Today's film industry is a legal and financial obstacle course that independent film-makers must learn to master. the most comprehensive guide to negotiating that obstacle course is 'The Biz', a highly accessible overview of the industry's important business, legal and financial aspects. Filled with industry-savvy advice, it clearly explains: Raising financing; Business structuring securities laws; Budgeting essentials dealing with the guilds loans; Completion guarantees distribution deals calculating net profits; In-industry accounting practices and contingent payments; Copyright, publicity, and trademark laws; Screen credits and talent demands; Litigation problems; Bankruptcy; Taxation of film companies; Internet distribution of films; Film-industry business jargon ... and much more. The book also includes a dozen useful sample forms and agreements. This 4th Edition comprehensively updates all chapters.