The Business of Television

"“Ken knows where the money is hiding in Hollywood, and this book teaches you how to find it. It’s an indispensable resource and a fascinating read for insiders and lookie-loos alike.” ―Matthew Belloni, Founding Partner of Puck; former Editorial Director of The Hollywood Reporter “Ken Basin is equal parts lawyer, historian, and oracle. The second edition of The Business of Television is a skillful summary of the history of the TV business and an insightful map of its future: a definitive resource on how to understand the industry we work in today, and prepare ourselves for whatever happens tomorrow.” ―Chris Corabi, President of Business & Legal Affairs of Annapurna “Ken Basin’s book is a brilliantly written encyclopedic treatise on every aspect of the television business, and a valuable asset to both seasoned professionals and newcomers to the field.” ―Jim Gianopulos, Former Chairman & CEO of Paramount Pictures and 20th Century Fox “Ken’s masterful new edition is destined to become the touchstone for anybody who wants a thorough, thoughtful, and expert explanation of the current state of the scripted U.S. TV business. Accessible and clear, it’s a pleasure to read.” ―Cliff Gilbert-Lurie, Co-Manager Partner of Zifrren Brittenham LLP “Ken Basin is the professor of television, and The Business of Television is the go-to resource trusted by professionals across the industry. This new edition is both history and how-to for the streaming era, reflecting Ken’s particular knack for understanding and respecting the perspectives of companies and creatives alike.” ―Tara Kole, Founding Partner of Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole, LLP ""This second book by Ken Basin is a Herculean effort and result. It provides a remarkable in depth but very understandable overview and analysis of deal making and related issues in the US television industry. I highly recommend the book for both those looking to work in this industry in any capacity, as well as those who already are so engaged."" ―Jared Levine, Partner at Yorn Levine Barnes Krintzman Rubenstein Kohner Endlich, Goodell & Gellman “An illuminating journey through the ever-evolving landscape of television and streaming, written by a true insider. This newly updated edition is a must-read for anyone seeking to navigate this dynamic industry with clarity and foresight.” ―Philip Matthys, Head of Business Affairs of Apple TV+ “This book is on the desk of every respected television executive in the business. Ken has written the definitive guide to the ever-changing TV business, a must-read for anyone that wants to work in any aspect of the television industry.” ―Jenna Santoianni, President of MRC Television “The second edition of The Business of Television again offers great insights and up-to-date detail on the inner working of the television industry, but it also ranges beyond conventional updates in its ambition to predict, and even prescribe, intriguing pathways for the healthy future of our industry.” ―Dan Scharf, Global Head of Business Operations of Amazon Studios “There is no better guide to navigate the rapidly changing TV business with than Ken’s newest edition here—an opportunity to look back, observe the current, and chart the next course. Not many people in the TV business go beyond the layer of information needed to be competent; with this primer, Ken offers you an opportunity to innovate and thrive!” ―Jesse Sisgold, President & Chief Operating Officer of Skydance Media and Chairman of Skydance Sports “The second edition of Ken Basin’s The Business of Television is an essential resource for everyone from the industry newbie to the seasoned pro. Deeply researched and eloquently delivered, Ken offers a practical guide to navigating today’s evolving world of television and media with insight into industry trends and practices, the nuts and bolts of entertainment finance, and a crib sheet for pragmatic dealmaking. Every single executive, representative, and creative person has something to gain from this book!” ―David W. Stone, Co-Founder of TFC Management and TFC Productions “It’s no small feat for Ken Basin to keep up with the rapid changes in TV dealmaking, but this second edition proves he’s more than up to the task. Which is good, because it’s going to take many more editions to chronicle an industry far from done evolving.” ―Andrew Wallenstein, President & Chief Media Analyst of Variety Intelligence Platform; former Co-Editor-in-Chief of Variety “Ken Basin is the mad genius of the TV business—the man who knows how to make the deals that make television. And his book is just like him—brilliant, perceptive, forthright, thoughtful, innovative, and deeply human. Anyone working in television, from the fresh- faced assistant to the flighty creative (hi!) to the seasoned exec, will find it useful, insightful, revelatory, inspiring.” ―Brian Yorkey, Creator and Showrunner of 13 Reasons Why and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright of Next to Normal “Ken has once again contributed a valuable tool to our industry, written with insight, experience and humor. Everyone from industry newcomers to experienced executives, inside and outside the realm of business affairs, will find something new and valuable to take away from this book.” ―Carmi