ClassInfo

DC 385 The Fundamentals of Pre Production

Spring 2014-2015
Class number: 30547
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.

The students will be taken step by step through the conception, production and exhibition of a feature film utilizing the documents and materials created during actual productions.


Course Objectives

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



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
EP Scheduling


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 20%
Quizzes 10%
Final Project 50%
Class Participation and Personal Growth 20%

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 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 Monday Sept.22.

'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-ProductionM? ix, 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