Course Content and Outcomes Guides (CCOG)

CCOG for MM 268 archive revision 201803

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Effective Term:
Summer 2018 through Winter 2025

Course Number:
MM 268
Course Title:
Producing and Directing Independent Film
Credit Hours:
4
Lecture Hours:
30
Lecture/Lab Hours:
20
Lab Hours:
0

Course Description

Explores preparation for careers working in independent film, television, documentary production, and episodics. Covers professional standards for directing and producing while examining DIY and indie techniques and concepts within production. Audit available.

Intended Outcomes for the course

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

  • Produce production materials that are used to communicate to producers, directors, cast and crew throughout the production.

  • Use techniques and strategies for successful production and team leadership.

  • Evaluate and discuss current trends in fundraising, grants, and crowd sourcing opportunities.

  • Evaluate and discuss current trends in media distribution and marketing strategies.

  • Explain and demonstrate distribution possibilities and film festival submissions.

Course Activities and Design

Materials will be presented via lectures, demonstrations, and reading assignments.  Students will learn and demonstrate their abilities through hands-on assignments and participation on video production crews

Outcome Assessment Strategies

Student fulfillment of expected outcomes will be assessed using: 

  • In-class exercises;

  • Written quizzes;

  • Written assignments;

  • Practical exams in which the student demonstrates hands-on skills and abilities;

  • Complete a pre-production notebook, production paperwork and post-production strategy.

  • Observation by the instructor and other Productions staff.

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

Producing skills: Scheduling, Contracts, Cast and Crew Coordinating, Location releases, Budgets Casting for film / where to find actors, how to run a casting session, location scouting

Fundraising: Grants, Crowd Sourcing

Distribution: Film Festivals, Web Delivery, Marketing strategies

Soft skills of communication, crew management, hiring crew

How to work with a DP to create a look

Working with actors and DP and the creative team:  Wardrobe, make-up, art directors, prop departments, along with sound and camera.