Zlotnik, President of Television of Legendary Entertainment Praise for the First Edition “Ken Basin has a talent for explaining the TV industry in a way that makes sense to lawyers and laypeople alike. The Business of Television is the essential reference guide for creative professionals.” ―Josh Berman, Writer and Executive Producer; Creator, Notorious, Drop Dead Diva, The Mob Doctor, and others “As a practicing lawyer, producer and now professor teaching film artists, this book is a wonderful combination of real workplace knowledge with an understanding of how the television industry functions; an accessible and brilliant book.” ―Barbara Boyle, Associate Dean, Entrepreneurship and Special Initiatives, UCLA School of Theatre, Film, and Television “Ken Basin has created a timely and unique book that perfectly balances a big-picture view of the dynamic television industry with practical details about its business and legal processes. This is an essential reference source for anyone studying or engaging in professional activities related to television production and distribution for all media platforms.” ―Stuart Brotman, Alvin and Sally Beaman Professor of Journalism and Media Law, Enterprise, and Leadership; Nonresident Senior Fellow in the Government Studies Program, Center for Technology Innovation, The Brookings Institution “I never knew how much of the television business I didn’t know until I read this book! This is THE comprehensive how-to manual on the business.” ―Jamie Erlicht, Head of Worldwide Video Programming, Apple TV+ “A masterful job! Basin provides a readable and comprehensive guide to the uninitiated, while offering knowledgeable insiders a valuable and incisive analysis of this ever-evolving industry.” ―Bert Fields (1929–2022), Entertainment Attorney; Partner, Greenberg Glusker Fields Claman & Machtinger LLP “In The Business of Television, Ken has found a way to encapsulate the knowledge that has taken me 40 years in the industry to learn. If every producer, manager, agent and lawyer in our industry took the time to read Ken’s book and really invest in understanding each step in the process of making a great TV show, we could all save a lot of time and pain.” ―Steve Golin (1955–2019), Founder and CEO, Anonymous Content LLP “This book would not make a good TV show. It is, however, about as comprehensive and readable a guide to how television gets made as you can find. I’ll admit, after over a quarter of a century in the business, there are things in here I didn’t know. With an insider’s perspective and a lawyer’s clarity, Ken Basin lays it all out (even the technical stuff). It is an essential reference book, both dictionary and encyclopedia, for anyone interested in the serious business of television.” ―Chris Keyser, Writer and Executive Producer; Creator/Showrunner, Party of Five, The Society “This is the book I have been waiting for . . . highly readable and forward looking, providing a coherent overview with enough specifics to be of genuine practical value, delivered from the inside perspective of a scholarly television executive currently working at the highest level.” ―Nick La Terza, Adjunct Professor and Lecturer in Law, UCLA School of Law, University of Miami Law School, and UCI Law School; Partner with law firm The Point Media; Former Senior Legal/Business Executive for Largo Entertainment, New World Pictures, and Alliance Atlantis Entertainment “With The Business of Television, Ken Basin has created a powerful tool for people of all levels of experience in the television business. In an industry where the rules are being re-written daily, Ken has found a clear through-line that delivers a foundation of knowledge that you can use to jump in and begin to re-write the rules yourself.” ―Chris Parnell, Senior TV Programming Executive, Apple TV+; former Co-President, Sony Pictures Television Studios “In the fast-changing environment of the television business, it’s never been more important to understand how things are, how they used to be, and where they are going next. This book covers all you need to truly grasp the business of making great TV.” ―Amy Powell, Head of Entertainment Marketing, Amazon Studios; former President, Paramount Television Studios “EVERYONE hates Business Affairs people—but NO ONE hates Ken Basin. That’s because he’s smart, honest, and helpful, and because he behaves with honor. Turns out he writes that way, too. I thank him for explaining the future to me.” ―Billy Ray, Writer, Director, and Executive Producer; screenwriter of The Hunger Games, Captain Phillips, Shattered Glass, and others “Ken Basin has given us a great primer in the nuts and bolts of the rapidly evolving television business—told with insight, brevity, and wit. Basin’s experience on both sides of the buyer/seller equation really shows through, and makes this book a valuable tool for anyone who wants to understand the business side of the shows we love to watch.” ―Dan Scharf, Global Head of Business Operations, Amazon Studios “It takes a keen analytic mind and experienced dealmaker like Ken Basin to craft this indispensable guide to anyone looking to navigate the increasingly complicated world of TV production.” ―Andrew Wallenstein, President & Chief Media Analyst, Variety Intelligence Platform; former Co-Editor-in-Chief