BA (Hons) Film Business & Production

This module continues the entrepreneurial skillset that you have been developing in Year 1. The experience developed in your first year on the course will have shown you a range of entrepreneurial behaviours and related practical, social and conceptual skills. You will have learnt how to recognise opportunities and how to address needs that have may not been fully resolved.  

Year 2 focuses on the transformation and developing your skills into turning ideas into action, taking greater responsibility for creating value, and developing sustainable solutions. Collectively your production crew will have created communication channels for you to generate value for others in the form of an action, product or service. This module enables you to change or expand further your ideas to seek support, think more strategically and make the most of your strengths and weaknesses. There is a greater emphasis on how to refine priorities and plans to adjust to changing circumstances, marketing techniques, interpersonal communication skills and the building of customer relationships. The knowledge and experience you have already gained will show you how to gather and manage different types of resources to create value for all involved. 

The module aims to utilise the production, business and logistical production skills that you have learnt throughout level 4 and level 5 of the course, within the collaborative production of a short–filmed outcome. Working alongside the BA Filmmaking students the filmed outcome can be realised in any of the following genres; factual & documentary, fictional narrative, short form branded content or advertising, music video or innovative or experimental moving image. This module aims to develop your area of production, entrepreneurial and business skills by working in small production teams to realise a collaboratively produced short–filmed outcome that will have been devised and realised by you alongside the BA Hons Filmmaking production team.  

The creative arts have the power to bring people together, unite communities, support mental well-being, raise awareness of social issues and above all, bring joy to many people around the world. In Creative Industries & You 2, you will discover how you can turn your passion and talent into a collaborative project with a positive impact on society. Employing research and networking skills, you will develop a greater understanding of a charity, cause or campaign. In teams of students from all Screen and Film School courses, you‘ll select a cause and identify a way to support its key objectives, either by raising awareness, raising funds or contributing as volunteers. You will be introduced to Screen and Film School’s partner charities but you are also able to find your own, or work independently of an existing organisation. Through this collaborative project, you’ll develop essential interpersonal and communication skills, experimenting with various digital tools for enterprise. You’ll reflect on your own values, applying theories of human psychology to explore how to get the best out of yourself and each other. Building on your industry research skills, you will assess your target audience and define clear SMART targets for your project that will enable you to execute an element of the strategy and evaluate its success. In teams, you will spend time working on your project both in class and in your own time, developing effective collaborative working methods. You’ll record your project activity in your Personal and Professional Development Plan, reflecting on how you have developed and changed over the course of your first year and a half at Screen and Film School. Working with your Personal Adviser you will identify objectives, opportunities and actions that will help you stay on the path to success for the second half of your journey towards becoming a Creative Industries Professional.

This module continues the exploratory work you began in Context & Culture of the Creative Industries. You will directly apply ideas to your own discipline and development, selecting an area of investigation relevant to your own practice, and communicating your argument via your medium of choice. The concepts you encounter will actively critique claims to authenticity and originality; themes you will encounter frequently throughout your career as a Creative Professional. You will debate artistic production, the motivations for it, and the problems of creative autonomy. You will investigate relevant contemporary cultural issues and theories relating to society, race, gender,technology, and the environment to develop your contextual understanding of how these relate to your own creative practice, professional values, and sense of personal agency. You will be encouraged to meet with your Personal Adviser in a 1:1 tutorial to help you reflect on the strengths and areas for development identified in your Personal and Professional Development Plan in first year, tracking your academic progress and setting new actions that will support you to achieve your best work. The research methods and study habits you develop throughout this module will prepare you for next year’s Final Project, in which you will self-direct a significant piece of academic, creative and/or professional practice.

