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Film Production Management 101

FILM PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT 101 - by Deborah Patz

3rd Edition: Production Management and Coordination in an Era of the Respectful Workplace and Sustainable Practices

Film Production Management 101 is two books in one: a detailed insider’s guide for Production Managers (PMs) and another one for Production Coordinators (PCs). With an entertaining and “nuts and bolts” approach, Deb Patz takes you on a journey from prep to post and on to the audit with invaluable 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. The third edition has been fully updated in 2025 for working in a respectful workplace and using sustainable production practices.

Your personal production mentor-in-a-book, Film Production Management 101 is an entertaining read… an essential manual… and required or recommended reading at film schools.

Click here to read a sample of the 2nd Edition (including the Table of Contents) at Scribd

 

The 3rd Edition is coming to bookstores and online in January 2025, but you can pre-order now. or buy now directly from the publisher Michael Wiese Productions.

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What people say about "Film Production Management 101"

How To Film School lists "Film Production Management 101" on the of best filmmaking books ever written: "Deborah Patz' Film Production Management 101 and her previous book Surviving Production were adopted as the essential road map to the business and logistics of on-the-job film and television production. These books where originally developed from practical tools that Patz created for film and television career. The book includes everything from budgeting, managing the production office, script revisions, cost reporting, publicity and more. This is a must own for filmmakers of all levels!"

Book Authority reports that it's #1 of the 11 Best Selling Production Management eBooks of all time.

Of the many university and colleges that include "Film Production Management 101" as required or recommended reading, Media Business Institute publishes their recommended reading list (including PM101) and notes that the book is: "'the essential road map to the business and logistics of on-the-job production."

PM101 3rd edition by Deb Patz

Publisher: MWP Books
Available in: Paperback, eBook
ISBN-10: 1932907777
ISBN-13: 978-1932907773
3rd Edition Published: January 2025
(available directly from publisher in December 2024)

PM101 at mwp.com PM101 at Amazon.com PM101 at Amazon.ca PM101 at various places

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

“A vital reference guide for anyone aspiring to be a filmmaker.”
— Nancy Welsh, Production Manager

“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

“This is such an impressive new edition. The new chapter, Managing People, addresses the trickiest part of the job. This book should be on every filmmaker's wish list.”
Kat Montagu, Co-Head of Film Production, Vancouver Film School, and Producer

“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

FILM PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT 101 - by Deborah Patz

2nd Edition: Management and Coordination in a Digital Age (Chinese Edition)

Published in 2023, the first non-English edition!

FILM PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT 101 - by Deborah Patz

2nd Edition: Management and Coordination in a Digital Age

Published by MWP Books in 2010, this edition was comprehensive update to address the digitization of the film & TV industry.

PM101 2nd Ed book by Deb Patz

FILM PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT 101 - by Deborah Patz

1st Edition: The Ultimate Guide for Film and Television Production Management and Coordination

Published by MWP Books in 2002, this edition was the first book to take an in-depth look at both the role of the Production Manager and Production Coordinator.

PM101 1st Ed by Deb Patz
PM101 pencil

More accolades about "Film Production Management 101"

“When I dove into film full time in the early '80s, this book would have saved over a decade of learning by trial and error and more than a few embarrassing moments. For all aspiring film management people, arm yourself with this up-to-date, incredibly comprehensive and accessible book.”
— Raymond Massey, Producer

“Production Management 101 offers a realistic perspective on the job of the PM. Its broad coverage leaves very little untouched and provides a good launch pad for the aspiring PM.”
— Warren Carr, Production Manager

“Deb Patz is a true visionary for writing such a comprehensible book on production management. This book is easily understood by my grade 12 students who are transitioning to post-secondary film studies. The contents of this book have significantly enhanced their understanding of the real world of filmmaking, putting them miles ahead of others aspiring to be film creators. The book serves as a valuable reality check for both aspiring and established filmmakers. It is indeed a great work of art.”
— Tony Papa, Filmmaker, Educator PRDFS

“With the third edition of "Film Production Management 101," Deborah Patz continues to lead the way in production management education. This edition not only embraces the ever-evolving digital landscape but also pioneers crucial discussions on sustainability and creating respectful workplaces. On a personal note, Patz's work remains a trusted resource globally, celebrated for its clarity, relevance, and practical wisdom. This updated edition is poised to inspire and equip the next generation of filmmakers, ensuring that Patz's legacy of excellence in film production management endures.”
— Shelly Quade, Talent Programs Manager, Whistler Film Festival

“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