of Variety “Ken knows where the money is hiding in Hollywood, and this book teaches you how to find it. It’s an indispensable resource and a fascinating read for insiders and lookie-loos alike.” ―Matthew Belloni, Founding Partner of Puck; former Editorial Director of The Hollywood Reporter “Ken Basin is equal parts lawyer, historian, and oracle. The second edition of The Business of Television is a skillful summary of the history of the TV business and an insightful map of its future: a definitive resource on how to understand the industry we work in today, and prepare ourselves for whatever happens tomorrow.” ―Chris Corabi, President of Business & Legal Affairs of Annapurna “Ken Basin’s book is a brilliantly written encyclopedic treatise on every aspect of the television business, and a valuable asset to both seasoned professionals and newcomers to the field.” ―Jim Gianopulos, Former Chairman & CEO of Paramount Pictures and 20th Century Fox “Ken’s masterful new edition is destined to become the touchstone for anybody who wants a thorough, thoughtful, and expert explanation of the current state of the scripted U.S. TV business. Accessible and clear, it’s a pleasure to read.” ―Cliff Gilbert-Lurie, Co-Manager Partner of Zifrren Brittenham LLP “Ken Basin is the professor of television, and The Business of Television is the go-to resource trusted by professionals across the industry. This new edition is both history and how-to for the streaming era, reflecting Ken’s particular knack for understanding and respecting the perspectives of companies and creatives alike.” ―Tara Kole, Founding Partner of Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole, LLP ""This second book by Ken Basin is a Herculean effort and result. It provides a remarkable in depth but very understandable overview and analysis of deal making and related issues in the US television industry. I highly recommend the book for both those looking to work in this industry in any capacity, as well as those who already are so engaged."" ―Jared Levine, Partner at Yorn Levine Barnes Krintzman Rubenstein Kohner Endlich, Goodell & Gellman “An illuminating journey through the ever-evolving landscape of television and streaming, written by a true insider. This newly updated edition is a must-read for anyone seeking to navigate this dynamic industry with clarity and foresight.” ―Philip Matthys, Head of Business Affairs of Apple TV+ “This book is on the desk of every respected television executive in the business. Ken has written the definitive guide to the ever-changing TV business, a must-read for anyone that wants to work in any aspect of the television industry.” ―Jenna Santoianni, President of MRC Television “The second edition of The Business of Television again offers great insights and up-to-date detail on the inner working of the television industry, but it also ranges beyond conventional updates in its ambition to predict, and even prescribe, intriguing pathways for the healthy future of our industry.” ―Dan Scharf, Global Head of Business Operations of Amazon Studios “There is no better guide to navigate the rapidly changing TV business with than Ken’s newest edition here—an opportunity to look back, observe the current, and chart the next course. Not many people in the TV business go beyond the layer of information needed to be competent; with this primer, Ken offers you an opportunity to innovate and thrive!” ―Jesse Sisgold, President & Chief Operating Officer of Skydance Media and Chairman of Skydance Sports “The second edition of Ken Basin’s The Business of Television is an essential resource for everyone from the industry newbie to the seasoned pro. Deeply researched and eloquently delivered, Ken offers a practical guide to navigating today’s evolving world of television and media with insight into industry trends and practices, the nuts and bolts of entertainment finance, and a crib sheet for pragmatic dealmaking. Every single executive, representative, and creative person has something to gain from this book!” ―David W. Stone, Co-Founder of TFC Management and TFC Productions “It’s no small feat for Ken Basin to keep up with the rapid changes in TV dealmaking, but this second edition proves he’s more than up to the task. Which is good, because it’s going to take many more editions to chronicle an industry far from done evolving.” ―Andrew Wallenstein, President & Chief Media Analyst of Variety Intelligence Platform; former Co-Editor-in-Chief of Variety “Ken Basin is the mad genius of the TV business—the man who knows how to make the deals that make television. And his book is just like him—brilliant, perceptive, forthright, thoughtful, innovative, and deeply human. Anyone working in television, from the fresh- faced assistant to the flighty creative (hi!) to the seasoned exec, will find it useful, insightful, revelatory, inspiring.” ―Brian Yorkey, Creator and Showrunner of 13 Reasons Why and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright of Next to Normal “Ken has once again contributed a valuable tool to our industry, written with insight, experience and humor. Everyone from industry newcomers to experienced executives, inside and outside the realm of business affairs, will find something new and valuable to take away from this book.” ―Carmi