Producers are central to the production process from initial idea through to distribution. Throughout this specialist module, you will be introduced to the professional protocols essential to this senior role. The producer seeks out story ideas, works closely with writers and secures rights to scripts. They decide on the scale and budget of the film and source financing from investors, studios and distributers. They work closely with the director to ensure their creative vision for the project can be realised and they approve production costs in line with this and with consideration of the budget. They also spot and solve potential problems throughout the production process, approve locations and hire a team of staff for the production, delegating many logistical responsibilities to a line producer. It is the producer’s job to create a good working environment and they therefore constantly communicate with their team to ensure everything runs smoothly. They have ultimate legal responsibility for the health and safety of the crew on set and for delivery of a completed film at the end of the production process. Through a series of workshops, seminars and production meetings, this module will cover the key areas that a producer deals with during the realisation of a film and will examine financial acquisition, crewing, casting, negotiation of locations, budgeting, scheduling, insurance and intellectual property.

Building on the experience of production in level 4, this module introduces you to the film business areas of development, commissioning, financing and distribution. Though film production is often in the limelight, there are other vital parts of the film development and production processes that seldom receive the same recognition; these include development, financing and distribution, intellectual property rights and co-production deals. This module introduces these key processes in film business and the related roles and responsibilities that come together to bring films from idea to the screen. The landscape of development, financing and distribution process is often complex and diverse, and this module will introduce you and support your understanding of how to navigate it in order to develop ideas, secure intellectual property rights and co-production deals and ensure that your production is funded. It will also introduce you to distribution costs and pre-sales, global territories, copywrite and deliverables, and establish the important role that technology plays within these areas of film business.

This module introduces you to the role of copyright, contracts, and chain of title within the filmmaking process from concept, development, and production right through to distribution and subsequent exploitation. Copyright and contracts are fundamental to the entertainment industry, nowhere more so than in the business of making films and series that can involve budgets in excess of £100,000,000.00. Through this specialist module you will be introduced to the relevant legal principles underpinning intellectual property and contract law. Through a series of workshops, seminars and production meetings this module will cover the key areas that are relevant for future content creators, producers, authors, writers, directors, financiers, and distributors. This module also shows you how to allocate roles and responsibilities between producers and to have a deeper understanding of what other parties bring to the table creatively and from a business perspective.

Building on the experience of production in level 4, this module introduces you to the principals of film budget management. Understanding the intricacies of a budget is central to the role of producers and production managers. In order to ensure a script can be creatively and technically realised, producers must be confident that the budget will enable departments to achieve all elements. The scale of budget significantly influences the quality of production and ultimately, it’s potential for commercial success. A skilled production manager will ensure the budget is reflective of the requirements of the script before filming begins, that it is kept on track and in line with the schedule as filming progresses, and that contingency is in place should any challenges arise that demand additional spending. This module will equip you with the knowledge to write and critically evaluate a budget. You will also develop an understanding of the interpersonal skills needed to professionally communicate your budget to heads of departments and present cost reports to your senior production team. Furthermore, this module will examine the working relationship between producers, the director and financial controller in respect of the budget. On completion you will be equipped to confidently write a budget and manage it appropriately.

This module introduces you to the role of ancillary rights and derivative productions as key components to franchise, building brand longevity and maximising income from your film. Franchise-building through merchandise, stage productions, video games and theme parks particularly often outstrips the initial income generated from primary distribution.  This module will develop your understanding of how to identify and realise that income and participate in it whilst preserving brand integrity. This module will also explore product placement, scheduling publishing and merchandise release programmes. Another key element will be exploring filming video game scenes contemporaneously with the main film or series shoots and identifying multiple shoots and outcomes as s a key skill of a successful producer.

