A Book Promotion Case Study: From Key Words to Storyboards in Stillmotion’s My Utopia
9. An App Promotion Case Study: Directing with Spontaneity in Zandrak’s Moodsnap
10. Side Projects: Finance and Distribute Your Passion Films
Appendix: Sample Contract and Forms
