Foundations of Film Development: Ideation, Structure, and Strategic Planning
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the essential first phase of the filmmaking process: pre-production. Students will explore the journey from initial concept development to the planning stages required to bring a script to life. Topics include idea generation, writing loglines and treatments, scriptwriting basics, budgeting, scheduling, and casting. Through lectures, worksheets, and practical assignments, students will learn how to build the creative and logistical foundation necessary for a successful production.
What you’ll learn
- Confidently plan and organize a film shoot.
- Create comprehensive budgets and schedules.
- Navigate legal and logistical pre-production issues.
- Collaborate effectively with cast and crew.
Course Content
- Introduction to Pre-Production –> 3 lectures • 13min.
- Concept Development and Scriptwriting –> 3 lectures • 10min.
- Budgeting and Financing –> 3 lectures • 10min.
- Scheduling and Planning –> 3 lectures • 10min.
- Casting and Hiring Crew –> 3 lectures • 10min.
Requirements
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the essential first phase of the filmmaking process: pre-production. Students will explore the journey from initial concept development to the planning stages required to bring a script to life. Topics include idea generation, writing loglines and treatments, scriptwriting basics, budgeting, scheduling, and casting. Through lectures, worksheets, and practical assignments, students will learn how to build the creative and logistical foundation necessary for a successful production.
Emphasis will be placed on the professional practices used in the industry to develop a cohesive vision, secure resources, and organize workflow. Students will analyze real-world case studies, develop preliminary scripts and breakdowns, and simulate production planning to gain hands-on experience. Additionally, the course will introduce industry-standard tools and documentation used in pre-production, such as breakdown sheets, call sheets, and production calendars.
By the end of the course, students will have a clear understanding of how creative ideas are transformed into actionable plans that guide the entire filmmaking process from start to finish. This course is ideal for aspiring filmmakers, writers, producers, and media students seeking to understand the professional workflow behind every film project and begin building their own creative portfolios and networks.
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