Today's film industry is a legal and financial obstacle course that all independent filmmakers must learn to master. In view of this, "The Biz" - a highly accessible overview of the industry's important business, legal and financial aspect - is a must-read for all filmmakers. It includes thorough explanations and discussions of: film-industry business jargon; raising financing; business structuring; securities laws; budgeting essentials; dealing with the guilds; loans; completion guarantees; the legal and financial ramifications of distribution deals; calculating net profits; film-industry accounting practices and contingent payments; copyright, publicity, and trademark laws; screen credits; talent demands; litigation problems; bankruptcy; taxation of film companies; and, the Internet distribution of film ...and much more. It also includes a dozen useful sample forms and agreements.