Department: Theatre, Film, Television and Interactive Media
Credit value: 20 credits
Credit level: M
Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
See module specification for other years:
2022-232024-25
Module summary
Through this module you will be introduced to the role of the producer and gain a detailed knowledge of the role and responsibilities in all phases of the film and television creation process --development, preproduction, production and postproduction -- and a rich understanding of standard industry
practices.
Module will run
Occurrence
Teaching period
A
Semester 1 2023-24
Module aims
This module aims to:
Provide a theoretical and practical framework with which you can explore the logistical, managerial and creative aspects of producing film and television projects
Develop and enhance a range of business and logistical skills related to producing involving financial, legal and compliance areas, including knowledge of employment and health & safety requirements
Develop an understanding of the creative aspects of producing including the sourcing of project ideas and production talent
Emphasise the importance of creative collaboration for the effective management of the production process in terms of use of time, working with other crew members and problem solving.
Module learning outcomes
Upon completion of this module you are expected to be able to:
Demonstrate an understanding of the multiple creative, logistical and managerial roles of the producer in all phases of project creation
Demonstrate an understanding of the legal requirements associated with film and television production and how to ensure they are met
Demonstrate an ability to use appropriate tools for logistical planning such as project breakdowns, budgeting and scheduling
Demonstrate an ability to exercise creative judgement in choosing project ideas and talent, with an awareness of audience and/or market
Demonstrate an ability to project-manage, organising all required elements in a systematic way and managing time effectively to complete a project plan to deadline
Indicative assessment
Task
% of module mark
Essay/coursework
50
Essay/coursework
50
Special assessment rules
None
Additional assessment information
All information asked for in the assessment is covered in lectures and in the reading directly. There are additional workshops where you need to present work that shows awareness of the market and the role of the producer. You will also have workshops where you learn budget and scheduling templates and software needed for the assessments.
Indicative reassessment
Task
% of module mark
Essay/coursework
50
Essay/coursework
50
Module feedback
You will receive written feedback in line with standard University turnaround times.
Indicative reading
Austen, S. (2019). Producing for Film & TV. The Crowood Press Ltd.
Crone, T. (2002). Law and the Media. Oxford: Focal Press.
Crowell, T. (2011). The Pocket Lawyer for Filmmakers. Burlington: Focal Press.
Donaldson, M. (2003). Clearance and Copyright: Everything the Independent Filmmaker Needs to Know. Los Angeles, CA: Silman-James.
Finney, A. (2010). The International Film Business: A Market Guide Beyond Hollywood. Abingdon: Routledge.
Landry, P. (2017). Scheduling and Budgeting Your Film: A Panic-Free Guide (American Film Market Presents). New York: Routledge.
Lee, J. (2010). The Producer's Business Handbook (American Film Market Presents). Burlington: Focal Press.
Levison, L. (2013). Filmmakers and Financing (American Film Market Presents). Burlington: Focal Press.
Litwak, M. (2002). Dealmaking in the Film and Television Industry From Negotiations Through Final Contracts, 2nd Ed. Los Angeles, CA: Silman-James.
Parks, S. (2007). The Insider’s Guide to Independent Film Distribution. Burlington: Focal Press.
Stradling, L. (2010). Production Management for Film and TV. London: Methuen/Drama.
Ulin, J. (2010). The Business of Media Distribution: Monetizing Film, TV and Video Content in an Online World. Burlington: Focal Press.