FILM PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT
FIL 4647 B001 Summer B
June 27 – Aug 3, 2011
Instructor - Lisa C. Cook
Mondays and Wednesdays 9:00am til 12:50pm
Room: Comm 145
Office Hrs:
Contacting the Professor
Wed 2p to 4p
Office:
Phone
Comm 177
407-823-2758
E-Mail:
Lisa.cook@ucf.edu
Website:
http://lisacookfilm.wordpress.com/
Catalog Course Description:
FIL 4647
CAH-FILM
3(3,0)
Film Production Management: PR: Film major, FIL 3201C. Production, budgeting, script breakdown,
construction of production boards, scheduling, location scouting, and crew procurement.
Through the process of breaking down, scheduling and budgeting a script, we will identify the necessary
balance between the creative process and the financial process of filmmaking, and the logistics it will
require to get it “in the can”. We will review from the production manager’s perspective the techniques
of hiring and firing, day-to-day crew management and successful job hunting.
Course Description: (note: syllabus subject to change at professor’s discretion)
Film Production Management will introduce students to the theory and practice of managing motion
picture production with an emphasis on the Hollywood industrial model. Topics covered will include
budgeting, script breakdown, scheduling, location scouting, and crew procurement, among others.
Course Requirements:
Students will work together in teams of two to create the forms notebook due on August 1. Students may also
create the book on their own if they prefer.
Course Goals:
The goal of this course is to expand each student’s critical and creative reading, writing, and thinking
skills in preparation for a productive career in the film industry. Students will gain a heightened sense of
creativity, the courage to question conventions, and an expanded toolbox for higher-order reasoning.
Course Objectives:
At the end of this course students should . . .
♦ Be able to take on a management role in a student project setting.
♦ Be able to breakdown a script in order to budget and schedule a motion picture.
♦ Be able to effectively scout for locations.
♦ Be able to manage the special needs of the Art Department.
♦ Be able to communicate professionally with crew in every department.
♦ Be able to work successfully as an office or set P.A.
Required Texts:


The Production Assistant’s Pocket Handbook. Must obtain full version, available for download as
a PDF here for $3:
http://www.plocktau.com/how-tos/pahandbook/theproductionassistantspockethandbook.html
All dates, assignments and elements in the syllabus are tentative and can be changed at any time at the discretion of
the professor.
Supplemental Texts:
 I highly recommend reading From Concept to Screen: An Overview of Film and Television Production
(Paperback) by Robert Benedetti ISBN-10: 0205327435. It is the best book I have found that covers
all pertinent aspects of film in a manageable length. It is expensive, about $40, which I why I don’t
require it.
Evaluation Procedures
Grade Categories
QUIZZES
FORMS NOTEBOOK
ATTENDANCE AND
PARTICIPATION
READINGS AND IN CLASS
WRITINGS
Description of the requirements
Quizzes at 4 times during the course. They include
True/False (if false you must write in True
answer) and a short written question.
Print out all the forms listed on the Forms page at
the end of the syllabus. Due Aug 1.
3 points will be deducted per absence. Tardiness
(entering class after roll is taken) and partial class
attendance is a 2 point deduction or in some cases,
all points deducted at discretion of instructor.
I give points for class participation, so it can make
a difference in your grade; speak up and ask
questions.
There are 6 required readings, brief articles I have
chosen for you to read before coming to class on
the dates listed in the syllabus. You will be asked a
simple question to write on at the start of class
about the reading on the days listed. The writing
will be graded for attendance purposes on non
quiz days and comprise part of your final course
grade.
Weight toward
final grade
35%
35%
15%
15%
Technology Policies:
Technology
E-mail:
Expectations for Use
I will answer all emails, I check it constantly. It is the best way to reach me.
My website
http://lisacookfilm.wordpress.com/
The forms and script are on this website under Production Forms, along with other items of
interest.
No laptop usage, cel phone usage or text messaging permitted during class time, both lecture and
screenings. If found to be breaking this rule, instructor retains the right to reduce student’s final
grade by as much as one letter grade.
Laptop Usage:
Special tools:
Other
You will need to use programs called Scenechronize and Showbiz Budgeting, details to be given in
class. These can both be accessed through the internet.
Bring copy of "MY MOTHER DREAMS THE SATAN'S DISCIPLES IN NEW YORK" to class along
with the Creating a Script Breakdown memo on Wednesday June 29.
Failure to bring these supplies to class results in a deduction
of 1 point from your final grade.
Please note all assignments must be stapled. Unstapled or paper clipped assignments will not be
accepted.
Access to the internet is required for this class – we use it to review tutorials on both
Scenechronize Scheduling and ShowBiz budgeting software.
All dates, assignments and elements in the syllabus are tentative and can be changed at any time at the discretion of
the professor.
Knightsmail
In this class our official mode of communication is through email. Knightsmail is the only official
student email at UCF. Class rosters list Knightsmail addresses rather than external email addresses,
and all official class communications will be sent only to the Knightsmail addresses. Students are
responsible for checking their Knightsmail accounts regularly. www.knightsemail.ucf.edu
Additional Policies
Late, make-up and extra
credit work
Academic integrity
Assignments turned in late will be marked down 5 points for every day
they are late and zero after three days.
Assignments are due at the start of class or will be marked late.
There are no make-up quizzes.
I assume all students will be courteous to me and to their fellow students, will
listen attentively at all times, will arrive on time, return from break on time and
stay for the entire class. Students will abide by any and all of the rules as
outlined in the Golden Rule. These include but are not limited to:
 Academic Dishonesty/Cheating
 Possessing and/or Providing False and Misleading Information
and/or Falsification of University Records to Instructor
 Disruptive Conduct
 Personal Abuse
Disregarding these expectations may result in a reduction of your grade at the
instructor's discretion. See link for more information:
http://www.goldenrule.sdes.ucf.edu/2e_Rules.html
All dates, assignments and elements in the syllabus are tentative and can be changed at any time at the discretion of
the professor.
