ABOUT "HACHIDOG PRODUCTIONS"
With the popularity of "Hachi: A Dog's Tale", and the heartfelt emails received, Paul Mason and Vicki Shigekuni Wong are dedicated to creating more joyous films through "Hachidog Productions". Their mission is to make similarly family friendly stories that promote age old values of love, faith, loyalty and compassion. To this end, they are currently working on several stories, based on true life events. As Vicki tells it, "A great story brings tears of joy, sorrow or relief...but ultimately the real test is if it provokes us to feel kinder, gentler, wiser. What better feeling is that?"
Paul Mason was Senior Vice President of Production at Viacom Productions, former President for Viacom Pictures Inc. (Showtime), and the former President of Motion Pictures at Trans World Entertainment. He was a producer on Ironside, It Takes a Thief, McMillan and Wife, Chico and the Man, CHIPS, and numerous other popular series. When Paul can slip away, he enjoys deep sea fishing, islands and warm tropical climates.
Vicki Shigekuni Wong fell into entertainment because of her love for a dog named Hachiko. She enjoys foreign travel, animals, and comfort food.
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So You Want To Be A Producer?
Producing for Hollywood: A Guide for Independent Producers (2nd Edition)
by Paul Mason and Don Gold
Paul's been in the business for a hundred years, I like to say! He always laughs and readily agreeds. When I asked Paul to help me with my Hachiko idea, I never thought it would be so complex.
Now revised to reflect the latest production trends in the entertainment industry, Paul's book contains the nuts and bolts of bringing a film or television pilot to the screen, told by two veteran, award-winning producers. From first pitch to final cut, it chronicles the producer’s journey through developing a winning prospectus, drafting a realistic time line and budget, raising money, the three phases of production, and distribution and marketing.
The book also includes up-to-date contact information for film festivals and foreign distributors, as well as sample budgets, film partnership proposals, and other practical forms. Aspiring film and television artists will find the practical understanding and insight vital to starting a career in the entertainment industry.
At the very start of my Hachi journey, I read this book. Looking back, it was everything I needed to know about producing in Hollywood!
REVIEWS
“Paul Mason and Don Gold present an organized, no-nonsense, inspiring guide to the most important job in Hollywood—producing. These masters of the large and small screen teach would-be producers and writer/producers a thing or two about succeeding in this business while entertaining everyone with the highlights (and lowlights) of their careers. Producing for Hollywood is a must read for all aspiring moviemakers.”
—Fred Silverman, former president, ABC, CBS, NBC
“An impressive book filled with practical, current, insightful information, heretofore available only to those who practiced, over and over again, the art of producing. If you only have time to read one book on what you need to know to succeed as a producer and filmmaker, read Paul Mason and Donald Gold’s Producing for Hollywood. If you have time for two books, read Producing for Hollywood again.”
—Leonard B. Stern, chairman of the Advisory Council, Producers Guild of America
“Producing for Hollywood is a very good piece of work: clear, insightful, and an invaluable roadmap for anyone who wants to take the leap into independent production. It is written by two real pros who’ve been there and done it and make it clear just how you too can do it.”
—Dean Hargrove, creator/producer/writer, Jake and the Fatman, Diagnosis Murder, Perry Mason films
“Messrs. Mason and Gold have fashioned a very readable and helpful introduction to producing for Hollywood. The newcomer may find the glossary of movie terms and the chapters dealing with when and how the producer deals with the various above the line and below the line elements particularly useful.”
—Sid Sheinberg, former president, MCA; president, The Bubble Factory
“Hollywood professional[s] give it to you straight—follow it and you’ll be on your way.”
—David L. Wolper, executive producer, Roots
