ClassInfo

CP 340 The Fundamentals of Pre Production

Fall 2021-2022
Class number: 4484
Section number: 401
W 1:30PM - 4:45PM
CDM 00226 Loop Campus

Summary

 


This class is designed to take the student step by step through the creation and completion of a feature film, with an emphasis on the pre-production phase. Students will learn how to create or aquire material, oversee the building of a production, and examine the steps taken to complete a feature film.

This syllabus is subject to change at the instructor's discretion.

Course Objectives:
This course is designed to introduce students to the role of producer and the skills necessary for a producer to accomplish creative and filmmaking goals.

 



Texts

Required Texts:

Honthaner, Eve Light The Complete Film Production Handbook, (4th Edition)



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 20%
Final Project 50%
Class Participation 10%

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 for a feature film you can imagine being made.

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 (1-5 with 1 being the best) and submit to D2L by Tuesday Sept. 22 Reading: "The Harvest" screenplay. Honthaner chapters 1, 2, 26 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: Honthaner chapters 4 and 6 Discussion Topics: - - Pre Production - The Harvest - insurance, accounting, casting, Hiring dept. heads. Assignment: Continue producing your project Read: Honthaner chapters 3 and 10 Discussion Topics: Pre-Production - The Harvest - Crew, Transportation, Production Office Assignment: Work with team on your project Reading: Honthaner chapters 11 and 12 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 screenplay, Honthaner chapters 8 and 18 Discussion Topics: Production - The Harvest - Unions and Guilds, Locations, Extras Assignment: Work with team on your project Reading Honthaner chapters 13, 14, 15 Discussion Topics: Production - The Harvest - Stunts, SFX, Wrap. Assignment: Work with team on your project Reading: Honthaner chapters 17 and 23 Discussion Topics: Post- production- Editing, Picture lock, Composer Assignment: Work with team on your project Reading: Honthaner chapters 16 and 30 Discussion Topics: Post-Production - Mix, Distribution, Previews, Delivery requirements. Assignment: Prepare for Final Presentation Reading: Honthaner chapter 32

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