Deborah (“Deb”) Patz is author of books for the film and TV industry. She writes for working professionals as well as for children and young adults.
After earning a BFA in film production, Deb gravitated to the business side of the industry and excelled in skills that were not taught in the production-oriented film program. Out of her hands on experience came her books, Film Production Management 101 (on management and coordination) and Surviving Production (on coordination only). Her newest book – Write! Shoot! Edit! – was born from her work with teen filmmakers and from her own filmmaking origins. Industry leader Michael Wiese Productions publishes her books worldwide.
Her filmography spans family and children’s programming, science fiction extravaganzas, and feature films of various budget sizes. She’s worked with such companies as Disney, Lucasfilm, Alliance/Atlantis, Nelvana, MCA/Universal, and the IMAX space team. Here’s a peek at some of the titles: L5: First City in Space, William Shatner’s TekWar, Mission to MIR, Maniac Mansion, The Boys Club, The Big Comfy Couch, Ewoks & Droids, The Sound & the Silence, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, and the Emmy award-winning The Magician’s House.
Based on her books, Deb has designed and instructed numerous courses, seminars and workshops on production skills and spoken on panels at such places as the UFVA (University Film & Video Association), Canadian Film Centre, Vancouver Film School, the Banff Centre, Capilano University, Film Expo Texas, Film Training Manitoba, PEI Screenwriter & Production Workshop, FTX West and Women in Film & Television.
A Producer graduate of the Canadian Film Centre, with a Certificate of Entertainment Law from Osgoode, Deb has also completed the Banff TV Executive Program, 
and is certified as a Training Designer. She earned her BFA in Film Production at York U and MFA in Creative Writing at UBC. She also holds a New Media Certificate from UBC and has attended the Sheridan College International School of Animation.
Deb Patz currently balances business affairs work at Telefilm Canada, teaching workshops for industry folk and teens, and sailing the Pacific Northwest with her family and an adorable-but-stubborn westie in beautiful Vancouver, BC.
If you’re interested in my being a guest speaker or seminar/workshop leader, please contact me.