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Film & TV · MS elective · 3 credit hours · 16 sessions

Production Management & Budgeting

This professional course trains students for the role of the Line Producer and Unit Production Manager (UPM). It focuses on the logistical engine of filmmaking: time and money. Students will learn to break down a script into data, create shooting schedules using industry software (Movie Magic), and build detailed line-item budgets that account for crew, unions, gear, and contingency.

§ 01 By the end you can
  1. Perform a detailed "Script Breakdown" to identify all production elements
  2. Create efficient Shooting Schedules (Stripboards) optimizing for time and cost
  3. Build comprehensive Budgets (Above-the-Line vs. Below-the-Line)
  4. Understand Union rules (SAG/IATSE) and labor laws affecting production
  5. Manage daily logistics: Call Sheets, Production Reports, and Petty Cash
§ 02 Sixteen sessions

The whole semester.

  1. 01The Role of the UPM and Line Producer
  2. 02The Script Breakdown: Tagging Elements
  3. 03Scheduling I: The Stripboard
  4. 04Scheduling II: Day-out-of-Days (DOOD)
  5. 05Locations Logistics: Basecamp & Unit Moves
  6. 06Managing Cast: Minors, Stunts, & Riders
  7. 07Union Rules & Overtime (OT) Costs
  8. 08 · MidtermMidterm Examination
  9. 09Budgeting I: Above-the-Line (Cast/Rights)
  10. 10Budgeting II: Below-the-Line (Production)
  11. 11Budgeting III: Post-Production & Contingency
  12. 12Hiring Crew: Deal Memos & Starts
  13. 13Insurance, Permits, & Liability
  14. 14The Call Sheet & Daily Production Report
  15. 15Payroll & Accounting Basics
  16. 16Final Project: The Production Board & Budget

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 Production Board & Budget

How it’s judged

Recommended reading
  1. Film Production Management by Bastian Cleve
  2. The Complete Film Production Handbook by Eve Light Honthaner
  3. Planning the Low-Budget Film by Robert Latham Brown
  4. Producer to Producer by Maureen A. Ryan
  5. Movie Magic Scheduling/Budgeting Manuals (Technical Reference)
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