Development - Production - Distribution- Writing - Directing
About Jim ...
Executive Producer - Director - Writer
Production & Project Consultant
It all started on the 20th Century Fox Studio lot.... He's worked with legends like Jim Henson, Jacques Cousteau, and Alfred Hitchcock on acclaimed documentary projects across the decades.
Jim Milio has been a writer, producer, and director of television and films for over thirty years. Jim has produced over 500 hours of content with leading network stations including ABC, CBS, the SyFy Channel, the History Channel, National Geographic, A&E, TLC, Discovery, and many more.
Among his many credits are My Big Fat Greek Wedding, which grossed over $300 million to date, the hit television series The Dog Whisperer, which aired for 9 seasons on the National Geographic Channels, grossed over $90 million and is distributed in more than 150 countries, and the CBS hit-show Rescue 911, which was successfully distributed and formatted globally.
Jim enjoys sharing his experience in the industry and teaches "The Business of Entertainment" and "Writing, Directing, and Producing Documentary Series" at UCLAx.
Some of my work as a producer, director, writer ....
My Books:
"Jim's Hollywood Finity Stones"
How to be a Superhero in Hollywood and Succeed in the Entertainment Universe
Every year, untold thousands of actors, writers, directors, and producers flock to Hollywood and other production centers in hopes of getting their big break.
It's a harrowing process at best, and many leave town with broken hearts and dreams.
But now, help has arrived!
It's a formidable task to try and break into movies and TV, but Jim's new book offers the keys to the Hollywood kingdom, illuminated by true tales of his encounters with Alfred Hitchcock, Jimmie Stewart, Will Ferrell, Nia Vardalos, Liza Minelli, Robert DeNiro and dozens more. While poking fun at Marvel's Infinity Stones, Jim's "Finity" stones - so-called because he can only prove that they work on earth - offer examples that illustrate his powerful themes, including....
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The Entertainment Industry Operates on Fear
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You Need More Than Talent (also, you can succeed with minimal talent!)
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"Nobody Knows Anything"A worthwhile and brutally honest book about every aspect of the entertainment industry
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How to achieve success against the odds." -Arnold Shapiro, Academy Award & 16 Time Emmy Award-Winning Producer
Welcome to the baffling conundrums of the entertainment industry... If the business needs more content now than ever, why is it even harder than ever to sell projects?
• For every part that is cast, 10 to 100 (or more) actors don't get that very part.
• For every film that gets produced and distributed, 100 or so never flicker across a screen.
• For every script an executive green-lights, at least 50 get tossed into his Gucci garbage can.
Learn how to maneuver around these minefields to triumph in a business where 'no' is the operative word. "After you have read this book, you will be older or wiser." -Jim Milio
"10 Steps to Producing Profitable Documentaries and Reality Shows"
Discover the secrets to turning your creative vision into a profitable project with this must-have guide to producing non-fiction films and television content.
In "10 Steps to Producing Profitable Documentaries and Reality Shows," veteran producer/director Jim Milio offers a straightforward, actionable game plan designed specifically for aspiring producers and directors. Whether you're passionate about uncovering untold stories or capturing life’s most compelling moments, this book offers the essential blueprint to launch, fund, and sustain successful productions.
Inside, you'll find:
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Step-by-Step Strategies: Navigate the entire documentary & reality show process—from concept development and funding to shooting, editing, and distribution
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Insider Tips: Learn industry secrets and best practices from a professional who has written, produced, or directed more than 500 hours of non-fiction programming.
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Real-World Examples: Includes case studies from Jim’s hits like Rescue911, Dog Whisperer, and many more that illustrate how innovative ideas and practical execution lead to success in a highly competitive market.
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Actionable Advice: Equip yourself with tools to overcome challenges, secure financing, and connect with the right audiences.
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Bonus! Access to the 10 Steps Webpages: An online extension that provides invaluable additional resources exclusively for purchasers of the book.
If you're ready to transform your storytelling dreams into a thriving production business, this book is your essential companion for making it happen.
Dive in and start your journey to creating content that not only resonates with audiences worldwide but also generates real profits.
"Amazing book. Very eyeopening. Highly reccomend."
- Jennifer K.
Fantastic book. Perfect for anybody interested in getting docimentary series off the ground today."
- Jen M.
“Loved it! Loved all the do's and dont's in the industry that are mentioned in the book. Stuff no one ever tells you."
