DC 485 Pre-Production for Producers

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Summary

Producing the Feature Film is designed to bridge the gap between creative storytelling and the business aspects of producing a feature film. The course 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 including: Henry - Portrait of a Serial Killer, Mad Dog and Glory, Wild Things, The Promotion, Normal Life, Speaking of Sex, The Merry Gentleman and the work in progress "The Harvest" films produced by Steven A. Jones, along with a final project in which students work in teams to produce a virtual feature film, students will be provided with a comprehensive overview of all aspects of producing a feature, including: developing a project, choosing material and preparing it for production, assembling a creative team and overseeing the collaborative process, production management, breaking down a script, budgeting and scheduling, entertainment law and contracts, completion bonds, finding and negotiating with vendors, utilizing unions and guilds, casting, clearance and releases, location scouting, effects, and post production.

Course Objectives

This course is designed to introduce and expand students entrepreneurial and business skills to accomplish creative and filmmaking goals.

At the end of the term, a student will be expected to: articulate orally and in writing the job of the producer, define the job responsibilities of a production team, understand the breakdown, budget and scheduling process, locate resources to assist with financial, copyright, and legal issues, locate resources to assist with production and casting, research and distribution of a film.

Texts

Grading

Required Screenings

Web Resources

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 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 Wednesday April 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 Script Breakdown, Budgeting, Scheduling, and Finance, Student final teams 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: - PRE-PRODUCTION- The Merry Gentleman- insurance, accounting, casting, Hiring dept. heads.

Assignment: Continue producing your project
READING: Hothaner pg. 66-89, 133-142
SCREEN: "Wild Things"
Discussion Topics: PRE-PRODUCTION- Wild Things, Crew, Transportation, Production Office

Assignment: Work with team on your project
READING: Hothaner chapters 7 and 10
SCREEN: The Promotion
Discussion Topics: PRODUCTION- The Promotion, Shooting start- schedule variables, overall approach, on set attitude.

Assignment: Work with team on your project
SCREEN: Normal Life
Discussion Topics: PRODUCTION- Normal Life - Unions and Guilds, Locations, Extras

Assignment: Work with team on your project
READING: Honthaner chapter 15
SCREEN: "Speaking of Sex" Discussion Topics: PRODUCTION "Mad Dog and Glory" Stunts, SFX, Wrap.

Assignment: Work with team on your project
Discussion Topics: POST-PRODUCTION- "Speaking of Sex", Editing, Picture lock, Composer,

Assignment: Work with team on your project
READING: Litwak pg. 295-298, 311-317
Honthaner pg. 235
SCREEN: "Henry, Portrait of a Serial Killer"
Discussion Topics: POST-PRODUCTION "Henry, Portrait of a Serial Killer", Mix, Distribution, Previews, Delivery requirements. Present final projects.

School policies:

Changes to Syllabus

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.

Online Course Evaluations

Evaluations are a way for students to provide valuable feedback regarding their instructor and the course. Detailed feedback will enable the instructor to continuously tailor teaching methods and course content to meet the learning goals of the course and the academic needs of the students. They are a requirement of the course and are key to continue to provide you with the highest quality of teaching. The evaluations are anonymous; the instructor and administration do not track who entered what responses. A program is used to check if the student completed the evaluations, but the evaluation is completely separate from the student’s identity. Since 100% participation is our goal, students are sent periodic reminders over three weeks. Students do not receive reminders once they complete the evaluation. Students complete the evaluation online in CampusConnect.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism

This course will be subject to the university's academic integrity policy. More information can be found at http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu/ If you have any questions be sure to consult with your professor.

All students are expected to abide by the University's Academic Integrity Policy which prohibits cheating and other misconduct in student coursework. Publicly sharing or posting online any prior or current materials from this course (including exam questions or answers), is considered to be providing unauthorized assistance prohibited by the policy. Both students who share/post and students who access or use such materials are considered to be cheating under the Policy and will be subject to sanctions for violations of Academic Integrity.

Academic Policies

All students are required to manage their class schedules each term in accordance with the deadlines for enrolling and withdrawing as indicated in the University Academic Calendar. Information on enrollment, withdrawal, grading and incompletes can be found at http://www.cdm.depaul.edu/Current%20Students/Pages/PoliciesandProcedures.aspx.

Students with Disabilities

Students who feel they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss their specific needs. All discussions will remain confidential.
To ensure that you receive the most appropriate accommodation based on your needs, contact the instructor as early as possible in the quarter (preferably within the first week of class), and make sure that you have contacted the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at:
Lewis Center 1420, 25 East Jackson Blvd.
Phone number: (312)362-8002
Fax: (312)362-6544
TTY: (773)325.7296