CP 310 Creative Producing
Summary
CP 310 examines the function of a movie production company, with a focus on identifying and aquiring the rights to intellectual properties and the developing of these properties ultimately into finished films.
The class will study tthe development process including optioning material, packaging talent, and raising money.
Course Objectives
This course is designed to introduce students to the role of Creative Producer and the requirements for a "Produced by" credit, the methods for creating a clear chain of title, and the types of financing and distribution commonly found in the motion picture industry today.
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
Personal film assignment 10%
Industry News assignment 10%
Midterm Exam 30%
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, student introductions. Discussion of final and Mid Term projects. The role of Creative Producer.
Assignment - Read Squire - The Movie Business Book - Chapter 2.
Pick the movie which has made the biggest impact on you and write a 1/2 - 1 page essay on why it did so, along with how the film performed at the box office. Try to identify the company that produced it. Provide a link to the film's trailer.
Case Study - "Normal Life", Assignment - Read Squire Chapter 3.
Choose PUBLIC DOMAIN Material for Mid term project.
Group 1 - individuals will choose an article from the trade journals regarding recent events in the motion picture industry and write an essay as to why they found it interesting and relevant. Send a link to the article and the essay to professor 1 day Prior to next class.
Material - Writers - Agencies. Discuss Mid Term projects.
Assignment - Read: Squire Chapters 12-13
Group 2 individuals will choose an article from the trade journals regarding recent events in the motion picture industry and write an essay as to why they found it interesting and relevant. Send a link to the article and the essay to professor 1 day Prior to next class.
Case Study - "The Borrower"
Assignment - Read: Squire Chapter 5
Group 3 individuals will choose an article from the trade journals regarding recent events in the motion picture industry and write an essay as to why they found it interesting and relevant. Send a link to the article and the essay to professor 1 day Prior to next class.
Mid Term presentations- Financing
Assignment - Read: Squire Chapters 9, 14
Group 4 individuals will choose an article from the trade journals regarding recent events in the motion picture industry and write an essay as to why they found it interesting and relevant. Send a link to the article and the essay to professor 1 day Prior to next class.
Packaging/Talent agencies
Assignment - Read: Squire Chapter 19
Group 5 individuals will choose an article from the trade journals regarding recent events in the motion picture industry and write an essay as to why they found it interesting and relevant. Send a link to the article and the essay to professor 1 day Prior to next class.
Production
Assignment - Read: Squire Chapter 20
Group 6 individuals will choose an article from the trade journals regarding recent events in the motion picture industry and write an essay as to why they found it interesting and relevant. Send a link to the article and the essay to professor 1 day Prior to next class.
Film Festivals
Assignment - Read Squire Chapters 24,25
Group 7 individuals will choose an article from the trade journals regarding recent events in the motion picture industry and write an essay as to why they found it interesting and relevant. Send a link to the article and the essay to professor 1 day Prior to next class.
Marketing
Assignment - Read: Squire Chapters 27, 28, 32
Group 8 individuals will choose an article from the trade journals regarding recent events in the motion picture industry and write an essay as to why they found it interesting and relevant. Send a link to the article and the essay to professor 1 day Prior to next class.
Exhibition, Revenue Streams, First 1/2 Final project presentations
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.
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