50196 Producing

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences: Media Arts and Production
Credit points: 8 cp
Result Type: Grade, no marks

Requisite(s): 50155 Film and Video Production
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses. See access conditions.

Handbook description

The subject introduces the role and strategies of the producer in the making and distribution of short films and videos and cross-media works. It uses the UTS and Australian media production context to example material. However, students are encouraged to apply knowledge to the production context and country of their choice in their assignments. Production exercises and assignments primarily focus on short, low budget projects where students learn to schedule and manage a project. Elements for clearance of copyright, budgeting principles and postproduction paths are also explored, as well as the distribution context for low budget work and the producer's role in the development, pitching and marketing of a project. The subject utilises UTS Online for some aspects of coursework and assignments. The subject may not be a suitable level for postgraduates who are already experienced in production management and the producing aspects of production.

Subject objectives/outcomes

On completion of this subject students are expected to be able to:

interpret elements of copyright and 'chain of title' for production purposes
draft production agreements
make contact with networks of support and knowledge in the industry
break down, schedule and budget a short script
understand location clearance requirements and agreements
gain experience in pitching a project
develop a distribution or film festival strategy
understand and interpret a self-selected production context of the industry (policy, development and distribution etc.)
understand the variety of approaches to producing within different segments of the industry.

Contribution to graduate profile

This subject provides introductory knowledge, experience and skills in producing and allows students to take up and develop this industrial role in collaboration with their production team within a broad range of film and video projects and industry contexts.

Teaching and learning strategies

The subject is taught as a three hour, weekly seminar. Students are also required to use UTS Online for selected assignments.

Assignments also involves interviewing a producer and may involve self-directed attendance at least one industry related event.

Content

Elements of Chain of Title and copyright as they apply to creative media work

Script breakdown process on a short film or video script

Scheduling a short script and using professional scheduling software

Breaking down the production and post-production elements, designing a post-path and budgeting.

Production agreements

Film Festival strategy and low budget distribution

The role and strategy of the professional producer in different segments of the industry.

Pitching projects (for the broadcast / television / cross media sectors)

The policy and development context.

Assessment

Students must complete all assignments set for the subject.

Assessment item 1: Producer/entertainment lawyer case study

Objectives	c, h,i
Value	30%
Due	Weeks 12-14 in class
Task	Working in pairs, students are required to undertake a case study with a self selected Producer or Entertainment Lawyer (Arts/Law students only), for oral presentation to the class. The case study can be from any segment of the production industry, either from within Australia or internationally, and will examine the production strategy of this role in relation to a successful industry project. A brief will be provided for the case study in Week 1, with class presentations scheduled for the end of the semester. The approximate word count for written submission is 1,000–1,500 words. Students may use Powerpoint presentation for in class component. Please note: Video recording of interview is not an option.
Assessment criteria	The case study will take the form of a presentation to the lecturer and peers in class. Assessment will be based on: Ability to elicit information through interview Clarity, relevance and engagement of oral presentation and written materials Ability to express critical awareness and understanding of the producer's strategies from the development to distribution of the project Ability to give a clear and engaging presentation materials (for example an interview with the producer) Demonstrated ability to facilitate and engage class discussion on the strategic issues under discussion Evidence in the presentation of research that demonstrates an understanding of the production context the producer is working with.

Assessment item 2: Production portfolio

Objectives	a, b, d, e, g
Value	40%
Due	In class Week 14
Task	Working individually, students are required to take a short script (provided or their own) and prepare a production portfolio for film and digital release/finish. The portfolio must include: The script (with at least 3 scene changes) The elements of chain of title (and strategies and examples of clearance documents) Justified shooting schedule Production and post path budgets, produced on UTS templates Location report (plus examples and clearances) Festival/distribution strategy Quality presentation A brief will be supplied for all aspects of the portfolio.
Assessment criteria	Inclusion of all material as prescribed above Demonstrated understandings of the production issues and logistics attached to each portfolio component Ability to articulate and support justifications for production choices in relation to chain of title, shooting schedule, budgeting, post-production process, locations and distribution strategy Ability to write and express these justifications clearly Clear referencing and layout of material within the portfolio and demonstration of ability to organise information in a logical structure.

Assessment item 3: Industry report

Objectives	h
Value	20%
Due	Online by Week 6 (Your report submitted Wednesday 2 April, your comments on another by Friday 4 April)
Task	Working individually, students are required to report on an event/ topic/ issue or policy related to the context of producing in Australia or internationally. The report content can be obtained by any of the following ways: a) attending an industry related event; b) reading and commenting on written material; or c) reflecting on a related production topic/issue within ones professional sphere. The report must include the perspectives of the student on how the topic/issue contributes to their policy, development, production or distribution knowledge of the industry. The report should be 1,000 words. Each student is also required to respond to and communicate with at least one post by a fellow student.
Assessment criteria	Independent research and understanding of the topic or issue for the report Inclusion of the student's perspectives on how the event/topic contributes to the policy, development or the distribution aspects of the industry Response to at least one other post from fellow students Ability to meet deadlines for posting report to fellow students

Assessment item 4: Pitching a project

Objectives	f
Value	10%
Due	Performed in class in Week 8
Task	Students will be briefed about the broadcast/television/cross-media industry and design a pitch that they will then prepare in small groups of three and present to the class for feedback. The pitches will occur in one class session only with class feedback.
Assessment criteria	Ability to pitch an idea and content for broadcast and cross-media distribution Participation by all members of the group in the preparation and pitch.

Minimum requirements

Students are expected to read the subject outline to ensure they are familiar with the subject requirements. Since class discussion and participation in activities form an integral part of this subject, you are expected to attend, arrive punctually and actively participate in classes. If you experience difficulties meeting this requirement, please contact your lecturer. Students who have a reason for extended absence (e.g., illness) may be required to complete additional work to ensure they achieve the subject objectives.

Attendance is particularly important in this subject because it is based on a collaborative approach which involves essential workshopping and interchange of ideas. Students who attend fewer than ten classes are advised that their final work will not be assessed and that they are likely to fail the subject.

Required text(s)

Required texts:

Two prepared handbooks for the class exercises.

Indicative references

Websites:

Australian Film Commission website http://www.afc.gov.au
NSW. Film and Television Office (NSWFTO) website http://www.fto.nsw.gov.au
The Satchel: Production Budgeting and Film Management Guide
www.afc.gov.au/satchel (will be available from UTS Library)

Texts:

Encore Directory . Sydney Reed Publications (UTS Library)
Don't shoot the Best Boy! The Film Crew at Work , Shand, J & Wellington, T (UTS Library)
Down and Dirty Pictures, Miramax, Sundance and the Rise of Independent Film , Peter Bisk (UTS Library, 384.80973 BISK)
Producers on Producing: the Making of Film and Television , 1986. Irv Broughton NC: McFarland. (UTS library 791.43023)
The Production Book (UTS Library has Electronic access to this resource from the catalogue)
The Ultimate Film Festival Survival Guide , Chris Gore, (UTS Library, 791.43 GORE)
What a Producer does: the art of moviemaking (not the business) , Buck Houghton, 1992. (UTS Library 791.430232)

Magazines:

Magazines: (Australian)
IF Magazine
METRO Screen