Focal Press and Variety Announce Publishing Partnership

PR Log (Press Release) – Nov 05, 2009 – (Boston, MA, October, 2009) Focal Press is proud to announce a co-publishing agreement with Variety Magazine. The Focal Press - Variety partnership unites two respected voices in the industry to deliver expert guidance on the business of filmmaking to professionals.

Amy Pedersen, Vice President, Marketing, Focal Press, said "I am excited that two companies so rich in film and entertainment history, can partner to produce what I know will be inspiring, reliable, and foundational books on topics that appeal to all levels of professionals within the industry."

“Together, we'll release the best, most current content on the entertainment industry and help our readers develop strategies to navigate all the changes,” said Kimberley Gebbett, Marketing Manager, Variety

The partnership begins this month, with the publication of two new books:

The Business of Media Distribution: Monetizing Film, TV and Video Content in an Online World
AUTHOR: Jeff Ulin
ISBN: 9780240812007
PUB DATE: October 2009
LIST PRICE: US- $34.95 EUR- €20.95 GBP PRICE- £17.99

Written by the insider who headed sales for Lucasfilm across distribution markets and managed the release of Star Wars Episode III, this book provides a unique apprenticeship to the business.  Producers, media execs and students will learn how all related media distribution markets, including television, video and online, work together and independently to finance and maximize profits on productions.
Author Jeff Ulin demystifies how an idea moves from concept to profits, illustrates how distribution quietly dominates an industry otherwise grounded in high profile elements (e.g., production, marketing, creative, finance, law), and explains how online and digital delivery applications are changing the landscape.

Filmmakers and Financing, 6th Edition
AUTHOR: Louise Levison
ISBN: 9780240812526
PUB DATE: October 2009
LIST PRICE: US- $29.95 EUR- €17.95 GBP PRICE- £14.99

The first, most crucial step in making a film is finding the funds to do it. Louise Levison, who wrote the innovative business plan for The Blair Witch Project, shows filmmakers how. The sixth edition contains up-to-date industry data, information on distribution including online and foreign markets, and interviews and case studies with industry veterans.

In jargon-free terms, Levison teaches filmmakers not only how to create a business plan, but also how to avoid common business plan mistakes, in order to attract and secure an investor. A companion web site featuring exercises and spreadsheets get filmmakers comfortable with crunching the numbers.

Contact Bob Dodd for a review copy, author contact information, or electronic material.