[.ca] The Indie Producer's Handbook: Creative Producing from A ... (ISBN 1580650376)

highly overrated, not very practical:
I was very disappointed with this book. It doesn't provide the real world facts about making an indie film as other books do. It reads like an introductory textbook that skates over all the issues, but never really tells you the things you want to know about how to finance, cast, and sell an indie. Don't waste your money here.

No-nonsense bullet-proof advice:
I recently finished producing my own independent film and found this book right at the beginning of my post-production period. I wish I had found it earlier. It is full of no-nonsense advice and information that is practically bullet-proof, and I ended up agreeing with about all of it. Schreibman, who apparently has a long history of producing films for t.v. and theatrical market, has paid his dues, done his homework, and knows another "feel-good" you-can-do-it book isn't necessary. He tells you like it is, doesn't pull any punches, and helps you avoid the most common mistakes, both legally and aesthetically. Writing and directing are generally the more "arty" positions in film production - the Producer is supposed to keep the ship moving forward and avoiding any fatal mistakes. This book directs you in the right direction. My film was a "micro-budget" film, and this book may ultimately be more useful for "larger" independent features, including ones with SAG deals, distribution in place, and budgets closer to 7 figures. While all the advice here applies to everyone making a movie, it's the attitude Myrl conveys that I really appreciated and believed in, more than some of his nuts-and-bolts info. The contract samples at the end were also very helpful when I went out and began looking for more help finding money to finish my film (which I eventually did). Now I'm dreaming of using the rest of the info here for my next film!

MORE INFORMATION THAN I CAN IMAGINE!:
I purchased THE INDIE PRODUCERS HANDBOOK on line because I am a fanatic about anything having to do with the movies and especially American movies. (I live in Poland) I was interested in this particular book because the author is a professor at UCLA where one of our most famous Polish Film Directors (Jerzy Antczak) taught....so I thought this author would know something about what he talks about since he teaches at the great UCLA Film School. (By the way there are only four good film schools in California: USC, UCLA, Loyola Marymount and AFI) I read this book from cover to cover and each page was chockful of producing tips.(This author gave Billy Bob Thornton his start in movies) I really didn't know what a producer does until I read this book. Was I surprised to find that they lead the creative charge on the movie. But that is only it in the minor sense as this book goes into great details of producing and how to get the best of the story on the screen for the audience. When I researched this professor I saw that he teaches in a summer producing program at UCLA and I am going to try to save up enough money to attend next summer just to meet him and speak with him further about producing. I am interested in directing too...so I hope he will be able to provide me with insight there too since he is also a director. Thank you.

A practical, no holds barred look at the production process:
If you are looking for a practical, REALISTIC book on how to begin and finish the production process, this is the book for you. I began my very extensive hunt for a book that would spell out the production process from A-Z. This book delivered on what it said. Very often in this industry it can be smoke and mirrors...not here my friend. Myrl speaks from experience and gives it to you straight. You WILL understand the production process from start to finish after reading this book. As an added note, I was so impressed with the book that I contacted Myrl to consult with me on a recent project. He delivered on his promises and helped me guide my project to a successful finish. A five-star book and a five-star person.

A BOFFO BOOK ON PRODUCING MOVIES!!!!!!!!:
I saw a copy of this book in my attorney's office and was attracted by the artwork on the front of the cover. I asked her why she had it and she said that she had a client (not me of course!) who was about to embark on independent filmmaking who gave her the copy to read. So I immediately bought one for myself since my next step in the profession was to be a producer and produce my own written material rather than write for other producers. Well, let me tell you...when I sat down to read this book I was astounded to see all the information that was there...and written so clearly since other books on producing have always been so dry and difficult to understand. There is a logic and structure and the theories of producing that Schreibman speaks to make absolute sense (although I am sure that many producers dont know about them!). When I researched this author I found that in his career he has produced the big and the small and for the stage and screens (of all types). Its no wonder that he teaches at UCLA. I wanted to know more about who he was, so I called UCLA and spoke to him. He was just terrific to talk to and he told me that the book was now translated into Chinese by a publishing house equal to Yale University Press. It goes without saying that as a writer I was indeed impressed with this credential. This is indeed a book that I will leaf through many times and now that I am working on my new screenplay (soon to be seen in a theater near you in 2005) the information in this book will be in my mind as I write the story and its characters. If you dont have it now....get it...in English or in Chinese.....it couldn't hurt...only help.