This practical guide addresses the needs of aspiring, beginning and veteran independent producers, as well as film students. The author covers such topics as sources of money, ways to structure financing, subsidiary rights sales, negotiating contracts, grants, and how to cut costs. The book includes many specific examples from independently-financed films that have been commercially successful, and worksheets to help the filmmaker in analysis and planning. Using John Searle's Liliana as a case study, the author illustrates all the intricacies of the business side of filmmaking.