Courses / Undergraduate

Summer 2018

  • Pitch to Production

    176 | CCN: 15062

    J. Mira Kopell

    3 Units

    T/W/Th 9:00am-11:30am, Dwinelle 142

    This six-week, three-unit course provides an overview of the producing process for students interested in developing their own creative film/media projects. Since there is no one path forward when developing and producing creative material in the entertainment and media industries this class will explore a variety of development/producing case studies based on Bay Area productions. We will cover both short and long form projects, documentary and narrative. 

    Each week one or more guest speakers (filmmakers and/or industry experts) will hold a Q&A with the instructor and students in order to share their expertise and experience related to specific kinds of project development, financing, production and/or distribution. Through these case studies students will be exposed to filmmakers with a wide range of goals, experiences and resources in order to explore diverse strategies used to produce these projects. 

    Students are introduced to the basic concepts, terms and principles of producing so that they can effectively and efficiently develop their own project proposal and financial strategy. Unit topics include creating a “pitch” proposal/package, methods of fundraising/financing, legal and ethical issues, managing the production cycle, and securing distribution. There will be in-class screenings. Attendance is mandatory.