First time film-makers, producers and writers will find this Independent Producers' Guide an essential reference tool. The numerous examples of typical legal agreements contained in the book are wide ranging; from the deals that a producer must make at the outset of a project to acquire source rights, through to production and co-production and distribution arrangements for the finished product.

Each agreement is closely annotated with comments and guidelines on how the deals are structured. They provide simple explanations of provisions contained within the agreements, identifying potential pitfalls faced by producers as well as giving general advice.

The accompanying free CD-ROM contains templates of all agreements found in the book. These are intended to be downloaded and tailored for your own use.

Philip Alberstat is Head of Media for Coudert Bros solicitors and was formerly Head of Legal and Business Affairs for Hat Trick Productions and Head of Media and Entertainment of leading law firm, Baker & McKenzie. Philip has worked extensively for companies in the film and broadcasting industries and given advice in relation to many film and television projects including feature films such as Richard III and various television movies, including Princess in Love and Bad Face, and the television series LEXX. He has worked on films such as Naked Lunch, Patriot Games, Such a Long Journey and Beautiful Joe, as well as acting for numerous writers and directors. He is Legal Editor of Channel 21, is on the editorial board of Entertainment Law Review and on the International Advisory Boards of the Toronto International Film Festival and the British Independent Film Awards. He also speaks at seminars and conferences on media-related subjects and lectures in Media The European Film Institute. Philip was the winner of the 1997 HIFALLawyer Award as solicitor of the year.

Ã,· Contains typical real-life contracts with clear, practical explanatory notes for easy understanding

Ã,· Learn first hand from an expert - written by the head of a leading law firm

Ã,· Get free downloadable templates of contracts and agreements on the accompanying CD-Rom