ClassInfo

CP 420 Scheduling and Budgeting

Fall 2020-2021
Class number: 10754
Section number: 701
W 5:45PM - 9:00PM
OLSYN CH000 Online Campus

Summary

This course will cover the pre-production phase of motion picture production as it relates to both feature length and short films with a focus on Production Management. The students will learn the essentials of using scheduling and budgeting software, and the process of "breaking down" a script for scheduling and budgeting.
We will examine the roles in particular of Creative Producer, 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. The students will learn how to break down a script, create a Schedule, Budget and Day out of Days.
The students in this class will be require to budget and schedule a complete feature length script.


Learning Objectives:

Students will be able to identify the roles of the line producer, 1st AD, and other key crew on a production.
Students will be able to generate a shooting schedule of a screenplay.
Students will be able to create breakdown sheets, schedule production boards and DOOD.
Students will be able to create a film budget based on a shooting schedule and screenplay.
Students will be able to identify the main unions on a production and assess their financial requirements.



Texts

Required Texts:

The Complete Film Production Handbook
Fourth Edition - by Eve Light Honthaner

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 30%
Final Project 50%



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, Hothaner chapters 1, 5 & 6

U.P.M. Production office personnel, Script Breakdown Assignment: Read script TBD, Read: Hothaner chapter 12 & 13 Script breakdown, Scheduling, 1st A.D. Assignment: Read Independent Filmmakers Manual Chapter 4, Hothaner chapter 4, 9 & 25 Scheduling, Creative Dept. Heads Assignment: Read Independent Filmmakers Manual Chapter 5, Hothaner chapter 2, 18 Scheduling - Day Out of Days Locations, Scouts and Management Assignment: Read Independent Filmmakers Manual pgs. 75-91, Hothaner chapter 3, 21 Budget Analysis Assignment: Read Independent Filmmakers Manual pgs. 91-107 (review sample budgets) Assignment: Read Hothaner chapter 7 & 11 Budgeting Production Assignment: Read Script TBD Assignment: Read Hothaner chapter 16, 30 Budgeting Post production Assignment: Read Independent Filmmakers Manual pgs. 221-250 Assignment: Read Hothaner chapter 15, 26, Budgeting contd. Pre production essentials: Table reads, rehearsals, Tech scout Assignment: Read Independent Filmmakers Manual pgs. 251-279 Final Budget and Pre Production Review

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