The business of media distribution: monetizing film, tv and video content in an online world (paperback)

Written by the insider who headed sales for Lucasfilm across distribution markets and managed the release of Star Wars Episode III, this is the first book to show how all related media distribution markets, including television, video and online, work together and independently to finance and maximize profits on productions. It demystifies how an idea moves from concept to profits and how distribution quietly dominates an industry otherwise grounded in high profile elements (production, marketing, creative, finance, law).

The book provides a unique apprenticeship to the business, illuminating at a macro level how an idea can move from concept to generating $1 Billion, relating theory and practice in the context of the maturation of global market segments, and exposing the devil in the detail that impacts bottom line profits.

Producers, media executives, and entertainment attorneys in specific niches will benefit from this wide-ranging look at the business across various distribution outlets, including theatrical, television, airlines, merchandising, cable, and home video.

* The definitive book on how studios and networks make money, apply the knowledge and concepts to your business
* Demystifies net and gross: learn how/when you get the money once you've produced a film
* Covers the entire range distribution outlets, learn how your speciality relates to the big picture
* Details film marketing in a practical and case-study manner, including an overview of how the last Stars Wars film was marketed, down to the level of promotional partner tie-ins

Market Opportunity and Segmentation -- the Diverse Role of Studios and Networks, Intellectual Property Assets: The Business of Creating, Protecting, Marketing and Communicating an Idea, Financing Production: Networks and Studios as Venture Capitalists, Phases of Production and Key Financial Issues in Talent Agreements (e.g., Director, Actor, Writer), Theatrical Distribution, The Home Video Business and DVD Distribution, Television Distribution, Internet Distribution, Downloads and Mobile Phone Applications- A New Paradigm, Ancillary Markets Distribution--Hotels, Airlines, Pay-Per-View, etc., Merchandising -- Product Licensing, Promotional Partners, and Other Franchise Revenues, Marketing and Its Symbiotic Role Across the Distribution Chain, Making Money?Net Profits and Hollywood Accounting

Media executives, film and television producers, entertainment lawyers, consultants, and others involved in film/video-related media business aspects

The author is extremely well-connected and can get fabulous quotes from legal, business, and creatives at Pixar, Sony, MySpace, Disney, ABC, the executive producer of the Batman movies, etc. And of course he will ask his former boss, George Lucas, for a quote.