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Carol Baum is a movie and TV producer with 34 movies to her credit.

A former Vice President at 20th Century Fox and Co-President of Sandollar Productions, a company founded by Dolly Parton and Sandy Gallin, Carol has been a successful independent producer for decades.

Carol’s specialty is helping writers early in their careers. David O. Russell, Noah Baumbach, and Mike White are writers she championed. With the many newcomers she’s mentored, her emphasis is on instilling a work ethic, which includes organizational skills, networking, and keeping abreast of current trends and buyers’ needs.

CREATIVE PRODUCING CLASS

Carol is starting a small Creative Producing class (5–10 people) for anyone who wants a true inside look at how the film business actually works. The class will cover script development, packaging, pitching, and how to deal with agents and executives. The course will include practical advice, based on the teacher’s extensive experience as a studio executive, and the expertise gained from producing 34 movies, and teaching at AFI and USC for 15 years. Ideal for writers, aspiring producers, and industry assistants ready to level up.
 
The class will take place over 4 weeks (once per week), beginning March 10th. Sessions will be 2 hours in the evening and will meet in-person at Carol’s office in Beverly Hills. Cost is $250 total for all four sessions. If interested, please contact prodscbaum@gmail.com for more information on the selection process.

 

CREATIVE PRODUCING: A PITCH-TO-PICTURE GUIDE TO MOVIE DEVELOPMENT

Carol’s book, Creative Producing, was published by Allworth, a division of Skyhorse, on October 3rd, 2023.

Go behind the scenes with the producer of Father of the Bride, Dead Ringers, and The Good Girl to learn all the skills necessary to be a Hollywood producer

As former co-president of Dolly Parton and Sandy Gallin’s production company, Sandollar, and as a successful independent producer, Carol Baum is an expert in the art of film production. Creative Producing provides a crash course in the often-misunderstood producer’s role and the many skills needed to survive and thrive in Hollywood. The book serves as a mentorship for anyone who wants to learn about the intricacies of development: how to write coverage, pitching, packaging, working with directors and actors, how to get the money, how to sell the finished product, whether to partner, and how to have a life while you’re doing all of this. Enhanced with behind-the-scenes stories from Baum’s career, and including a chapter of screenwriting advice suggested by her writer husband Tom Baum, Creative Producing offers an intimate look behind the Hollywood curtain to give film students, cinephiles, aspiring executives, and industry insiders a must-have guide to understanding the film business from successful pitch to hit picture.

ORDER NOW:
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Skyhorse Publishing

 

“Carol is one of the most decent, capable, and talented people I’ve ever worked with. She was the heart and soul of my company Sandollar during the years that she was with us.” ––Dolly Parton

“Carol Baum was the first real producer who saw my potential as a creator. She has always been one of the most astute, wise, kind, funny and indefatigable producers in our business and working with her was a total pleasure.” ––Mike White, Writer/Director, The White Lotus, The Good Girl

“For a director, Carol Baum is a dream producer. She champions your vision, has your back when crises arise, offers astute feedback, and makes every member of the team feel valued. Most importantly, after having produced successful features in every genre over many decades, Carol remains as passionate about movies as ever.” ––Ken Kwapis, Director, He’s Just Not That Into You, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, The Larry Sanders Show, The Office

“I have yet to meet a sharper or more knowledgeable producer. I was in good hands with Carol Baum; you will be, too.” ––Andy Breckman, Writer/Producer, Monk, Rat Race, I.Q.

“We wrote You Kill Me as a writing sample, honestly never dreaming it would get made. Carol Baum knew better than we did. She made our non-dream a splendid reality.” ––Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely, Writers/Producers, Avengers: Endgame, The Gray Man, You Kill Me

“Carol Baum is all in on the creative process of filmmaking. Completely committed to her team, and like all good leaders she knows when to step in and also when to step back and let the process find its own rhythm. Having worked with her in production and development, her understanding of story and writing is one of her strongest suits. In a sometimes ruthless business it’s reassuring to know that you have a true pro like Carol in your corner.” ––John Dahl, Director, The Last Seduction, You Kill Me, Ray Donovan, Yellowstone

“Carol Baum is a fantastic producer who understands filmmakers and storytelling and cinema as well as the ways to get films made and distributed.” ––David O. Russell, Writer/Director, Silver Linings Playbook, American Hustle

“Anybody and everybody would gain from Carol’s wide-ranging experience and knowledge. I myself have had the pleasure of working with her and speak from personal experience.” ––Larry Turman, Producer, The Graduate; Author of So You Want to Be a Producer; former Chair of USC’s Peter Stark Producing Program for 30 years

“What does it take to be a success in this crazy business? Don’t ask me. I just work here. But I know someone who can fill you in on it all… Carol Baum. She has taste, talent, know-how, and a lifetime of experience as a successful working producer. So, crack this thing open and let her show you the ropes.” ––Harvey Fierstein, Actor/Writer, Kinky Boots, Torch Song Trilogy, Hairspray, Tidy Endings

“Were I just starting out, I would kiss your feet for providing this wonderful and insightful road map. To say it’s informative would be a gross understatement, as I can’t think of a single aspect of the business your book doesn’t cover!” ––Lewis Colick, Writer, October Sky, Ladder 49, Flamin’ Hot

“The book is wonderful. If I were interested in becoming a producer, or even just curious about what a producer does, I can’t think of a better way of learning what the job is… The substantive knowledge is invaluable, and the breadth and specificity of the practical tips are remarkable. What a fabulous introduction to Hollywood 101!” ––Paul Hirsch, Editor, Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Mission: Impossible

“Marvelous… ate it all up… completely entertaining and engaging throughout… and I’ve read ’em all. Your book is fresh and up-to-the-minute, really useful and necessary and informative/insightful on every page; a compendium of wise and memorable advice. The stories blend beautifully into the mix; honest assessments of some very difficult players.” ––Lem Dobbs, Writer, Dark City, The Limey, The Score

“I wish I had the chance to read it when I first came to Hollywood, since your notes about pitching are so valuable. I enjoyed every page of it and hope that thousands will get a chance to, too.” ––Jim McBride, Director

“I love it so much. It’s such a generous gift to the young and aspiring producer. It was wildly entertaining and, in moments, very poignant and inspiring. I’m sure people will read this book for years to come. It should become a perennial.” ––Curtis Burch, Producer

“It is a great encyclopedia of sage advice. You show how Hollywood can operate as a cordial and even humane enterprise. That’s the joy which you wonderfully share in your insightful and always inspiring stories.” ––Robert McMinn, Development Executive, Writer

“Why wasn’t this book available when I was starting out? The book is so practical and logical that it ought to be required reading.” ––John Maas, Writer

 

PRODUCED BY CAROL BAUM

Here’s a partial list of Carol’s credits, including those financed by studios (Fox, Disney, Sony), as well as movies financed independently: