Included are valuable resources such as the "Filmmaker Self-Defense Check List," outlining the basic legal pitfalls of fundraising and distribution, and a "Check List for Investors," preparing money-gathering filmmakers for the questions they will inevitably face from potential backers. Also included is contact information for countries and states that have "incentive programs" to bring film dollars to their locales.

Independent filmmakers who want to put their budgets on the screen rather than in an attorney's pocket and who want to get their films sold should own Risky Business, read it before gearing up for production, and consult it frequently to make sure that all the correct legal steps are being taken. Though it does not tout itself as a replacement for legal counsel, Risky Business will surely answer many questions for first-time—and experienced—filmmakers and reduce hours spent on the phone with an attorney."

Ben Rock, Backstage West - July 1, 2004

"To eliminate mistakes and improve their changes of success, novice filmmakers and others may want to obtain a copy of Litwak's new book, _Risky Business: Financing and Distributing Independent Films_. This book was written primarily for "talented young writers and filmmakers" who may not understand intellectual property law and, thus, may make mistakes "that could easily be avoided." While the book's focus may seem fairly narrow, it actually covers a lot of important intellectual property law topics and related business issues....

While obviously focused on people working in the film industry, the book covers a lot of basic corporate and legal topics, and, thus, may be useful and interesting to anyone who needs to establish a business, negotiate capital formation issues, and handle distribution systems. Moreover, the book's sample documents, checklists, legal commentary, practice tips, Web site descriptions, tabular comparisons, contact information, and other materials should more than justify the 'price of admission.'

As noted above, the book includes a number of useful sample documents. For instance, as part of the preface and before the first chapter, the book provides a very informative seventeen-step 'self-defense checklist,' which lists 'some of the most important ways filmmakers can protect their interests.' In addition, the book's appendices provide a delivery checklist, a sample certificate of origin, a sample statement of prior distribution, a sample statement of distribution restrictions and obligations, a checklist to assist in drafting an acquisition/distribution agreement, and a sample copyright security agreement. These documents would be helpful to anyone trying to negotiate an independent film project."

Thomas J. Griffith, Intellectual Property Counselor - September 2004