Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Being a producer involves the sourcing, securing and development of viable film, TV or media projects; knowing how to package them in order to raise finance to produce them; knowing how to organise and run a production within a set budget and knowing how to market and distribute the end result - a film or program in a global market.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to equip you with the business skills to make strategic decisions regarding film, TV or new media program proposals, to take them through development, source finance for production and ensure effective marketing and distribution of the finished product. It is designed to help you understand what is required to lead a creative team and to negotiate deals with investors, film agencies, studios and broadcasters.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of industry standards for proposals for a new film, TV program or new media project to pitch to a studio, broadcaster or screen agency;
2. Know the range of sources of funding that might be available for film, television and new media production;
3. Have an awareness of the range of available outlets for marketing and distribution in Australia and overseas;
4. Understand the merits and requirements of different business structures in relation to establishing a start up film, TV and/or new media production company.

Content

This unit addresses content such as how the business of film, television and new media works; sourcing and development of program ideas; pitching new projects; sources of funding; co-productions; information about distribution and marketing. It also addresses development of business plans and important financial and legal considerations related to film, TV and new media projects.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The program comprises lectures and workshops. The lectures will provide insights and understandings relating to the business of film, TV and new media production. In the workshop mode students will engage in group discussions and then practically apply learning to the development of their assessment work.

Assessment

LATE ASSIGNMENTS
An assignment submitted after the due date without an approved extension will not be marked. If you are unable to complete your assignment on time, you should submit on time whatever work you have done.

Faculty Assessment Information
To access the Creative Industries Faculty Assessment Information see the Blackboard site for this unit.FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
You will receive formative feedback on your progress in this unit during tutorials and discussions throughout the semester.
Weight: 0%

Assessment name: Report
Description: (Formative and summative)
Report on the initial stages of developing a film, TV or new media project.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid Semester

Assessment name: Project (applied)
Description: (Formative and summative)
Project Development plan for a new film, TV or new media entity.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Late Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Recommended Text Book

Lee, J. L. Jr. and Gillen, A.M. (2011) The Producer's Business Handbook, Focal Press.

Recommended References

Books
Collie, C. (2007) The Business of TV Production, Cambridge University Press.
Cones, J. W. (2008) 43 Ways to Finance Your Feature Film, Southern Illinois University Press.
Dollinger, M. J. (2003) Entrepreneurship: Strategies and Resources, Prentice Hall.
Finney, A. (2010) The International Film Business. Routledge.
Gawlinski, M. (2003) Interactive Television Production, Focal Press.
Greenwald, S. and Landry, P. (2009) This Business of Film: A Practical Guide to Achieving Success in the Film Industry, Lone Eagle.
Iordanova, D. and Cunningham, S. (2012) Digital Disruption: Cinema Moves On-line, St Andrews Film Studies.
Jeffrey, T. - Ed. (2006) Film Business: A Handbook for Producers, Allen & Unwin.
Kellison, C. (2008) Producing for TV and New Media: A Real World Approach for Producers, Focal Press.
Koster, R.J. (2004) The Budget Book for Film and Television, Focal Press.
Levison, L. (2004) Filmmakers and Financing, Focal Press.
McKinlay, G. (2002) Production Budgeting and Film Management, AFTRS.
Turman, L. (2006) So You Want To Be a Producer, Methuen.
Ulin, J. C. (2010) The Business of Media Distribution, Focal Press.

Trade papers and journals:
Variety (online)
Hollywood Reporter (online)
Screen Daily (online)
Screen Digest (hard copy in library)
Encore (Australian)
Screen Hub (Australian)
Television Business International (journal)
Tubefilter (online).

Risk assessment statement

Risk Assessment Statement QUT takes its obligations to the Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995 very seriously. You as a student must also meet your obligations under the Act. This can be done in different ways, but you are obliged to take action to manage exposure to risk.

There are Regulations, Advisory Standards and Industry Codes of Practice, to meet your obligations under the Act you must comply with these. You must take reasonable precautions and exercise proper diligence in making sure the risk is managed.

You have an obligation to exercise care when operating equipment and to follow instructions as to the safe operation of the equipment, safe manual handling and the use of safety devices and personal protective equipment.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 02-Apr-2013