CP 320 Introduction to Film Scheduling and Budgeting
Summary
This course will cover the pre-production phase of motion picture production as it relates to both feature length and short films. The class will touch on how projects are initially put together with the main focus being on production management - the steps taken to prepare for production.
We will examine the roles in particular of Line Producer, Unit Production Manager and 1st A.D., along with the other staff positions necessary for mounting a film production.
The philosophy of budgeting and scheduling will be examined along with a look at scheduling and budgeting software. The students will learn what it takes to break down a script, create a Schedule, Budget and Day out of Days.
The syllabus is subject to change and students will be informed of additional assignments in class and on D2L
Texts
Independent Filmmakers Manual
by Eden H. Wurmfield and Nicole Shay Laloggia
Grading
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.
Attendance - 10%
Class participation 10%
Quizzes 40%
Final Exam 40%
Expectations
Students will be allowed one excused absence, beyond that a grade reduction will occur.
Students are expected to complete their assignments on time.
Introduction to class and classmates, review syllabus. Structure of a film production, Production Management, rights aquisition, options, LLC
Assignment: Read Independent Filmmakers Manual pgs. 3-11, 15-19, 213-220
U.P.M., Talent offers and packaging, finance, Incentives, Production office personnel,
Assignment: Read script TBD
Script breakdown, 1st A.D.
Assignment: Read Independent Filmmakers Manual Chapter 4
Creative Dept. Heads
Assignment: Read Independent Filmmakers Manual Chapter 5
Locations, Scouts and Management
Assignment: Read Independent Filmmakers Manual pgs. 75-91
Above The Line.
Assignment: Read Independent Filmmakers Manual pgs. 91-107 (review sample budgets)
Budgeting Production
Assignment: Read Script TBD
Budgeting Post production
Assignment: Read Independent Filmmakers Manual pgs. 221-250
Pre production essentials:
Table reads, rehearsals, Tech scout
Assignment: Read Independent Filmmakers Manual pgs. 251-279
Pre Production Review
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