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Topics in Pre-Production (370-0-20)

Topic

Producing

Instructors

Naeema Jamilah Torres

Meeting Info

Louis Hall 118: Wed 10:00AM - 12:50PM

Overview of class

This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of independent/low-budget film and media producing, from project development through final delivery for festival launch and distribution. Students will get an understanding of the viability of producing as a career through group investigation, discussions and guest speakers. Emphasis will be placed both on applied research and hands-on practice through "attaching" oneself as a producer to a proposed student short film. Students will learn the basics of Movie Magic Budgeting and Scheduling software through two short in-class labs and assignments.

Students will demonstrate acquired knowledge of producing through budgeting, scheduling, and project development/pitching. Students will be graded on: a written scene analysis from a producer's perspective; a scheduling assignment; and a project pitch presentation, where in a student will assume the producer role and generate a budget, schedule and prospectus materials (e.g. project description, pitch, synopsis, timeline, personnel bios, etc.) presented to the class at the end of the quarter. Significant time will be spent outside of class generating these materials. Finally, your grade will also require satisfactory participation through class discussions, labs, guest speakers and written discussions submitted online.

Learning Objectives

• Evaluate, breakdown and budget scripts/films for production as producers
• Articulate professional standards-of-practice for producers
• Practice the art of pitching
• Articulate how media works are monetized in the contemporary field

Class Materials (Required)

• Producer to Producer (2nd Edition) by Maureen Ryan
• Additional readings + videos posted on canvas by instructor

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Students must have completed RTVF 190-0 in order to register for this course (concurrent registration is not allowed)