A producer is one of the most crucial creators in the entertainment industry. This intensive, hands-on eight-week film production workshop covers the entire spectrum of the work of a producer — and adds a practical production element. Students produce their own short digital project. A complete overview of production fundamentals includes a detailed exploration of the creative producing process, the creation of a film package, story and script analysis, an introduction to production management (including industry standard Movie Magic scheduling and budgeting software), camera, lighting, and sound classes, the Avid editing system, as well as pitching, entertainment law, and case studies.
Film production workshop participants advance their skills and knowledge through creating their own individual project and by following production through from start to finish. Students write their own script, cast actors, schedule, budget, shoot, and edit on the Avid system, adding sound, music, and credits to realize a finished project.
Producing classes include: screenwriting, film finance, crowdfunding finance, directing for producers, casting and working with actors, line producing, practical camera and lighting, editing, post-production sound, color correction, digital distribution, and marketing — as well as film festival strategies.
The practical application of producing skills and techniques allows students to emerge from the course with their own completed digital film project.
Course Descriptions
The following film direction courses are designed to be of immediate and practical use in an integrated curriculum. Each week students are able to immediately apply the lessons learned in their classes to the films they are producing.
All aspects of producing are covered in this comprehensive film production workshop, including: the acquisition of rights, development of screenplays, working with writers, packaging projects, sources of film finance, investment strategies, pre-production, filming, post-production, marketing, and distribution.
Case Studies
Individual producers sharing experiences making specific projects is an invaluable method in learning craft and technique. Our award winning faculty offer real world case studies of nurturing film projects from conception to actualization, with an emphasis on current financing trends, digital production, and social media strategies.
EP Budgeting and Scheduling
In a hands-on lab setting, students learn Entertainment Partners (EP) Movie Magic Scheduling and Budgeting software programs. Using contemporary digital film production strategies, students manage their own individual projects, bringing their vision to the screen.
Pitching
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 final pitch to fellow students and producing faculty
Film Business
Includes an in-depth look at the current state of film finance: new sources of finance, trending strategies in obtaining equity investment, production incentives, foreign sales, crowdfunding, and recoupment. An additional class explores Film Festival Strategies, an integral skillset for the emerging producer.
Entertainment Law
Film production students study legal issues regarding television, films, recordings, live performances, and other aspects of the entertainment industry. Topics include contracts, copyright law, intellectual property, talent representation, deal making, and distribution.
Story and Script Analysis
Screenwriting fundamentals are used to understand what makes a script work, and how screenplays can improve through development. The course explores the screenwriter's process, topics include: narrative structure, theme, premise, character, conflict, pacing, and tone.
Film Crafts
An introduction to the crafts employed in the filmmaking process, including camera, lighting, and sound. Learned techniques are applied in the production of students' individual projects.
Directing for Producers
Bringing your vision to the screen - working with actors, cinematographers, and crew in the creation of your own film.
Writing the Short Film
The writing of a short screenplay, utilizing the fundamentals explored in the introductory Story and Script Analysis class. The script will be produced as part of this workshop.
Producing the Short Film
Drawing upon production management basics introduced in the EP Budgeting and Scheduling class, students oversee all logistics required to produce their own short project. Topics include locations, permits, working with union members, set management, and crew responsibilities.
Editing
Using the industry standard Avid system, students learn how to edit film resulting in a finished project. Using their own shot material, students emerge with a completed short project.
Casting for Producers
Working with actors is a key component of the filmmaking process. Finding suitable actors is crucial to the project's success. Students will be introduced to the various methods of finding and securing actors, including casting notices, audition techniques, and working within union guidelines.
Digital Distribution and Marketing
Digital technology has brought our industry into a brave new world of distribution and marketing. This course examines the latest trends in online distribution, the significance of digital platforms like Amazon and Netflix, social media strategies, digital outreach campaigns. Students will apply these concepts to get their projects seen by global audiences.
Editing Lab
Hands-on use of the Avid editing system, where students put together their filmed material resulting in a finished project.
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