12-Week Evening Producing Workshop

Producer’s Craft

Producer’s Craft serves as the mainstay of the creative producing program, introducing students to the language and practice of producing and filmmaking. Through a combination of lecture, screening and handouts, students learn the fundamental producing skills needed to begin to understand creative producing in an increasingly complex global marketplace. This pivotal class prepares students for each of their digital-film projects and is the venue for screening and critiquing their work. Students learn how to bring stories all the way from development through post production and beyond. The creative producers are afforded an opportunity to develop their skills and voices through their creative instincts, all the while developing their communication and problem-solving abilities. The basics of Pitching, Development, Schedules and Budgets along with Basic Finance, Distribution, Packaging and Marketing principles are studied. Also, major industry news stories that impact production are discussed. 

Screenwriting Fundamentals

The writing portion of the producing program adheres to the philosophy that good producers must have a basic understanding and familiarization with the elements of storytelling to enhance producing abilities. With respect to recognition of what elements are present and essential in a screenplay worthy of production, they must comprehend the dramatic structure, theme, tension and conflict, as well as an understanding of logline, film genre, structure, dialogue, character arc, and commerciality, all necessary to begin to understand the ever important screenplay “coverage” used in every film production company. 

Hands On Camera & Lighting

Students learn fundamental skills in the art of cinematography. Students shoot and screen test for focus, exposure, lens perspective, slow/fast motion, contract and lighting during their first week of class. 

Sound Design

In this class, producing students learn to incorporate voice-over, sound effects and music into their final film project. Students will have access to NYFA’s extensive library of sound effects and sound recording equipment.

Editing

Students will learn the language of editing and the organization of film and sound material. Films are shot digitally and edited digitally. While students learn to use the nonlinear editing software, the emphasis is on the craft of editing which challenges students to create cogent sequences that best serve the story. 

Directing for Producers

Through directing exercises, this class will allow producers to understand how directors organize their vision. Students learn the necessity of shot lists, storyboards, floor plans and working with actors. In crews, students develop, prep, shoot and edit two three-minute short films. Through immersion in the director’s craft, student producers quickly understand and confront the complexity and commitment required of this discipline and complete the Area of Study with the ability to recognize those qualities that are necessary in directors to get the best out of any screenplay.

Entertainment Law

Entertainment Law explores the legal and business issues related to film and television for creative producers. Students will study legal issues regarding television, films, recording, live performances and other aspects of the entertainment industry. Topics include copyright law, intellectual property and talent representation. 

Branding/Marketing for Producers

Branding/Marketing for Producers provides students with the managerial and administrative skills necessary to be a creative and conceptual professional. Students will work with finance, marketing and distribution. Students will learn to discern the type of work they want to make and where in the world of film and television this work will fit creatively and fiscally.