Get Hands-On Training in Producing Films, TV, and Media
During the 12-Week Evening Producing Workshop, students learn how to manage the production of a film from start-to-finish. The workshop is an intensive study into film producing, and outlines the essential roles, tasks and obstacles faced by film and television producers. The evening program curriculum is identical to the 4-Week Producing Workshop, but delivered as a part-time workshop, and is formatted for students who may have committments during the day.
Workshop DescriptionWorkshop Name: 12-Week Evening Producing Workshop
In this hands-on, part-time workshop, students learn the real-word strategies for successful producing. The program offers education and intensive training in key elements of an effective producer’s craft, such as an introduction to filmmaking from the perspective of the screenwriter, director, editor, cinematographer and sound designer, as well as the basic principles of production management entertainment law, marketing, distribution, packaging, and financing.
Students will also study the specific issues, problems and solutions of development, pre-production, production, post production, distribution and exhibition of studio and independent films. Often, after the producing workshop is complete, graduates enroll in longer producing programs at NYFA, such as the 1-Year Producing Program.
NYFA also offers the possibility to learn producing from anywhere through a variety of online producing workshops.
To learn more, refer to NYFA’s Course Catalog or request more information.
CLASS DETAILS
Producer’s Craft
Producer’s Craft serves as the mainstay of the creative producing program, introducing students to the language and practice of producing and filmmaking. Through a combination of lecture, screening and handouts, students learn the fundamental producing skills needed to begin to understand creative producing in an increasingly complex global marketplace. This pivotal class prepares students for each of their digital-film projects and is the venue for screening and critiquing their work. Students learn how to bring stories all the way from development through post production and beyond. The creative producers are afforded an opportunity to develop their skills and voices through their creative instincts, all the while developing their communication and problem-solving abilities. The basics of Pitching, Development, Schedules and Budgets along with Basic Finance, Distribution, Packaging and Marketing principles are studied. Also, major industry news stories that impact production are discussed.
Screenwriting Fundamentals
The writing portion of the producing program adheres to the philosophy that good producers must have a basic understanding and familiarization with the elements of storytelling to enhance producing abilities. With respect to recognition of what elements are present and essential in a screenplay worthy of production, they must comprehend the dramatic structure, theme, tension and conflict, as well as an understanding of logline, film genre, structure, dialogue, character arc, and commerciality, all necessary to begin to understand the ever important screenplay “coverage” used in every film production company.
Hands On Camera & Lighting
Students learn fundamental skills in the art of cinematography. Students shoot and screen test for focus, exposure, lens perspective, slow/fast motion, contract and lighting during their first week of class.
Sound Design
In this class, producing students learn to incorporate voice-over, sound effects and music into their final film project. Students will have access to NYFA’s extensive library of sound effects and sound recording equipment.
Editing
Students will learn the language of editing and the organization of film and sound material. Films are shot digitally and edited digitally. While students learn to use the nonlinear editing software, the emphasis is on the craft of editing which challenges students to create cogent sequences that best serve the story.
Directing for Producers
Through directing exercises, this class will allow producers to understand how directors organize their vision. Students learn the necessity of shot lists, storyboards, floor plans and working with actors. In crews, students develop, prep, shoot and edit two three-minute short films. Through immersion in the director’s craft, student producers quickly understand and confront the complexity and commitment required of this discipline and complete the Area of Study with the ability to recognize those qualities that are necessary in directors to get the best out of any screenplay.
Entertainment Law
Entertainment Law explores the legal and business issues related to film and television for creative producers. Students will study legal issues regarding television, films, recording, live performances and other aspects of the entertainment industry. Topics include copyright law, intellectual property and talent representation.
Branding/Marketing for Producers
Branding/Marketing for Producers provides students with the managerial and administrative skills necessary to be a creative and conceptual professional. Students will work with finance, marketing and distribution. Students will learn to discern the type of work they want to make and where in the world of film and television this work will fit creatively and fiscally.
TIMES AND BREAKDOWN BY WEEK
This part-time workshop is held Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings. Some classes may be held on Wednesday.
- New York campus: 7 PM to 9:30 PM EST
- Los Angeles campus: 7:40 PM to 10:20 PM PST
Students will need to anticipate extra time outside of class to complete assignments, projects, and exercises. Request information to learn more.
PROGRAM AND SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS
This course requires the following software and equipment:
- External hard drive (generally costs $30-$200)
- An SD Card
This workshop is currently available at NYFA New York and NYFA Los Angeles.
In the 12-Week Evening Producing Workshop, students will work on a series of key projects such as a finance plan, marketing plan, distribution plan, schedules, budgets, and a final pitch presentation. To see more projects that producing students may complete in our hands-on workshops, visit NYFA’s producing project page.
Please note: Equipment, curriculum, and projects are subject to change and may vary depending on location. Students should consult the most recently published campus catalog for the most up-to-date curriculum.