The Independent Film Producer's Survival Guide: A Business and Legal Sourcebook : Book Review

"The Independent Film Producer's Survival Guide" by Gunnar Erickson is a comprehensive resource that provides valuable insights and practical advice for anyone interested in the world of independent film production. As an experienced producer himself, Erickson covers all aspects of the production process, offering guidance from financing and budgeting to legal considerations and the challenges of pre-production, production, and post-production.

One of the highlights of the book is the chapter on legal and business considerations. Erickson provides a detailed overview of contracts, copyright laws, and distribution agreements, equipping producers with the necessary knowledge to protect their work and navigate the complexities of the industry. This section is particularly helpful for independent filmmakers who often face unique challenges in terms of rights and distribution.

Additionally, Erickson's insights into financing and budgeting are invaluable to producers who need to secure funding and create realistic budgets that make the most of their resources. This practical advice allows filmmakers to ensure that their projects are financially viable and can come to fruition.

"The Independent Film Producer's Survival Guide" also dives into the different stages of the production process, from assembling a team and scouting locations to managing the complexities of shooting and editing. Erickson shares his expertise and offers solutions to common challenges that arise during the course of a production. By sharing interviews and anecdotes from successful independent filmmakers, the book not only provides guidance but also serves as a source of inspiration for aspiring producers.

The book is well-organized and easy to navigate, serving as a valuable reference guide that can be used throughout the entire filmmaking process. Whether you are new to independent film production or have years of experience, "The Independent Film Producer's Survival Guide" offers practical advice that is relevant and useful to all filmmakers.

What are readers saying?

The Independent Film Producer's Survival Guide by Gunnar Erickson has received a variety of reviews from readers. Opinions on the book are divided, with some finding it informative and helpful for aspiring filmmakers while others feel it lacks depth and practical advice.

Many readers appreciate the book's well-organized structure and its comprehensive coverage of various aspects of independent film production. They find the chapters on financing, distribution, and marketing particularly insightful as they provide valuable information for navigating the competitive world of independent filmmaking. The author's engaging and easy-to-follow writing style is also praised by some reviewers.

However, some critics feel that the book falls short of their expectations. They find the information provided to be too basic and lacking in-depth analysis. They believe the book doesn't delve into the specific challenges faced by independent filmmakers and mostly regurgitates common knowledge. Some reviewers also mention that the advice given is overly generic and not applicable in real-world scenarios.

A few readers think that the content of the book is outdated and not relevant to the current state of the film industry. They highlight the rapid changes in technology and distribution platforms, pointing out that these modern challenges are not adequately addressed in the book.

Despite these mixed reviews, many readers still find value in The Independent Film Producer's Survival Guide. They recommend it as a starting point for newcomers to the field of independent film production, as it provides a broad overview of the industry. However, more experienced filmmakers may find the book lacking in terms of advanced strategies and specific solutions to the challenges they face.

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