ClassInfo

DC 489 Creative Producing

Spring 2017-2018
Class number: 34088
Section number: 601
Th 1:30PM - 4:45PM
14EAS 00801 Loop Campus

Summary



Summary of course
DC 489 examines the evolution of the business of the film industry and how it has changed as a result of social, political, economic and technological advancements. DC 489 also stresses the role of the Producer as the primary instigator of Movies. Students will learn about pioneers who shaped the business of the industry: the studio system and its collapse, along with the impact of the digital revolution on marketing and exhibition.
Students will analyze the role of studios and independent producers from idea origination and script development to financing, production, marketing and distribution. Students will learn concepts of constructing deals, marketing, box office analysis and revenue streams. Students will also study the structure of organizations and groups crucial to the entertainment industry: studios, talent, agents, markets, film festivals, and professional organizations including guilds and unions.

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 how motion picture studios operate and how a production is mounted, distributed and exhibited.



Texts

Textbooks and printed resources
Required Texts

The Movie Business Book, (4th Edition) Jason E. Squire

The Kid Stays in the Picture, Robert Evans

Recommended Texts:


The Big Picture, Edward Jay Epstein
The Complete Film Production Handbook, (3rd Edition) Eve Light Honthaner
Contracts for the Film and Television Industry, (2nd Edition) Mark Litwak

Recommended Websites

www.deadlinehollywood.com

www.variety.com
www.hollywoodreporter.com
www.thewrap.com
www.boxofficemojo.com
www.boxofficemagic.wordpress.com

Screen Actors Guild: www.sag.org
Writer?s Guild of America: www.wga.org

Independent Feature Project: www.ifp.org
Illinois Film Office: www.illinoisbiz.biz/dceo/Bureaus/Film/ProductionGuide
Illinois Secretary of State: www.sos.state.il.us/services/services_business.html
U. S. Copyright Office: www.copyright.gov





Grading

Grading

Personal film assignment 10%

Industry News assignment 10%

Midterm Exam 30%

Class Participation and Personal Growth 10%

Final 40%

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.




Introduction to course and instructor, Discussion of final project. Early Film History.


Assignment - Read Squire - The Movie Business Book - Chapters 2
Pick the movie which has made the biggest impact on you and write a 1/2 page essay on why it did so, along with how the films box office performance.


The Studio System, Final Project categories

Assignment - Read Squire Chapter 3


Assign Industry article groups.

Group 1 - individuals will choose an article from the trade journals regarding recent events in the motion picture industry and write an essay as to why they found it interesting and relevant. Send a link to the article and the essay to professor 1 day Prior to next class.


The Studio System: Moguls - discuss final projects and groups
Assignment - Read: Squire Chapters 12-13


Group 2 individuals will choose an article from the trade journals regarding recent events in the motion picture industry and write an essay as to why they found it interesting and relevant. Send a link to the article and the essay to professor 1 day Prior to next class.


Material - Writers - Agencies
Assignment - Read: Squire Chapter 5


Group 3 individuals will choose an article from the trade journals regarding recent events in the motion picture industry and write an essay as to why they found it interesting and relevant. Send a link to the article and the essay to professor 1 day Prior to next class.


Mid Term - Financing
Assignment - Read: Squire Chapters 9, 14


Group 4 individuals will choose an article from the trade journals regarding recent events in the motion picture industry and write an essay as to why they found it interesting and relevant. Send a link to the article and the essay to professor 1 day Prior to next class.


Talent agencies
Assignment - Read: Squire Chapter 19


Group 5 individuals will choose an article from the trade journals regarding recent events in the motion picture industry and write an essay as to why they found it interesting and relevant. Send a link to the article and the essay to professor 1 day Prior to next class.




Production
Assignment - Read: Squire Chapter 20

489 student will deliver an essay and lecture regarding "The Kid Stays in The Picture" and Robert Evans contributions to the modern film industry.


Group 6 individuals will choose an article from the trade journals regarding recent events in the motion picture industry and write an essay as to why they found it interesting and relevant. Send a link to the article and the essay to professor 1 day Prior to next class.


Film Festivals

Assignment - Read Squire Chapters 24,25


Group 7 individuals will choose an article from the trade journals regarding recent events in the motion picture industry and write an essay as to why they found it interesting and relevant. Send a link to the article and the essay to professor 1 day Prior to next class.



Marketing
Assignment - Read: Squire Chapters 27, 28, 32


Group 8 individuals will choose an article from the trade journals regarding recent events in the motion picture industry and write an essay as to why they found it interesting and relevant. Send a link to the article and the essay to professor 1 day Prior to next class.




Exhibition, Revenue Streams, First 1/2 Final project presentations



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