Overview

Students will learn the commercial factors at paly when producing, funding, marketing and distributing films, both on an independent and studio level. The focus will be on a practical application of this knowledge as students create electronic press kits and distribution strategies for a case study film, demonstrating that they can create a sustain a viable production model for independent production. Taught material includes different models and avenues for funding, marketing, licensing, copyrighting material and distribution, as well as looking at film production, distribution, and exhibition practices across a range of historical periods and national and transnational contexts.

The module will guide the students to consider the commercial factors when producing, funding, marketing and distributing an independent film. The focus of the module will be on practices applicable to independent production companies and freelance producers to create and sustain a viable production method.

Throughout the module we will look at models for funding, marketing, licensing and copyrighting material as well as differing avenues for content distribution.

This module provides students with an overview of the changes and influences in the development of the modern film industry, and illustrates where the transferable skills of a filmmaker can be applied.

The taught element of the module will include:

• Financing / Funding

• Marketing

• Licensing and Copyright

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -Threshold: D- to D+Submitted work is adequate and shows an acceptable level of competence as follows:1.Generally accurate but with omissions and errors.2.Assertions are made without clear supporting evidence or reasoning.3.Has structure but is lacking in clarity and therefore relies on the reader to make links and assumptions.4.Draws on a relatively narrow range of material.

-good -Good: C- to B+Submitted work is competent throughout and may be distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It:1.Demonstrates good or very good structure and logically developed arguments.2.Draws at least in parts on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student.3.Assertions are backed by evidence and sound reasoning.4.Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style.

-excellent -Excellent: A- to A*Submitted work is of an outstanding quality and excellent in one or more of the following ways:1.Has originality of exposition with the student’s own thinking being readily apparent.2.Provides clear evidence of extensive and relevant independent study.3.Arguments are laid down with clarity and provide the reader with successive stages of consideration to reach conclusions.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate how strategies are adjusted to target different consumer demographics

• To recognise and critically reflect upon the strategies used to distribute film and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses.

• To recognise and critically reflect upon the strategies used to market film and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses.

• To recognise and critically reflect upon a need to alter strategies for differing platforms, target audiences and genre