DC 385 The Fundamentals of Pre Production
Summary
Producing the Feature Film will expose students to the role of the contemporary producer from idea origination and script development through financing, production and distribution.
Through case studies of films produced by Steven A. Jones including: Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer, Mad Dog and Glory, Wild Things, The Promotion, Normal Life, The Merry Gentleman, and a film in progress- "The Harvest, students will be provided with a basic overview of all aspects of producing a feature, including: development, entertainment law and contracts, production management, breaking down a script and scheduling, clearance and releases, assembling a creative team, casting, location scouting, basic accounting, completion bonds, working with unions and guilds, effects, and post production editing and sound.
Each student will join team members in producing a "Virtual Feature Film" which will be presented as their final project
Texts
Required Texts
Honthaner, Eve Light The Complete Film Production Handbook, (3rd Edition) Litwak, Mark Contracts for the Film and Television Industry, (2nd edition)
Grading
Concept and Pitch Assignment 25% Final Project 50% Class Participation and Personal Growth 25%
A = 100-93, A- = 92-90, B+ = 89-88, B = 87-83, B- = 82-80, C+ = 79-78, C = 77-73, C- = 72-70,D+ = 69-68, D = 67-63, D- = 62-60, F = 59-0. A indicates excellence, B indicates good work, C indicates satisfactory work, D indicates unsatisfactory work, and F is a failure to demonstrate an understanding of course concepts.
Prerequisites
Required Screenings
Keaton, Michael McNaughton, John McNaughton, John McNaughton, John Conrad, Steve McNaughton, John Wexler, Tanya McNaughton, John McNaughton, John McNaughton, John
Recommended Websites
The Merry Gentleman
Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer Mad Dog and Glory
Wild Things
The Promotion
Normal Life
Finding North
The Borrower
Speaking of Sex
Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll
Introduction to Course and Requirements
Student Introductions
Discussion Topics: The Role of the Producer, Types of Producers, Final Project
Assignment: Prepare written and spoken ?pitch? Reading: Litwak pg. 25- 32, 52-80, 124-146
Screen: ?Henry ? Portrait of a Serial Killer?
Discussion Topics: Development- creation of and acquisition of material, the Director and Screenwriter.
Class Presentation: Final project ?pitch? ? Submit written summary.
Assignment: Rank all Concept and Development Ideas ? Email sjones@cdm.depaul.edu your rankings- (1-5) by Monday, January 17.
Reading: ?The Merry Gentleman? screenplay.
Litwak pgs. 147-182, 270, 421 Honthaner pgs. 55-66
Screen: ?Mad Dog and Glory?
Discussion Topics: Pre-production ?. The Merry Gentlemen - Script Breakdown, Budgeting, Scheduling, and Finance
Student final teams are assigned.
Assignment: Work with team and begin producing your project Reading: Litwak pgs. 239-248, 263, 267
Honthaner pgs. 90-110, 256-267 Screen: ?The Merry Gentleman?
Discussion Topics: - The Merry Gentleman- Pre Production ? insurance, accounting, casting, Hiring dept. heads.

Assignment: Continue producing your project Read: Hothaner pg. 66-89, 133-142 Screen: Wild Things
Discussion Topics: Wild Things, Pre-Production ? Crew, Transportation, Production Office Assignment: Work with team on your project
Reading: Hothaner chapters 7 and 10
Screen: The Promotion
Discussion Topics: The Promotion, Production ? Shooting start- schedule variables, overall approach, on set attitude.
Assignment: Work with team on your project
'Reading: Contracts for the Film and Television Industry, pgs .251 - 294Review text, come to next class prepared with questions pertaining to your project.
Screen: Normal Life
Discussion Topics: Normal Life Production - Unions and Guilds, Locations, Extras Assignment: Work with team on your project
Reading Honthaner chapter 15
Screen: ?Speaking of Sex?
Discussion Topics: ?Speaking of Sex? Production ? Stunts, SFX, Wrap.
Assignment: Work with team on your project
Discussion Topics: Post- production- Editing, Picture lock, Composer,
Assignment: Work with team on your project Reading: Litwak pg. 295-298, 311-317 Honthaner pg. 235
Discussion Topics: Post-Production ? Mix, Distribution, Previews, Delivery requirements. PRESENT FINAL PROJECTS
This syllabus is subject to change as necessary during the quarter. If a change occurs, it will be thoroughly addressed during class, posted under Announcements in D2L and sent via email.
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