Publications

Jeanette B. Milio's Entertainment Finance Today is widely regarded as one of the premier guides to financing, producing, and distributing film and television content.

 

This comprehensive book explores the financial intricacies of the entertainment industry, offering a detailed breakdown of each stage in the motion picture value chain—from development to profit participation—while emphasizing the financial impact at every step.

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An invaluable resource for both newcomers and seasoned professionals, Entertainment Finance Today provides practical insights and strategies for navigating the complex financial landscape of film and television production.

 

Recognized as one of the top five must-read books for investors, producers, and industry professionals, it is essential reading for anyone looking to maximize profits from film and television projects.

 

Key Topics Covered:

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1. Industry Overview:

   • An analysis of the Hollywood entertainment landscape, contrasting major studio models with independent film approaches.

   • Discussion on recent shifts in the industry and their financial impacts.

   • Understand what projects get green-lit in today's marketplace.

2. Distribution:

   • Insights into various distribution methods, including theatrical releases, international licensing, and streaming platforms.

   • Strategies to align distribution channels to enhance a project's profitability.

   • Optimizing distribution options for your film or TV series.

3. Financing:

   • Detailed exploration of available financing options for producers, such as equity investments, debt financing, and pre-sales.

   • Guidance on combining different financial sources to create a balanced and effective financing plan.

   • How to optimize your finance plan to generate revenues

4. Non-Recoupable Financing:

   • Examination of funding sources that do not require repayment, including production incentives, brand integrations, crowdfunding, and in-kind services.

   • Discussion on how these sources can reduce financial risk and optimize profits.

   • Understand what "free money" is available to you and your film/series project today

5. Project Development:

   • Steps to identify and develop commercially viable projects, from securing rights to attaching talent and feasible budgeting.

   • Emphasis on packaging and talent attachment to enhance project value.

   • How to choose an idea that sells in today's marketplace.

6. Market Analysis:

   • Understanding the current global marketplace for content and adapting projects to meet shifting demands.

   • Strategies to protect revenue streams and ensure project feasibility.

   • Understand how you optimize license revenues with buyers (=studios, streamers, network stations, etc.) today.

7. Cost Management:

   • Balancing production expenses with potential revenues to maximize profitability.

   • Identifying areas to reduce costs without compromising production quality and implementing risk mitigation strategies.

   • How to ensure your budget from cost overruns.

8. Revenue Streams and Profit Participation:

   • Clarification of revenue sources and their application towards expenses and profit sharing.

   • Structuring business plans to attract investors and ensure a meaningful return on investment.

   • How to make sure you generate profits for investors, talent, and producers.

9. Essential Agreements and Terms:

   • In-depth look at crucial contractual terms in production, financing, and distribution agreements.

   • Risk mitigation through protective clauses and ensuring transparency in profit distribution.

   • ​Understand important and essential items and conditions in connection with financing, production and distribution.

 

The book "Entertainment Finance Today" also serves as the primary text for Jeanette B. Milio's UCLA Extension course, "Entertainment Financing: From First $ to Distribution of Profits. " This course mirrors the book's content, offering a structured curriculum that guides students through the financial aspects of the motion picture value chain, emphasizing the implications of financial decisions at each stage.

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Author Jeanette B. Milio has conducted hundreds of webinars and seminars on financing, production, and global content distribution. Explore a selection of on-demand and upcoming live courses.

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