Building on experience of production in level 4, this specialist module introduces you to the work of a Production Co-ordinator and Production Manager. These roles apply their expertise to ensure the shooting day runs smoothly, on budget, and in line with the schedule. Hiring crew, securing locations, dealing with suppliers, and ensuring professional working practices are upheld are all tasks that are vital to the smooth running of film production. Key to these roles is the ability to anticipate, identify, and calmly manage obstacles as they occur- finding feasible solutions to ensure a production can progress effectively. The Production Co-ordinator and Manager must be adaptable to the varying demands of each shooting day. They must also be skilled at reporting back information, reasoning their decisions in order to instil confidence in the Producers, but also make it clear when more senior advice on a matter is required. Production Co-ordinators and Managers work closely with the heads of all departments and must therefore be understanding of creative processes in order to ensure work is both high quality and completed within the allowable time. Refined interpersonal skills and an excellent knowledge of production protocol and paperwork are essential to managing a production. Through a series of workshops, seminars, and production meetings this module will cover the key areas that Production Co-ordinators and Managers deal with including safe working practices, legal matters, moving a unit and filming abroad, working with children and animals, insurance, and leadership within the production office.

In this module, you will consider, develop and be assessed on your understanding of and engagement with the pitch to greenlight production process skills that you have been developing throughout the course. Collaborating with the BA Filmmaking students you will advance and develop your understanding of the script to the green-light process of the film, television and streaming industries and refine your knowledge of planning, development and pitching to greenlight your collaborative project ready for production. This module will lead into Production to Distribution in Semester 2 where you will support the BA Filmmaking students film projects in order for them to be realised throughout the pre-production, production and post-production process and beyond. 

This module is supported by your Year 3 optional module where you will be specialising in your area of film business and production and research and develop your role-specific business and production skills which you will apply to this project.

This module engages you with film production, post-production and distribution where the filmed outcomes that you have been involved with the development of in Semester 1 will be filmed, edited and delivered. The Production to Distribution Module provides the opportunity for you to put into practice expert specialist film business skills, methodology and understanding of your chosen production role on a major short film production. The aim of this module, is to apply and synthesise developed understanding of and engagement with the production process, exploring its collaborative dynamics, response to the production process in your role and supporting the realisation of and/or distribution of your finished film and production portfolio.

Assessment of this module will include a week of peer reviews of the finished film where you can discuss and reflect on the success of the production process in relation to the finished film with final outputs of finished film and portfolio. This module also builds on the ongoing Year 3 Final Project where the in-depth research, analysis of films and use of theoretical frameworks carried out in Final Project can now be applied to the production and realisation of major short film productions. You will refer to the research undertaken in Final Project and the Optional Specialist modules in the Production Realisation module.

This module is the final step in your Film School journey and will support you as you look to enter your chosen field as a creative professional. Drawing on evidence from throughout your time at Screen and Film School you will critically self-evaluate your personal learning journey and industry engagements to date. You will explore concepts and theories of personal and professional development to support, challenge and test your assumptions, to determine your readiness for work in the creative industries. You will have the opportunity to discuss this with your peers and learn from your collective experiences in both small degree path groups and large mixed discipline sessions. With this position in mind, you will then be challenged to create and consolidate creative assets to give you the edge over the competition in your chosen field. Specialist workshops will be offered throughout the module, informed and delivered by our wide – reaching connections and specialist tutors in the creative industries. This culminates in the creation of a portfolio which tells the story of your personal and professional journey so far, communicating your unique professional identity and future career plans in the creative industries.

In this module you will undertake a significant project of your own choosing. It’s your chance to explore your passion within the industry and creative arts: experiment, take risks, strengthen your skills and create a product/cohesive portfolio of work that you are proud to showcase at the end of your degree. This module will support you in consolidating the broad learning and development from the course so far, building a bridge into industry, the workplace and future opportunities. You will be supported to self-direct your own learning through a series of lectures, seminars and 1:1 tutorials with expert supervisors. Primary and action research are supported in this module both through theory and feedback guidance. The series of lectures will provide a strong theoretical understanding of key research methodologies and approaches, and the application of this learning supported through feedback in seminars and tutorials. The foundations for research theory and practice are laid spine modules (as well as some core modules) in both Year 2 and 3.

