Film Production Management 101 (2nd edition)

Management and Coordination in a Digital Age

In effect, it’s two books in one: a detailed insider’s guide for Production Managers (PM’s) and another one for Production Coordinators (POC’s). With an entertaining “nuts and bolts” approach, Deb Patz takes you on a journey from prep to post and on to the audit with insider tips on budgets, cost reports, cash flows, interim financing, script revisions, location management, production insurance, completion bonds and much, much more! 36 chapters are complimented with more than 70 additional pages of essential, downloadable forms.*

An entertaining read… an essential manual… required or recommended reading at film schools… and another fine industry book published around the world from Michael Wiese Productions.

*Let me know if you have trouble accessing the forms.

Read a sample of PM101 (and its Table of Contents) at Scribd.

What people are saying about Film Production Management 101

“This book is the Swiss Army Knife of production management!”
— Rob Mills, President, Radical Sheep Productions

“An invaluable and comprehensive guide. Deborah Patz has drawn on her own experience and has written a thoroughly researched and helpful book.”
— Norman Jewison, Producer/Director

“If you are or aspire to be a Production Manager or Coordinator; having this book with you in the production office is like having an expert beside you all the way! This book is an excellent Bible, an essential tool for your success!”
— Deb LeFaive, Line Producer / Unit Production Manager

“Congratulations on putting together such a readable and comprehensive guide. This is a must have for anyone who aspires to become a Production Manager.”
— Barbara Ann Shoemaker, Production Manager

“This is one of the most insightful industry books I’ve ever seen.”
— Seaton McLean, Executive Producer

“Patz delivers an invaluable roadmap in Production Management 101. Concise and clear, this latest edition makes the leap from traditional production to moviemaking in the digital age. It would take years working in the industry to glean the information presented in this great, readable book. It’s a must-have for everyone from aspiring PMs and Coordinators to seasoned Producers. Although directed toward dramatic production, it is an excellent resource for documentary filmmakers as well.”
— Glynis Whiting, Filmmaker (“Weight of the World”, “Gone Sideways”)

“Film Production Management 101 gives you the “how” and the “why” for production management drawn from Deb Patz’s deep and practical experience – it’s more than a great guide, it’s an indispensable tool.”
— David Hauka, Producer / Director / Production Manager

“A great guide and reference book, and logically organized. Patz tackles a vast subject professionally while also making it accessible and entertaining.  A must have for beginners, and a handy reference for the seasoned, it belongs with you in the production office.”
— Karen Powell, Producer

“This book is THE definitive “how-to” guide for the coordination and management of any film or Television production.”
— Peter D. Marshall, First Assistant Director

“A great guide and reference book for anyone wanting to become a production manager, or honing their skills as a production manager.  Lots of time saving tips  and real sense concepts.”
— Eileen Hoeter, Past Chair, Women in Film and Television International (WIFTI)

“…an invaluable tool that deserves a permanent home on the desktop of every single production office everywhere. It is overflowing with brilliant insights, advice, and step by step procedures. It truly is the definitive book of film production management. I end up recommending it to every young filmmaker who asks me for advice.”
— Deb Theaker, Actor/Writer

“I’ve always believed that every film that gets made is a minor miracle. Deb Patz’s invaluable book is a precious and comprehensive guide to help you navigate through so many of the traps and pitfalls that threaten the creation of your miracle.”
— Martin Harbury, Filmmaker, sailor and consultant

“An exhaustive overview of practical knowledge!!!”
— Dan Ochiva, Editor, Millimeter Mag

“This book is like a good friend to anyone working in the film and television production sector.”
— Mireille Watson, President, Entertainment-Media Consulting

“I wish Deb Patz’s book was around when I started as a Producer/Director. I was glad her first edition was there when I was an instructor at the Vancouver Film School. My copy was dog-eared and filled with slips of paper noting dozens of key points that I had to share with my students! Film Production Management 101 was a core text for me.”
— Dan Moscrip, Producer/Director/Instructor

“A comprehensive, hands on, practical guide for both emerging and established filmmakers. An essential addition to both the production office and to post secondary film programs.”
— C. Leaney, Assistant Program Coordinator, Digital Film Production Program, Langara College / Former Producing Instructor, Vancouver Film School

“The most definitive production guide I have ever read.”
— Louis Melville, Producer

“This book covers everything you ever wanted to know about Production Management or Coordination – with all the secrets of the biz and the tricks of the trade.”
— Andra Sheffer, Executive Director, Independent Production Fund

“Deborah prepares you for any situation the PM and PC will encounter throughout the life of a project. From the initial interview to the wrap party, this book guides you on how to be prepared and how to act professionally in every circumstance.”
— Chris Robertson, www.hollywoodwritersblock.com

“A wonderful book which should be extremely helpful to novice low budget independent filmmakers and seasoned professionals alike.”
— Sharon McGowan, Producer