Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE MCS3300

 
TITLE Producing Film

 
UM LEVEL 03 - Years 2, 3, 4 in Modular Undergraduate Course

 
MQF LEVEL 6

 
ECTS CREDITS 4

 
DEPARTMENT Media and Communications

 
DESCRIPTION This study-unit will introduce students to the role of the independent creative producers, covering their four main areas of responsibility: the development of a story-idea; on-the-ground producing; finance and business affairs; as well as distribution and sales. Students will put their knowledge into practice through the development of a producer's pitch, working in conjunction with students in Video Production 2 and Scriptwriting.

Development of a story-idea: focusing on the early scriptwriting stage, students will be introduced to the role of the producer in script analysis,and story editing. They will also explore the practice of script consulting supporting the creation of a script which is loyal to the intention of the writer and/or director.

On-the-ground producing: students will be given the working blocks to start the practice of breaking down a script and scheduling a film, as well as building a budget based on that breakdown. Students will be introduced to the basic principles of what makes an efficient schedule, as well as good practice methods in keeping budgets low. Students will also gain a deeper understanding of the various stages of making a film: preproduction, production and post-production.

Finance and business affairs: students will learn to distinguish between European vs American funding systems; co-production in Europe; as well as issues related to clearances and other basic legal deliverables required by the end of the production.

Distribution and sales: students will be introduced to the dynamics of the film festival circuit; they will also gain an understanding of diversity and inclusion on the market as well as the role of sales agents and distribution companies.

Study-Unit Aims:

The study-unit aims to:
1. Train students in the fundamentals of creative film producing;
2. Introduce students to a range of professional practices, allowing them to connect to industry expectations;
2. Instill basic fluency in the practical skills at the heart of creative film producing;
3. Enable students to produce a short film project pitch, as creative producers;
4. Encourage collaboration between students across different disciplines.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding:
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

1. Discuss the structure of the film industry and the role of the creative producer within this;
2. Employ storytelling techniques in honing a project’s script from the perspective of the creative
producer;
3. Strategize the financing for a film, with the ability to design a plan which includes European co-productions;
4. Differentiate between diverse film festival, and evaluate them according to the marketing and
distribution needs of particular types of film projects.

2. Skills:
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

1. Critically assess a story idea, and discuss - in constructive terms - ways forward towards the development of a short film;
2. Break down a film script to produce a one-line and full-fat schedule, as well as DooDs;
3. Incorporate schedule considerations into a realistic budget, while keeping costs low;
4. Present a professional project pitch, as creative producers of a short film;
5. Position their films in terms of distribution, exhibition and film festival strategy.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

Main Texts:

- Hammett-Jamart, J., Mitric, P., & Redvall, E. N. (2018). European Film and Television Co-production: Policy and Practice. Palgrave Macmillan: Cham, Switzerland.

- Ryan, M.A. (2017). Producer to Producer : A Step-by-Step Guide to Low-Budget Independent Film Producing. Michael Wiese Productions: Seattle, US.

Supplementary Readings:

- Bondebjerg, I., Redvall, E. N., Helles, R., Lai, S. S., Søndergaard, H., & Astrupgaard, C. (2017). Transnational European Television Drama: Production, Genres and Audiences. Springer: NY, US.

- Hjort, M. (Ed.). (2007). Cinema of Small Nations. Edinburgh University Press: Edinburgh, UK.

- Hjort, M. (2012). Film and Risk. Wayne State University Press: Detroit Michigan, US.

 
ADDITIONAL NOTES Pre-Requisite Study-Units: MCS2020 & MCS3200

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Lecture and Practicum

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Presentation SEM2 Yes 30%
Report SEM2 Yes 70%

 
LECTURER/S Rebecca Anastasi

 

 
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It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

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