CREATIVE PRODUCING: A Pitch-to-Picture Guide to Movie Development was inspired by the undergraduate class Carol taught in the Film and Television Production Division at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. Her background in New York publishing laid the groundwork for her transition to Hollywood. The book includes personal stories about Carol’s career: the hirings and firings, the horrible bosses she worked for, the movies and TV she loves, and a close look at many of the 34 movies she produced. Her writer husband Tom contributed a chapter about writing. The book was published by Allworth, a division of Skyhorse, on October 3rd, 2023.
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“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
“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
“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
“This book should become a classic for every single film student. It’s so easy to read and… so loving about the business… Every film student in the world should buy it.” ––Howard Rosenman, Producer, Call Me by Your Name, Common Threads: Stories from the Quilt
“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
“It’s extremely hard to grasp the depth and breadth of the work producers do to get their projects made. [Creative Producing] managed to do it in an extremely accessible and entertaining way that should engage film students as well as people who are interested in how movies are created… it’s going to be must-have reading for those who want to be producers or simply want to understand more about the process of making films or TV shows.” ––Jane Goldenring, Producer, My First Mister
“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