Professional Readiness & Course Expectations
This course is structured to simulate professional film industry practices, particularly in fundraising, pitching, festival strategy, and distribution preparation.
In-Class Expectations
Throughout the semester, students will actively participate in:
- Lectures and discussions on film business practices, including fundraising, contracts, unions, festivals, distribution, and exhibition
- Workshops and labs focused on developing pitch decks, press kits, crowdfunding materials, and festival submission strategies
- In-class presentations, including:
- Comparable projects and demographics
- Film festival research and submission schedules
- Budget presentations
- Crowd-funding sizzles
- Pitch rehearsals
- Final thesis pitches
- Critique and feedback sessions, where students will give and receive constructive, professional-level feedback
- Collaborative work with thesis crew members to develop fundraising, advertising, and distribution materials
Students are expected to come prepared, participate professionally, and treat class time as working production time.
Grading Categories
1. Attendance & Participation — 15%
This course functions as a professional development and production environment.
Evaluation is based on:
- Regular attendance
- Active participation in discussions, workshops, and critiques
- Professional behavior and preparedness during class sessions
2. Fundraising Campaign & Presentations — 35%
Students will:
- Develop and execute at least one approved fundraising campaign
- Create and present professional fundraising materials and pitches
Evaluation is based on:
- Strategic planning
- Clarity and persuasiveness of pitch
- Alignment with project goals
- Professional execution
3. Film Festival, Distribution & Exhibition Planning — 25%
This category evaluates:
- Film festival research and submission schedules
- Distribution and exhibition strategies
- Advertising plans and audience targeting
Grades reflect the professional quality and completeness of submitted materials.
4. Press Kit, Pitch Deck & Release Materials — 25%
Students will create industry-standard materials, including:
- Pitch decks
- Press kits
- Promotional and release assets
Evaluation focuses on:
- Industry standards
- Design and organization
- Responsiveness to feedback
- Professional presentation
Warning: This course deals with the entertainment industry and popular culture. The instructor reserves the right to refer to and to exhibit any materials or discuss any themes that accurately reflect and enhance student’s understanding of the subject, including material meant for mature audiences. All material presented in class is deemed to exhibit scientific, literary, artistic and/or pedagogical value and is therefore appropriate for exhibition to college age students. The instructor does not endorse or subscribe to any opinions depicted in the course materials. If a student is unwilling to read or view certain types of content, please speak with the instructor with regard to the suitability of the class for the student in question.