ClassInfo

DC 485 Pre-Production for Producers

Spring 2013-2014
Class number: 30696
Section number: 601
Th 1:30PM - 4:45PM
CDM 00222 Loop Campus

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 The Harvest, Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer, Mad Dog and Glory, Wild Things, The Promotion, Normal Life and The Merry Gentleman, films produced by Steven A. Jones, and 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 for budgeting and scheduling, entertainment law and contracts, completion bonds, finding and negotiating with vendors, utilizing unions and guilds, casting, clearance and releases, location scouting, music, 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

Required Texts Honthaner, Eve Light The Complete Film Production Handbook, (3rd Edition) Litwak, Mark Contracts for the Film and Television Industry, (2nd edition) Recommended Software EP Budgeting 6.1 EP Scheduling 4.4 Recommended Websites Illinois Film Office: www.illinoisbiz.biz/dceo/Bureaus/Film/ProductionGuide/ Screen Actors Guild: www.sag.org Writer?s Guild of America: www.wga.org Independent Feature Project: www.ifp.org Illinois Secretary of State: www.sos.state.il.us/services/services_business.html U. S. Copyright Office: www.copyright.gov IRS: www.irs.gov Internet Movie Database: www.imdb.com


Grading

Course Requirements You are expected to: get to class on time; participate in class; prepare your assignments completely and on time; respect each other; develop a positive and professional work environment; and be responsible and attentive to the demands of working with the group. Course Policies Attendance: Class attendance is mandatory. Participation in class is essential. You are permitted one unexcused absence. More than one absence will result in your grade being dropped one grade. Excessive late arrivals will affect your grade. Assignments: Assignments must be completed by the date to which they are assigned in the syllabus. Consequently, late work will not be accepted without prior consent of the instructor. Grading Concept and Pitch Assignment, Quizzes 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.


Required Screenings

Keaton, Michael The Merry Gentleman McNaughton, John Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer McNaughton, John Mad Dog and Glory McNaughton, John Wild Things Conrad, Steve The Promotion McNaughton, John Normal Life Wexler, Tanya Finding North McNaughton, John The Borrower McNaughton, John Speaking of Sex McNaughton, John Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll


Introduction to Course and Requirements
Student Introductions
Discussion Topics: The Role of the Producer, Types of Producers, Options, 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, Fundraising, 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, April 15. 'Reading: ?The Harvest? screenplay. Litwak pgs. 147-182, 270, 421 Honthaner pgs. 55-66 Screen: ?Mad Dog and Glory? Discussion Topics: Business plans, Pre-production ? ?The Harvest?- Script Breakdown, Budgeting, Scheduling. 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: - - Pre Production ?The Harvest? ? insurance, accounting, casting, Hiring dept. heads. Assignment: Continue producing your project Read: Hothaner pg. 66-89, 133-142 Screen: Wild Things Discussion Topics: Pre-Production ?The Harvest?, ? Crew, Transportation, Production Office Assignment: Work with team on your project Reading: Hothaner chapters 7 and 10 Screen: The Promotion Discussion Topics: Production ?The Harvest?? Shooting start- schedule variables, overall approach, on set attitude. Assignment: Work with team on your project ' Reading - ?The Merry Gentleman? Come to next class prepared with questions pertaining to your project. Screen: Normal Life Discussion Topics: Production ? ?The Harvest?- Unions and Guilds, Locations, Extras Assignment: Work with team on your project Reading Honthaner chapter 15 Discussion Topics: Production ? ?The Harvest? - 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. Assignment: Prepare for Final Presentation

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