Carol Baum is a movie and TV producer with 34 movies to her credit.

A former Vice President at 20th Century Fox and Co-President of Sandollar Productions, a company founded by Dolly Parton and Sandy Gallin, Carol has been a successful independent producer for decades.

Carol’s professional mission is to produce profitable films about real people at a crossroads in their lives. She has a special interest in helping writers develop their full artistic potential, and is known in the industry to have helped launch many writers’ and directors’ careers, including David O. Russell, Noah Baumbach, and Mike White. With the many newcomers she’s mentored, her emphasis is on instilling a work ethic, which includes organizational skills, networking, and keeping abreast of current trends and buyers’ needs.

Carol’s book, Creative Producing, was published by Allworth, a division of Skyhorse, on October 3rd, 2023.

CREATIVE PRODUCING: A PITCH-TO-PICTURE GUIDE TO MOVIE DEVELOPMENT

Go behind the scenes with the producer of Father of the Bride, Dead Ringers, and The Good Girl to learn all the skills necessary to be a Hollywood producer

As former co-president of Dolly Parton and Sandy Gallin’s production company, Sandollar, and as a successful independent producer, Carol Baum is an expert in the art of film production. Creative Producing provides a crash course in the often-misunderstood producer’s role and the many skills needed to survive and thrive in Hollywood. The book serves as a mentorship for anyone who wants to learn about the intricacies of development: how to write coverage, pitching, packaging, working with directors and actors, how to get the money, how to sell the finished product, whether to partner, and how to have a life while you’re doing all of this. Enhanced with behind-the-scenes stories from Baum’s career, and including a chapter of screenwriting advice suggested by her writer husband Tom Baum, Creative Producing offers an intimate look behind the Hollywood curtain to give film students, cinephiles, aspiring executives, and industry insiders a must-have guide to understanding the film business from successful pitch to hit picture. Carol is also available for media interviews and guest lectures.

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“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

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PRODUCED BY CAROL BAUM

Here’s a partial list of Carol’s credits, including those financed by studios (Fox, Disney, Sony), as well as movies financed independently:

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CURRENT PROJECTS

Her current projects include:

FAMILY HISTORY MYSTERIES – Based on the book series by Brynn Bonner, Hallmark aired the first film in this franchise about a female genealogist in January 2023 and has ordered development on the second. Partnered with Jane Goldenring.

GARBO – Carol is developing a limited series based on Greta Garbo’s bisexuality and her involvement in the war, with Elliot Page’s company, Page Boy Productions, and her partner, Howard Rosenman.

ADAM CLAYTON POWELL, JR. & HAZEL SCOTT – A limited series based on the lives of the charismatic and controversial civil rights activist and politician and his equally famous second wife, a jazz pianist, film & TV star, civil rights advocate, and blacklisted artist during the McCarthy era. Partnered with Howard Rosenman.

STARLIGHT FALLS – Nicholl Fellowship Finalist script by Michael Ventre about a hospital for soldiers struggling with battle fatigue (PTSD) during World War II. At the center of the story is the relationship between a feisty nurse and a solider whose cynicism turns to defiance when a formidable colonel arrives with a mission to send them back into combat. Claudia Myers (Fort Bliss) is attached to direct. Partnered with Jane Goldenring.