ClassInfo

DC 385 The Fundamentals of Pre Production

Fall 2013-2014
Class number: 11373
Section number: 401
W 1:30PM - 4:45PM
CDM 00202 Loop Campus

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. Students will be provided with a basic overview of all aspects of producing a feature, including: development, financing, 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. 5- 17, 47-67,

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. 124 - 140, 150 - 177
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. 230 - 238, 263 - 268
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: Litwak 257 - 262, 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: Litwak 282 - 288, 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- "Speaking of Sex", Editing, Picture lock, Composer,

Assignment: Work with team on your project
READING: Litwak pg. 206 - 224 288 - 320
Honthaner pg. 235
SCREEN: "Henry, Portrait of a Serial Killer"
Discussion Topics: Post-Production ? Mix, Distribution, Previews, Delivery requirements.

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