The Twelve-Week Evening Producing Workshop is designed to illuminate one of the most important and misunderstood jobs in film and television. Students eager to understand and explore the exciting and multi-faceted work of a producer will gain insight and clarity to hone their own skills, and have the opportunity to apply those skills to their own in-class work. It is geared to students with little or no experience in producing, but who recognize that an intensive and demanding program, much like the job of producing itself, will provide them with the knowledge they seek.
The Evening Producing Workshop is an intensive study into the world of film producing. The schedule is designed for students with other daytime commitments who can only devote themselves to part-time study. The course may meet up to 5 times per week and students will need to be available on some Saturdays. Additional time will be required outside of class for course assignments.
WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES
Students will learn the real-word strategies for successful producing. Students must be prepared for intensive work three nights a week, throughout the entire workshop. They must be committed to a fast-paced, intensive learning. Skills learned as a result of successful completion of this program include:
Introduction to the roles, tasks and obstacles faced by film and television producers
Analysis of key elements of effective producer's craft
Introduction to filmmaking from the perspective of the screenwriter, director, editor, cinematographer and sound designer
Understanding of the basic principles of entertainment law
This core introductory course outlines the essential roles, tasks and obstacles faced by film and television producers. Topics include navigating the studios, television networks and emerging media, and the relationship between producer and the unions, guilds and talent agencies. In addition, students are introduced to the language of Producing and Filmmaking. Through lecture, discussion of industry developments, handouts and individual research assignments, Producer's Craft lays the groundwork for a profession as a Creative Producer. Course work will covers, the role of the producer; development of IP (intellectual property); Option agreements, rights research, chain of title and deal memos; script coverage and working with writers; budgets; packaging presentations; production overview and management; post production; marketing and distribution; and new media perspectives.
Case Studies
This course will use specific in-depth examples of already produced movies to introduce students to the specific issues, problems and solutions of pre-production, production, post production, distribution and exhibition of studio and independent films; including domestic and foreign films to provide a global perspective for the students. Topics of discussion will focus on talent relations, studio politics, development and the A-Z of produced films to expose the students to real life cinematic situations.
EP Budgeting and Scheduling
This course introduces students to the industry-standard software used to schedule and budget productions. In a hands-on lab setting, students are instructed in the use of Entertainment Partners (EP) Movie Magic Scheduling and Budgeting software programs, including established scheduling and budgeting techniques.
Developing the Pitch
Through rigorous in-class exercises, students will develop brief and effective "pitches" of the material they choose to pursue. Each student will practice and gain critical and fundamental pitching skills culminating in a semester-end presentation for fellow students, staff and producing chair.
Film Finance/Distribution/Marketing
Using produced films as case studies; this course focuses on successful strategies employed in the finance, marketing and distribution of studio and independent films.
Story & Script Analysis
Students will gain firsthand knowledge of fundamental screenwriting elements. They will study story analysis from a conflict, character, premise, plot and thematic point of view. They will learn the role of the protagonist and the antagonist and they will understand what moves a story forward from beginning to end utilizing all screenwriting tools available.
Entertainment Law
This course is an overview of contract law and how it impacts the entertainment industry. Producing students will study legal issues regarding television, films, recordings, live performances and other aspects of the entertainment industry. Topics include copyright law, intellectual property and talent representation.
Hands on Sound
Students will learn the basic fundamentals of recording sound for film utilizing the latest in digital recording and mixing equipment. This course will provide the student with enough knowledge to deal with basic production sound issues.
Hands on Camera
Students will learn the basic fundamentals of using a camera for film capture utilizing the latest in digital technology. This course will provide the student with enough knowledge to deal with basic production camera issues.
Hands on Lighting
Students will learn the fundamentals of lighting a basic scene utilizing small lighting equipment packages. This course will provide the student with enough knowledge to deal with simple production lighting issues.
Film Festival Procedures
With the proliferation of film festivals around the world, this course will offer the student as opportunity at a "low cost" option for submission of their films and a means to develop a film community of their own. Film Festivals are expanding as the technology explodes in the digital universe.
Film Exhibition
In this class, the students will be learn how a film moves into the theatre both domestically and internationally.
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1-800-611-FILM | 1-212-674-4300 