DATE
TOPIC
Review syllabus
Student info cards
What do you want to get from this course
Pretest – not graded
Post LA MANCHA test –not graded
6/29 PRINCIPLES OF SCRIPT BREAKDOWN
And SCHEDULING with Scenechronize https://www.scenechronize.com/
and
Scenechronize tutorial
1. Script with Breakdown Markings (x1).
2. Breakdown Sheets for Each Scene (x1).
3. Shooting Schedule (x1) begin production
August 1, 2011
4. Cast Day Out of Days (x1).
NOTES
6/27
7/4
NO CLASS
7/6
HOW TO HIRE THE CREW
5. Crew Deal Memo (1 per student).
6. Florida Residency Form (1 per student).
7. I-9 (1 per student).
8. W-4 (1 per student).
9. W-9 (1 per student).
10. Time Card (1 per student).
11. Actors Agreement
Screen Lost in La Mancha
Bring copy of "MY MOTHER DREAMS THE
SATAN'S DISCIPLES IN NEW YORK" to
class along with the Creating a Script
Breakdown memo.
Screen X Files
Guest speaker
Reading 1 – Scenechronize tutorial
NO CLASS
Reading 2 – PA Handbook
7/11
HOW TO SCOUT AND PERMIT LOCATIONS
12. Complete Location List (x1).
13. Location Info Sheet for 2 Locations (x1).
14. Location Checklist for 2 Locations (x1).
15. Permit Request w/ Site Plan for 2
Locations (x1).
16. Location Photos for 2 Locations (x1).
QUIZ 1 – on PA Handbook
7/13
HOW TO CAST
SAG rules
Casting sessions
Screen MAD MEN casting clip
Reading 3 - How to Run a Successful
Casting Audition
7/18
HOW TO ARRANGE EQUIPMENT RENTALS, pack
the truck, transportation, craft service & catering
QUIZ 2 – on Locations and SAG rules
Guest speaker
7/20
HOW TO RUN THE SET
17. Call Sheet for Day 1 (x1).
18. Production Report for Day 1 (x1).
19. Exhibit G for Day 1 (x1).
20. Shot List
48 Hours clip for shot list exercise
Reading 4 - Film Crews
All dates, assignments and elements in the syllabus are tentative and can be changed at any time at the discretion of
the professor.
HOW TO MANAGE THE MONEY
Showbiz tutorial
http://www.showbizsoftware.com/
and
ShowBiz tutorial
21. Budget Assumptions Page (x1).
22. Budget Top Sheet (x1).
23. Budget Details (x1).
24. Petty Cash Accounting Sheet + Receipts
7/27 HOW TO(x1).
MANAGE THE ART DEPARTMENT
25.
Report
26. Cost
Day Out
of Days for Props (x1).
27. Design Pitch for 2 Locations (x1).
7/25
Petty cash exercise
Reading 5 – TBD
Elizabeth Sutphin – guest speaker
QUIZ 3
8/1
HOW TO GET A JOB IN THE BUSINESS
28. Production Resume (1 per student)
Reading 6 TBD
NOTEBOOK ASSIGNMENT DUE!
8/3
LAST CLASS
QUIZ 4
All dates, assignments and elements in the syllabus are tentative and can be changed at any time at the discretion of
the professor.
Project Binder Assignment
Students will work in teams of two in a semester-long assignment to prepare a binder (one per team)
with the following primary sections, each worth 10 points.
PUT THIS INFORMATION ON THE FRONT COVER OF THE NOTEBOOK (with your info, not mine of course)
Lisa C. Student
lstudent@knights.ucf.edu
Bobby D. Partner
reallywacky@knights.ucf.edu
FILM PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT
FIL4647
SUMMER B 2011
FORMS NOTEBOOK
SECTION 1 – SCRIPT AND SCHEDULE
1. Script with Breakdown Markings (x1).
2. Breakdown Sheets for Each Scene (one
set)
3. Oneliner Schedule (x1).
4. Cast Day Out of Days (x1)- include
HOLD days.
SECTION 2 – CREW HIRING
5. Crew Deal Memo (x1).
6. Florida Residency Form (x1).
7. I-9 (x1).
8. W-4 x(1).
9. W-9 (x1).
10. Time Card (x1).
11. Actors Agreement (x1).
SECTION 3 - LOCATIONS
12. Complete Location List (x1).
13. Location Info Sheet for 2 Locations
(x1).
14. Location Checklist for 2 Locations (x1).
15. Permit Request w/ Site Plan for 2
Locations (x1).
16. Location Photos for 2 Locations (x1).
SECTION 4 – ON SET PAPERWORK
17. Call Sheet for Day 1 (x1).
18. Production Report for Day 1 (x1).
19. Exhibit G for Day 1 (x1).
20. Shot List for Day 1 x(1).
SECTION 5 - BUDGET
21. Budget Assumptions Page (x1).
22. Budget Top Sheet (x1).
23. Budget Details (x1).
24. Petty Cash Accounting Sheet + Receipts
(1 per student).
25. Cost Report (x1).
SECTION 6 – PRODUCTION DESIGN
26. Day Out of Days for Props (x1).
27. Design Pitch for 2 Locations (x1).
28. Production Resume (1 per student)
All dates, assignments and elements in the syllabus are tentative and can be changed at any time at the discretion of
the professor.