Syllabus
Course Name : TFI Fundamentals of Film Producing
12 Weeks, Begins Sept. 18, 2003, Thursdays, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Instructor: D. A. Zivkovich
Office Hours: By Appointment
Contact: 758-7859
Textbook(s): Suggested: The Producer’s Business Handbook by John Lee, Jr. Filmmakers and Financing by Louise Levison .
Course Description:
The Fundamentals of Film Producing is designed to introduce aspiring filmmakers to the business aspects of filmmaking, from concept to distribution. Students will learn to read a script with an eye to budget breakdowns, and explore the various methods of financing a film. Legalities, from setting up the right kind of company to contracts, unions and copyrights will also be explored. Various avenues of distribution and licensing markets will be discussed, as will the marketing and advertising of a film.
Course Objectives:
1) To introduce students to the business side of filmmaking.
2) To encourage students to take the proper steps to protect the creative process, and familiarize them with what those steps are.
3) To provide aspiring filmmakers with a working knowledge and appreciation of what a producer does
4) To delineate for aspiring producers the breadth of responsibility inherent in the position of producer
5) To develop in students an ability to anticipate and plan for the tasks and invariable difficulties of bringing a creative vision to practical fruition
Class Format:
The Fundamentals of Producing will be a standard lecture format.
Expectations:
Please no cell phones or Walkmans in class.
Course Requirements:
· Each student must complete a budget breakdown of a short script in preparation to seek financing.
· Each student must create a financing plan for the film.
· Each student must prepare a marketing and distribution plan for the film
· Students must meet all deadlines.
· Pop quizzes should be expected
· A presentation book including script, budget, finance plan and marketing plan will be due at the end of the session.
Attendance Policy:
Students must attend class regularly and punctually. Excessive absences may result in a student being dropped from the class. It is UNM-Taos policy that a student MAY be dropped by their instructor after three absences. Lab fees are nonrefundable.
Grading Policy:
Attendance - 10%
Class Participation - 10%
Quizzes – 10%
Final Project - Overall 70%
· Budget breakdown - 25%
· Finance plan - 20%
· Marketing and Distribution plan - 25%
ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act):
Qualified students with disabilities needing appropriate academic adjustments should contact me as soon as possible to ensure your needs are met in a timely manner. Handouts are available in alternative formats upon request.
Dropping the course:
It is the student’s responsibility to drop a course. The instructor is not required, nor should be expected, to drop a student from the official roster. Do not assume that failing to come to class will result in your being dropped from the course. If a student does drop the class, please note that lab fees are nonrefundable.
Due Process:
If you have any problems in the class that cannot be directly handled by talking with the instructor, the appropriate person to contact is the Academy Head or Katie Mares in UNM Student Services.
COURSE OUTLINE