Why did we make this?

• 1

  No glass ceiling of knowledge: all information for everyone

  There are many levels of filmmaking - from no-budget shorts, to bootstrapped micro-documentaries through to big-budget international co-porducitons. A filmmaker in their career may move between any of these places. Someone just starting could learn as much about high-end packaging, as someone at a big budget level can learn about micro-budgets. Many people suggested we should create two books - a 'high-end' and 'low-end' but this two-tier film industry seems to becoming less relevent: we all make moving image and want an audience, whatever the budget.
• 2

  Keep it affordable

  Having created business books for £500 to £700 a copy, it was suggested we should make a high cost book for 'serious producers'. It seemed essential the book should be affordable to people at all income levels - anywhere in the world. Much knowledge has been kept in closed circles and subject to expensive advisers and courses, so we've tried to put as much as we can in one book for around the price of a night at the cinema.
• 3

  Get the best writers and proven case studies

  Rather than present a single guaranteed path of success, we aimed to highlight and champion success stories and best practice. On the last edition, as well as seasoned financier and lawyer Adam P Davies - who co-wrote and helped publish it, we had local guides written by dozens of experts and lawyers around the world, backed up with case studies and interviews.