DC 389 Creative Producing
Summary
DC 389 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. Students will learn about pioneers who shaped the business of the industry: the studio system and its collapse, the impact of television on the film industry, and the influence of the digital revolution. Case studies of industry pioneers and groundbreaking films will introduce students to the business of the business and practical application strategies to work in the field. The course is designed encompass both the creative aspects of storytelling and the business aspects of producing a film.
Students will analyze the role of the producer (studio and independent) from idea origination and script development to financing, production, marketing and distribution. Students will learn concepts of constructing deals, copyright, 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, exhibition markets, film festivals, and professional organizations including guilds and media licensing.
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, demonstrate specific skills it takes to be a producer and how to produce a film. Students will also be expected to: define the job responsibilities of a production team; locate resources to assist with financial, copyright, and legal issues; locate resources to assist with production and casting; and research how to apply to film festivals, market and distribute a film.
Texts
Required Texts
The Movie Business Book, (4th Edition) Jason E. Squire
Recommended Texts
The Kid Stays in the Picture, Robert Evans
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
Industry News assignment 10%
Quizzes 20%
Midterm Exam 20%
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.
Course Requirements, policies, assignments
Course Requirements
You are expected to: get to class on time; participate in class; prepare your assignments completely and on time; develop a positive and professional work environment; and be responsible and attentive to the demands of working with a group.
Course Policies
Attendance: Class attendance is mandatory. Participation in class is essential. You are permitted two unexcused absences. More than two absences and excessive late arrivals will affect your course participation grade.
Assignments: Assignments must be completed by the date to which they are assigned in the syllabus. Consequently, one letter grade will be deducted for each class period the assignment is late.
Introduction to course and instructor, Early Film History
Assignment - Read Squire - The Movie Business Book - Chapters 1-4
Pick your favorite movie, write a brief paragraph on your reasons for choice, find out how it did financially.
The Studio System,
Assignment - Read Squire Chapters 5, 8
The Studio System: Moguls - Quiz on Reading and Lectures
Assignment - Read: Squire Chapters 9, 12, 13
Material - Writers - Agencies
Assignment - Read: Squire Chapters 14,15,18
Mid Term - Financing
Assignment - Read: Squire Chapter 19, 33,34
Talent agencies
Assignment - Read: Squire Chapters 20, 21
Production
Assignment - Read: Squire Chapter 23, 24
Festivals - Quiz on Reading and Lectures
Assignment - Read Squire Chapters 22,23
Marketing
Assignment - Read: Squire Chapters 25, 27, 28, 32
Exhibition, Revenue Streams, revue for Final Exam
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.
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.
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.
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 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