Film Production Management 101: The Ultimate Guide for Film and Television Production Management and Coordination

by Deborah S. Patz

Two books in one, this is a complete insider's guide to the business of film or television production.

Genres: Film

475 pages, Paperback

First published October 25, 2002

About the author

Deb Patz has been a filmmaker on award-winning productions since the mid-1980s, primarily as a production manager and coordinator, and then as production executive and finally as a business affairs analyst. She has worked with Lucasfilm, IMAX, MCA/Universal, Alliance/Atlantis, Nelvana, BBC, CBC, the Disney Channel, and the list goes on.

Based on her experiences, she wrote her first book on production coordination (published in 1997) and followed up by writing production management books (published in 2002, 2010 & 2025) and a book for teen filmmakers (in 2017). Her books are available around the world and in 3 languages.

She currently lives with her family and a stubborn but adorable westie-dog in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

Reviews

[Kieran Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a comprehensive guide for newcomers to film production. While the book offered useful insights into the industry, much of the information was already familiar to me. It didn't significantly alter my perspectives but is an excellent resource for those starting their journey in film production.

[Maddie]

Very good resource

[Livia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as part of my research before making the decision to move to LA to pursue my dream career of working in tv/film.

The author does a good job of giving the reader an overview of behind the scenes production positions. I really liked being able to see the the different paperwork forms that can be used.

I arrived in LA on August 1, 2011, and I landed my first on set indie feature film PA gig in late August 2011. Thanks to this book, I felt somewhat prepared for the experience.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great resource! If your goal is to become a PM or you just want to be in the know as coordinator, this is the book for you! Very detailed and easy to read. Gives great scenarios (many of which I've already run into). This is my go-to PM bible.

[Dom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty much a guide to making a movie without all the pesky tutorials on actually shooting it. Logistics are this book's bread and butter and Patz presents the whole shebang very well.

[Aselawati]

i like this book...

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super informative.