Premier Graphics
& Animation
Work with us
Menu
Studio
OverviewServicesCapabilitiesThe Collection
Institute
OverviewProgrammesCourse libraryHow we teachCareersGuidesFor universities
Journal About Contact Work with us
Film & TV · MS elective · 3 credit hours · 16 sessions

Business of Film Making

This course peels back the glamour to reveal the financial and legal machinery that powers the film industry. Designed for producers and creative entrepreneurs, the curriculum covers the entire lifecycle of a film asset—from acquiring intellectual property (IP) and securing financing (equity, grants, tax credits) to managing cash flow during production and navigating the complex “waterfall” of distribution revenue.

§ 01 By the end you can
  1. Create comprehensive production budgets and cash flow schedules
  2. Understand various financing models (Co-production, Presales, Soft Money)
  3. Navigate legal contracts: Option agreements, talent releases, and location permits
  4. Analyze the "Recoupment Waterfall" to understand how investors get paid
  5. Develop a Pitch Deck that balances creative vision with financial viability
§ 02 Sixteen sessions

The whole semester.

  1. 01The Producer's Role: Creative vs. Line Producer
  2. 02Intellectual Property: Options & Rights
  3. 03Development: The Pitch Deck & Lookbook
  4. 04Financing I: Equity & Private Investors
  5. 05Financing II: Soft Money (Tax Credits & Grants)
  6. 06Financing III: Pre-Sales & Co-Productions
  7. 07The Line Budget: Above the Line vs. Below
  8. 08 · MidtermMidterm Examination
  9. 09Production Management: Insurance & Unions
  10. 10Cash Flow Management during Shoot
  11. 11Post-Production Budgeting & Deliverables
  12. 12Marketing & P&A (Prints and Advertising)
  13. 13Distribution Deals: Theatrical vs. Streaming
  14. 14The Recoupment Waterfall explained
  15. 15Festivals & Markets as Business Tools
  16. 16Final Project: The Greenlight Pitch

Midterm around session 8. Final project briefed at session 8 or 9 and developed in stages until the juries.

§ 03 Final project

Final Project: The Greenlight Pitch

How it’s judged

Recommended reading
  1. The Business of Film: A Practical Introduction by Paula Landry and Stephen Greenwald
  2. Film Production Management by Bastian Cleve
  3. The Pocket Lawyer for Filmmakers by Thomas A. Crowell
  4. Producer to Producer by Maureen A. Ryan
  5. Shooting to Kill: How an Independent Producer Blasts Through the Barriers by Christine Vachon
More in Film & TV
Acting for Film & Film AnalysisThis hybrid course combines practical performance training with critical film theory. Students will learn the specific techniques of screen acting—minimalism, eye lines, and continuity—while simultaneously analyzing legendary performances from cinema history.
Acting for the CameraThe camera lens acts as a microscope for human behavior. This practical course helps actors transition from the projection required for stage to the intimacy required for screen.
Advanced Camera TechniquesThis technical course is designed for aspiring cinematographers who wish to master the visual language of cinema.
Advanced Film Editing (MS elective)This course moves beyond the basics of cutting to explore editing as an art of storytelling and emotional manipulation.
Advanced Film EditingThis course covers advanced techniques and concepts in film editing, focusing on narrative structure, pacing, continuity, and the creative use of editing software.
AI-Driven CinematographyThis futuristic course explores the convergence of Artificial Intelligence and the Director of Photography (DoP).