pm101 – Page 2 – Deborah S. Patz

Nov142013

Film Gifts Can Last A Lifetime

Christmas decorations are filling stores and websites. Catalogues of all types are arriving for perusing both typical and unusual gift ideas. How fun to see what’s been invented or written this year! The season of giving approaches.

When it comes to the gifts we give, we want them to be both thoughtful and meaningful. Though we give for the season, we want the gift’s spirit to last long beyond the days of the winter holidays. Know the saying about “give a man a fish vs. teach him how to fish”? How about a book that helps to teach a new career or new skills? Now there’s a gift that can affect a lifetime!

In that spirit, peruse on over to the MWP online bookshop/catalogue of film industry books at: http://www.mwp.com. What skills and inspiration might you be looking to share this season?

My own book (at: http://shop.mwp.com/products/film-production-management-101) covers the entire production process from the POV of the Coordinator and Manager – the folk who know everyone at the wrap party because they’ve been involved in everything along the way.

On MWP, you’ll also find some new, enhanced eBooks, and discover that MWP now takes Paypal to make purchases online-easy for you.

For added interaction and news, drop by the MWP Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/mwpfilmbooks) to keep up on events and specials.

Happy holiday shopping and a good shoot to you,
Deb

Nov162012

Gifting Film Books… The FB Preparation

Books for Christmas…they’re great to give and to receive, don’t you think? Film books especially! Well, in that case… have you “liked” MWP books on Facebook yet? I just found out that this season my publisher is going to be having special holiday discounts and daily specials – but only for those who have already “liked” the page:

http://www.facebook.com/mwpfilmbooks

… and in the meantime, surf by the MWP online catelogue to preview ideas and start a wish list: http://www.mwp.com

All the best & a good shoot to you,
Deb

Jul272012

Teaching “The Biz”

We say “the biz” or “the business” when we mean to say “the film industry” or “show business”. Funny how we shorten it to refer only the “business” portion instead of the “film” or “show” portion when we are so proud that it’s a creative industry! Just goes to show you how important business activities are in this creative industry.

Look at the credits and you’ll see Producers, Executive Producers, Line Producers, Production Managers, Production Supervisors, Associate Producers, Production Coordinators, and more. All business folk covering different business aspects of the production. My book Film Production Management 101 was written to cover the business logistics side of the industry primarily for the PM and PC.

Because it’s hard to emulate real-life business situations in a school setting, I’ve just written a course outline based on my book including recommended activities and assignments to dynamically learn how to manage the logistics of production. I mean, how do you simulate the issues that arise when cost reporting a real production with real money being spent while in a school setting with equipment and labour already donated? Having designed and taught numerous seminars, courses and workshops over the years, I’m sure this course outline will help those in “the biz” of film education design and teach essential business skills for the next generation of filmmakers.

If you’re in the business of teaching film skills, download the course outline for free at MWP Books:

Film Production Management 101 – Course Outline
http://www.mwp.com/filmschool/database/resources/PM101/PM101-Course-Outline-2012.doc

Cheers & a good shoot (or cost report!) to you,
Deb

Jul212012

The Future of Story – Chicago (8-Aug-12)

I have a production jacket from a sci-fi I worked on that declares: “The Future Is“… but the jacket never identified what the future was! Although I guess it means that the future is here and now.

Well, in Chicago on August 8, I’m on a panel for the conference “The Future of Story – Chicago” and will naturally be talking about the business of filmmaking. It’s going to be an information-packed set of panels for real concentrated learning on screenwriting, the business and pitching, plus some crazy discounts on MWP Books too. Last year it was in LA, so if you’re in the Chicago area, this year it’s your opportunity to attend locally! I very much hope to see you there.

For more info see the conference’s FB page or Event page:

http://www.facebook.com/TheFutureOfStory

http://www.facebook.com/events/328763390542729/

And for even more info, and to reserve a seat go to:

http://www.chicagohollywood.com/

See you in Chicago! In the meantime…

Cheers & a good shoot to you,
Deb

May272011

Live Deb vs Virtual Deb

Today I’m at Theatrebooks in Toronto with my latest book “Film Production Management 101“! Oh boy!

Since I’ve spoken at a number of places over the years, in honour of today’s event – and for those of you who are not in the Toronto area – I thought I’d gather together links to some of the articles I’ve written over the years:

Budgets: Use a Template or Write From Scratch
(at MWP Virtual Film School)
I discuss 3 factors to help you sort out the dilemma.

7 Things Writers Need To Know About Production Budgets
(part of the Expert Series at the Writers Store)
Though written for specfically for writers, PMs… and the rest of the crew should know these elements too.

To Volunteer or Not To Volunteer – as a Production Manager
(at MWP Virtual Film School)
I talk about 5 times when volunteering is a good thing, and 2 times when it’s not.

I’m very much looking forward to meeting and re-meeting fans, friends and family at Theatrebooks today! If you’re in the neighbourhood, come on by! See you starting at 5:30pm…

Cheers,
Deb

Apr82011

Deb Patz Interviewed on Movie Beat

Have you been to Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat at www.rexsikes.com?

I was interviewed by Rex this past week where we discussed the differences between a PM, Coordinator, Producer and Line Producer, talked about the development vs preproduction, and a host of other PM-related and production topics. Not really a place to go to listen for a few minutes… because the interview was an hour long (as are all his interviews)!

Still, when you have the time, peruse the interview archives. You’ll find directors, producers, actors… everything film. Since the interviews are recorded live and unedited, it’s really like being there with the host and with Rex. A unique opportunity.

My interview is at: http://bit.ly/g13GQU

Cheers & happy listening,
Deb

– – – – – – – – – –

Do you know about Deb’s appearance in Toronto and the “Toronto Area PM101 Facebook Challenge (for a free book)“? To learn more, click here: http://on.fb.me/hEdmNg

Tag: pm101