Creative Producing: A Pitch-to-Picture Guide to Movie Development

While many producing books focus on budgets, schedules, and logistics, Creative Producing explores one of the most overlooked aspects of filmmaking — developing a project from its earliest idea into a production-ready film.

Drawing on decades of Hollywood experience, producer Carol Baum offers an honest and practical insight into the creative producer's role, guiding readers through pitching, script development, packaging projects, working with directors and actors, and navigating the relationships that shape successful productions. Carol Baum has produced more than 30 films, including Father of the Bride, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and The Good Girl, and also teaches producing at the USC School of Cinematic Arts.

What makes this book particularly valuable is its focus on the decisions that happen before production begins. It demonstrates that producing is not simply about managing a film — it's about recognising great stories, developing strong creative partnerships, and guiding projects from an initial idea to a completed motion picture.

Whether you're producing your first short film or preparing a feature, this book provides practical knowledge, industry insight, and inspiration from one of Hollywood's most experienced creative producers.