Course 2014-2015 a.y.

Classes: 31 (II sem.)

Instructors:
Class 31: JULIEN GUILLAUME JOURDAN

The film industry has experienced critical changes in recent years. Technology and market evolutions have significantly transformed the industry, shaping a fast-growing global arena where multinational and local players interact and compete. The course is designed as an introduction to the industry. We examine the different stages of the value-chain of a motion picture, from the film’s conception to its distribution in various markets, and discuss the role of key players, such as producers, directors, star actors, and distributors. Through discussions of cases and news articles, and interactions with guest speakers, students acquire an understanding of the strategies of the various industry participants, as well as the mechanisms underlying the evolution of the global entertainment business.

Topics discussed include:

• general film industry economics;
• economic relations in the film industry value-chain;
• features of independent and major productions;
• film funding and financing;
• production planning and creative team management;
• film marketing strategies.
  

Sustained class participation is expected, as students are required to actively take part in class discussions and contribute to team works. The workshop is built upon an intensive mixture of readings, interactions with guest speakers, group works, class participation, video materials, and case studies.

For non attending students

• Grading is entirely based on a written exam (100%).
• Given the workshop nature of the course, the non-attending status is not recommended.
  

For attending students 

Grading is based on a team project (50%) and a final written exam (50%).
For the team project, students take up the role of film producers pitching a movie project to studio executives: they develop a movie idea, evaluate its market potential, devise a marketing strategy, and “sell” the project.