Course Outline
WEEK Description Assignments
1 Overview of film industry and how it works, from development to distribution. Discussion of various job descriptions and their fluidity none
2 Legalities setting up the right kind of company, contracts, copyright, releases Read scripts and choose one for the final project
3 Reading a script with an eye to breakdowns, including cast breakdowns, crew (above and below the line), sets, F/X, locations, etc. Begin budget breakdown of script
4 Concentrate on Budgeting out a script, anticipating and accounting for the unexpected Continue budget breakdown of script
5 Financing a film there are nearly a 100 ways to finance a film Week 5 begins discussion of several different methods
6 Continue discussion of film finance and additional methods of financing a film. Begin finance plan
7 Continued discussion of film finance problems and benefits of different methods how method of finance affects distribution. Whats the most appropriate method of financing for any given film Continue finance plan
8 Distribution deal memos, contracts, how financing affects distribution, how the distribution deal affects profits
9 Distribution discussion of markets, including foreign and domestic theatrical, pay-per-view, premium cable, broadcast, VHS and tertiary markets
10 Marketing discussion of distributors, film festivals, screenings. Also, how much control can you/should you retain? Begin marketing plan
11 Marketing planning a campaign, merchandising, product placement, commercials, advertising .
12 Discussion of cash flow, revenue streams and profits. Also, how to use the success of a film to finance the next one. Project book due