|
FIL
2611 Film Business, Marketing & Distribution
Syllabus
Assigned Text:
Crabb,
Kelly Charles. The Movie Business. New York: Simon &
Schuster, 2005. ISBN# 0-7432-6492-4
Course Outcome:
The
student will understand the business aspects of feature film
production, marketing and distribution. Emphasis is placed
on copyright law, various business models for production
companies and the contract negotiations involved in taking an idea
to the screen through development, pre-production, production,
post-production and release.
Competencies:
Competency 1:
The student will be able to implement the various business steps
required for setting up a professional film production according
to established industry practices through:
1. Familiarization with intellectual property and copyright law
through assigned readings
2. Familiarization with financing strategies prevalent in the
feature film industry
3. Familiarization with basic contract negotiation tactics and
practices through assigned readings
4. Implementation of budgeting and cost-control practices by
performing several exercises in class
Competency 2:
The student will be able to identify the major factors involved
in successful film marketing by:
1. Drawing inferences from previously successful productions
2. Developing a marketing plan that targets a specific audience
segment
3. Maximizing the impact of advertising, publicity and public
relations while minimizing costs
4. Defining the factors that properly position a film in the
marketplace
Competency 3:
The student will be able to develop successful film distribution
strategies by:
1. Developing an awareness of the competitive environment at the
time of a film’s release
2. Creating a distribution strategy that delivers the film to its
target audience at a minimum cost
3. Weighing theatrical distribution vs. direct-to-video
distribution as to which has the highest profit potential
Requirements
and Performance Evaluation:
The student must complete the
following within the course period:
1. PAPER
comparing the online trade
publications Variety and
The Hollywood Reporter
and stating which one you prefer and why (three to four pages).
Maximum grade: 100 points
2. Four QUIZZES
on assigned
readings. Each worth 100 points. Maximum grade:
400 points
3. A
FINAL EXAM worth 500 points
4.
ATTENDANCE: Up to 240 points may be deducted from the final
grade due to absences (see
Attendance Policy below)
Grading scale:
A = 900-1000
B
= 800-899
C
= 700-799
D
= 600-699
F
= 0-599
Attendance Policy:
Attendance is crucial to the successful
completion of this course; therefore, there are no excused absences.
During FALL and SPRING terms, the student is deducted 10 points for each of the first four absences. For the fifth and sixth absences, 100
points are deducted for each. Seven absences result in an automatic F.
During SUMMER terms, the student is deducted
10 points for each of the first two absences. For
the third and fourth absences, 100
points are deducted for each. Five absences result in an automatic F.
Two late arrivals, after the roll is called, constitute one absence. Leaving
before the class and/or film are over constitute one absence.
Make-Up Policy
Students may make-up any
missed quizzes, without penalty, on the last day of class after
taking the Final Exam.
Extra Credit and Emails
Your professor regularly uses your mymdc.edu
email address so send important class announcements, including opportunities to
receive extra credit. It is the students' responsibility to check
their mymdc.edu email account regularly to keep themselves informed.
Withdrawal:
It is the student’s
responsibility to initiate the withdrawal process before the established deadline
for the term.
Otherwise, an F will be issued at the end of the course.
Cell Phone and PDA Policy:
All cellular phones, PDAs, Blackberries or any
other electronic communications devices (now in existence or yet to be
developed) must be TURNED OFF and cannot be consulted during the duration of the
class. Failure to observe this rule will result in immediate expulsion
from the class.
Disability Statement:
Students with documented
special learning needs may want to inform the instructor so that accommodations
may be made, or contact the Office of Services for Students with disabilities.
Ethics Policy:
Academic dishonesty in any
form will not be tolerated and violators will be dealt with in accordance with
policies stated in the Student Handbook.
Class Meetings and
Assignments:
First Class Meeting
Introduction to the course.
Screening: “The Kid Stays in the
Picture”
Second Class Meeting
Assignment Due: Paper comparing
the Trade Publications.
Lecture:
“From Idea to Treatment”
Third Class Meeting
Fourth Class Meeting
Quiz #1
covering pp. 5-86
Lecture:
“Nothing Happens Until It’s Finished.”
Assignment:
Read
pp. 87-128
Fifth Class Meeting
Lecture:
“Packaging the Elements Part I”
Assignment:
Read
pp. 130-162.
Sixth Class Meeting
Lecture:
“Packaging the Elements Part II”
Assignment:
Read pp. 165- 180
Seventh Class Meeting
Lecture:
“Getting the Money to Make It Happen”
Assignment:
pp. 180- 210 and study pp. 87-210 for Quiz #2
Eighth Class Meeting
Quiz #2
covering pp. 87-210
Lecture:
“Producing the Movie: Legal Matters and Main Players”
Assignment:
Read
pp. 211-262
Ninth Class Meeting
Lecture:
“Producing the Movie: Procuring and Filming”
Assignment:
Read
pp. 263-280
Tenth Class Meeting
Lecture:
“Producing the Movie: Finishing Production
Details"
Assignment: Read
pp. 281-328
Eleventh Class Meeting
Lecture:
“Producing the Movie: Legal Details
Assignment:
Study for Quiz #3 covering pp. 211-328
Twelfth Class Meeting
Quiz #3
covering pp. 211-328
Lecture:
“Theatrical Distribution”
Assignment:
Read pp. 329-395
Thirteenth Class Meeting
Lecture:
“Merchandise Licensing and Soundtrack Albums”
Assignment:
Read pp. 396-420
Fourteenth Class Meeting
Lecture: “Ancillary
Media”
Assignment:
Read pp. 421- 464 and
study
for Quiz #4 covering pp. 329-470
Fifteenth Class Meeting
Lecture:
“The Internet”.
Quiz
#4 covering pp. 329-470
Assignment: Study for Final
Exam
Sixteenth Class Meeting
Final
Exam
Last
date to make-up any missed quizzes or turn in any pending
assignments.
End of Course
BACK TO TOP |
NORTH
CAMPUS