Zlotnik, President of Television of Legendary Entertainment Praise for the First Edition “Ken Basin has a talent for explaining the TV industry in a way that makes sense to lawyers and laypeople alike. The Business of Television is the essential reference guide for creative professionals.” ―Josh Berman, Writer and Executive Producer; Creator, Notorious, Drop Dead Diva, The Mob Doctor, and others “As a practicing lawyer, producer and now professor teaching film artists, this book is a wonderful combination of real workplace knowledge with an understanding of how the television industry functions; an accessible and brilliant book.” ―Barbara Boyle, Associate Dean, Entrepreneurship and Special Initiatives, UCLA School of Theatre, Film, and Television “Ken Basin has created a timely and unique book that perfectly balances a big-picture view of the dynamic television industry with practical details about its business and legal processes. This is an essential reference source for anyone studying or engaging in professional activities related to television production and distribution for all media platforms.” ―Stuart Brotman, Alvin and Sally Beaman Professor of Journalism and Media Law, Enterprise, and Leadership; Nonresident Senior Fellow in the Government Studies Program, Center for Technology Innovation, The Brookings Institution “I never knew how much of the television business I didn’t know until I read this book! This is THE comprehensive how-to manual on the business.” ―Jamie Erlicht, Head of Worldwide Video Programming, Apple TV+ “A masterful job! Basin provides a readable and comprehensive guide to the uninitiated, while offering knowledgeable insiders a valuable and incisive analysis of this ever-evolving industry.” ―Bert Fields (1929–2022), Entertainment Attorney; Partner, Greenberg Glusker Fields Claman & Machtinger LLP “In The Business of Television, Ken has found a way to encapsulate the knowledge that has taken me 40 years in the industry to learn. If every producer, manager, agent and lawyer in our industry took the time to read Ken’s book and really invest in understanding each step in the process of making a great TV show, we could all save a lot of time and pain.” ―Steve Golin (1955–2019), Founder and CEO, Anonymous Content LLP “This book would not make a good TV show. It is, however, about as comprehensive and readable a guide to how television gets made as you can find. I’ll admit, after over a quarter of a century in the business, there are things in here I didn’t know. With an insider’s perspective and a lawyer’s clarity, Ken Basin lays it all out (even the technical stuff). It is an essential reference book, both dictionary and encyclopedia, for anyone interested in the serious business of television.” ―Chris Keyser, Writer and Executive Producer; Creator/Showrunner, Party of Five, The Society “This is the book I have been waiting for . . . highly readable and forward looking, providing a coherent overview with enough specifics to be of genuine practical value, delivered from the inside perspective of a scholarly television executive currently working at the highest level.” ―Nick La Terza, Adjunct Professor and Lecturer in Law, UCLA School of Law, University of Miami Law School, and UCI Law School; Partner with law firm The Point Media; Former Senior Legal/Business Executive for Largo Entertainment, New World Pictures, and Alliance Atlantis Entertainment “With The Business of Television, Ken Basin has created a powerful tool for people of all levels of experience in the television business. In an industry where the rules are being re-written daily, Ken has found a clear through-line that delivers a foundation of knowledge that you can use to jump in and begin to re-write the rules yourself.” ―Chris Parnell, Senior TV Programming Executive, Apple TV+; former Co-President, Sony Pictures Television Studios “In the fast-changing environment of the television business, it’s never been more important to understand how things are, how they used to be, and where they are going next. This book covers all you need to truly grasp the business of making great TV.” ―Amy Powell, Head of Entertainment Marketing, Amazon Studios; former President, Paramount Television Studios “EVERYONE hates Business Affairs people—but NO ONE hates Ken Basin. That’s because he’s smart, honest, and helpful, and because he behaves with honor. Turns out he writes that way, too. I thank him for explaining the future to me.” ―Billy Ray, Writer, Director, and Executive Producer; screenwriter of The Hunger Games, Captain Phillips, Shattered Glass, and others “Ken Basin has given us a great primer in the nuts and bolts of the rapidly evolving television business—told with insight, brevity, and wit. Basin’s experience on both sides of the buyer/seller equation really shows through, and makes this book a valuable tool for anyone who wants to understand the business side of the shows we love to watch.” ―Dan Scharf, Global Head of Business Operations, Amazon Studios “It takes a keen analytic mind and experienced dealmaker like Ken Basin to craft this indispensable guide to anyone looking to navigate the increasingly complicated world of TV production.” ―Andrew Wallenstein, President & Chief Media Analyst, Variety Intelligence Platform; former Co-Editor-in-Chief of Variety"