DC 485 Pre-Production for Producers

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Summary

This course will examine the role of the producer in the making of feature films, covering idea origination, development, financing, production, post - production, sale and distribution.
Using as case studies various films produced by Steven A. Jones, from low budget independents like ?Henry Portrait of a Serial Killer? and ?Normal Life? through larger scale studio films such as ?Mad Dog and Glory? and ?Wild Things?, the class will provide a comprehensive overview of the feature film making process.
A final project will allow teams of students to produce a ?virtual? feature 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. 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 Tuesday Sept. 24
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: 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
Wk. 9 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 "Henry, Portrait of a Serial Killer", 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.

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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:
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Phone number: (312)362-8002
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