Non-Fiction Books

The Business of Media Distribution 4th edition
Jeff Ulin has written four editions of The Business of Media Distribution—the first three by himself with the subtitle Monetizing Film, TV, and Video Content in an Online World. For his latest edition, Jeff brought on veteran producer and lecturer/professor at Chapman University as a co-author. The following overview is from the 4th Edition’s back cover:
In this fourth edition of the industry staple, veteran media executives Jeffrey C. Ulin and Tim O’Hair provide an accessible and contemporary overview of business theory and practice across key global market segments—film, television, and online/streaming.
With an insider’s perspective, this book explores how an idea moves from concept to profit and how distribution dominates the bottom line: Hollywood stars may make the headlines, but marketing and distribution are the behind-the-scenes drivers converting content into cash. In this fourth edition, the new focus will be on the growth and diversification of streaming video—with its inherent issues and maturation—and how AI is poised to impact market segments. As with previous editions, the material is interwoven with perspectives from key industry executives at studios, networks, agencies, and streaming leaders.
This book is an essential resource for creatives and professionals in the distribution business, providing a virtual apprenticeship to demystify the complicated media markets and to illuminate how digital technology has impacted the ecosystem. Readers will be able to glimpse into the future of how film and television content will be financed, distributed, and watched.
Previous Editions

Business of Media Distribution 1st edition
2009

Business of Media Distribution 2nd edition
2013

Business of Media Distribution 3rd edition
2019
“Anyone who wants to know more about how films and TV shows are distributed and exploited can learn a huge amount from this book.”
Jim Morris: President of Pixar Animation Studios; Former President Industrial Light & Magic, Producer Wall•E.
Reviews
(The Business of Media Distribution)
“Ulin expertly depicts the fluid nature of content creation and distribution in a concise and understandable way. There’s never been a better insider’s look at the choices and challenges that studio executives face every day.”
Gary Marenzi: Head of Entertainment Sales & Partnerships, Endeavor Content; former President MGM Worldwide Television, former President Paramount International Television
"The Business of Media Distribution is often referred to as ‘The Bible’ among distribution executives, and for good reason.”
Ted Russell: (Former) Executive VP, Business Affairs; Digital, Home Entertainment & Television Distribution, 20th Century Fox Film