I WANNA BE A PRODUCER or How to Make a Killing on Broadway… or Get Killed – John Breglio (Applause Books – ISBN: 978-1-4950-4516-5)
John Breglio really knows his stuff and so he should – he’s been working for more than 40 years in the entertainment business as both a lawyer and a producer.
This book really grabbed my attention as I used to work for a theatre producer in London for over six years and I am very au fait with the workings of the production machine. So, it was extremely interesting to see the differences that apply over the Atlantic.
Breglio points out at the very beginning that this isn’t a ‘kiss and tell’ book – no huge intrigues etc will be uncovered, but there are just enough little insights into particular productions and producers to keep the attention of the reader.
Details of what a producer is responsible for (basically the whole kit and caboodle!) from the early days of finding a subject, securing the rights, constructing royalty pools, putting a team together, finding the money, auditioning, casting, rehearsals, finding a theatre, previews, opening night, right up to prolonging a run and doing the whole thing over again when it’s time tp either tour the production or send it abroad.
I just could not put this book down. I kept thinking ‘one more chapter and then I’ll go to sleep’ but no. Thank you Mr Breglio for all those sleepless nights trying to close your book until the next day!
Since Breglio is an American and the book deals mainly with American laws, you may think it not worthwhile reading it if you are in the UK, for example. You would be wrong. Pitfalls are pitfalls no matter where you live, and many of the details included in this book I knew all too well.
I can’t recommend this book enough. It is written in a style that throws any idea of academic-style writing out the window. It is as if the author is sitting in the room letting you in on all the ups and downs you could be facing if you decide to go down the production route.
I would also advise actors, musicians, costume designers and technical staff to read this book. Many people have the Hollywood vision of what a producer is and what they do or don’t do. The truth is out there – it’s in Mr Breglio’s brilliant book.
Nick Wakeham
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