A great Presentation Book equals a great business plan.

Ok, what's a Presentation Book? What does it look like? Who sees it? Basically it is the film producer's business plan. It outlines the many aspects of the production. From the screenplay to every part of the production. Including any marketable attachments.

What's it look like? It's usually contained in a three ring binder. Divided in a table of contents depicting how the producer envisions the film's production.

View Website Video Introduction

Who generally sees a Presentation Book? In its early stages, it can be used to secure attachments. Maybe a marketable talent will become interested if they like the screenplay? Maybe a distributor will come on board after the talent signs on, but for the little producer, the main person who views the presentation is a prospective investor.

In the following paragraphs, I have listed, with a small description, a few chapters that could make up a Presentation Book. It's important to remember that all parts may not apply to each producer's production ideas. The most important thing about any producer's presentation is no matter what, TELL THE TRUTH!

The Project: The Project simply tells the reader what they are about to read. It gives a small overview about the story and the people involved.

The Story: Is a one page synopsis where the writer and producer hope to entice the reader to not only view the business aspects but to also read the script. Feel the writer's passion for their story. Please don't forget your screenwriting synopsis is all about selling a screenplay. The center piece of any Presentation Book.

Location Photos: If the script was written with a particular location in mind, it never hurts to provide a visual. Make sure to include what scenes relate to particular photos.

The Script: Not hard to explain. Put the most recent script in the book. If presenting to anyone outside the industry make sure the reader knows how to read a script. How it is different from reading a novel.

The Company or Executive Profiles: If a company or a particular person has been chosen to produce, this is where you put their information including credits. Why they are involved. How they envision the production.

The Production: Here you provide the reader with your ideas of the actual production. What you will do to ensure you remain on budget and within the shooting schedule. Little ways to make your little production look larger.

Full Shooting Schedule: This gives the reader a specific breakdown for every day of shooting. Where you will be. What time you will be there. What scenes you are shooting.

Talent Days: This is basically the same as the Full Shooting Schedule,but it only deals with talent. It gives the scenes and also includes what talent is required. Of equal importance, if the production is a go, this information is critical to the talent. From the Talent Days, they know when they are needed and what scenes will be shot. Truly helps with their preparation.

Cast: Pretty simple. This is your cast defined by each character. Again back to visual, it is a good idea to include fresh headshots. If any kind of marketable talent is attached, it is a good idea to include a Letter of Interest.

Crew: Like Cast, here is where you list the members of your crew with their credits. Make sure to emphasize any Crew members recent work on any major production.

Budget: There are really two types of budgets you can provide, a Budget Summary or a Detailed Budget. A Budget Summary is one page with figures by department. The Detailed Budget includes the Budget Summary but also gives a detailed account of how each department figures were reached.

Distribution: If you have a Distribution Contract, provide the specifics with contact information for varification. If you don't have a Distribution Contract, then give your ideas of distribution. What you plan to do. Name some distributors you plan to contact and why.

Finally, if you are going to prepare a Presentation Book make sure to only include those aspects you can defend with specific information. Remember, you are telling the production ideas through your eyes. Show your passion not only for the script but for the production itself.

From Presentation Book to Movie Financing