Producers are central to the production process from initial idea through to distribution. From this specialist module, you will develop understanding of the professional protocols that make up the role of producer. Producers seek out story ideas and hire writers or choose and secure rights to scripts. They decide on the scale and budget of the film and source financing from investors, studios and distributors. They work closely with the director to ensure their creative vision can be realised and approve production costs. They spot and solve problems throughout the production process, approve locations and oversee hire of crew, delegating certain responsibilities to a line producer. It is the producer’s job to create an effective working environment and they constantly communicate with their team, suppliers and other partners to ensure everything runs smoothly. They have ultimate legal responsibilities for the health and safety of their crew and delivery of a completed film at the end of the production process. Through a series of workshops, seminars, and production meetings this module will embed expert knowledge of the key areas that a producer and production manager deal with including financial acquisition, crewing, casting, negotiation of locations, budgeting, scheduling, insurance and intellectual property. This module will also give you the production skills, confidence, and film business acumen to support the BA Filmmakers successfully produce their filmed outcome and ensure it reaches its intended audience.

Building on your experience of Development, Finance & Distribution from level 5, this module advances your understanding within the film business areas of development, commissioning, financing, and distribution. This advanced module develops your understanding of these key processes in film business and the related roles and responsibilities that come together to bring films from idea to the screen. It will also explore in depth the key areas of the film development and production processes that include development, financing and distribution, intellectual property rights and co-production deals. Key also to this advanced module will be ensuring that you have appropriate skills in order to navigate this film business landscape to successfully develop ideas, secure intellectual property rights and co-production deals and ensure that your production is funded. It will also introduce you to distribution costs and pre-sales, global territories, copywrite and deliverables. This module will also give you the production skills, confidence and film business acumen to support the BA Filmmaking students successfully produce their filmed outputs and ensure it reaches its intended audience.

Building on level 5, this module provides advanced exploration of the principals of film budget management. Understanding the intricacies of a budget is central to the role of producers and production managers. In order to ensure a script can be creatively and technically realised, producers must be confident that the budget will enable departments to achieve all elements. The scale of budget significantly influences the quality of production and ultimately, it’s potential for commercial success. A skilled production manager will ensure the budget is reflective of the requirements of the script before filming begins, that it is kept on track and in line with the schedule as filming progresses and that contingency is in place should any challenges arise that demand additional spending. This module will equip you with the knowledge to write and critically evaluate a budget. You will also develop an expert understanding of the interpersonal skills needed to professionally communicate your budget to heads of departments and present cost reports to your seniors. Furthermore, this module will embed knowledge of the working relationship between producers, the director and financial controller in respect of the budget. On completion, you will be equipped to confidently write a budget and manage it appropriately in a professional setting. This module will also give you the production skills, confidence and film business acumen to support the BA Filmmaking students to successfully produce their filmed outcome and ensure it reaches its intended audience.

This module develops your understanding of IP and deal making that you developed at level 5 and refines your skills in order to perfect the chain of title and to have a deeper understanding of what other parties bring to the table creatively and from a business perspective. This module develops your understanding of intellectual property, the important role it plays in film business, uncover further the impact of a broken chain of title within the filmmaking process and how to remedy it. A broken chain of title can stall production, void insurances, require expensive and time-intensive renegotiation of contracts. Overlook the chain of title at your peril! Securing book options is a creative and business endeavour. You must persuade the underlying rights owner(s), that may be an author, their agent and/or the novel’s publisher, that you are the right person to adapt that novel whilst at the same time securing the best financial and creative terms for you, in respect of which the financier and distributor will ultimately approve. Through a series of workshops, seminars and production meetings this module will cover the key areas that are relevant for future producers who wish to mitigate or avoid risk and liability by securing rights properly to ensure that their production is not only greenlit, but also financed and distributable. This module will also give you the production skills, confidence and film business acumen to support the BA Filmmaking students to successfully produce their filmed outcome and ensure it reaches its intended audience.

This module develops your understanding of the processes that are inherent with monetising your film at Level 5 and embeds this knowledge further, focusing on how to realise the creative and financial potential of your own copyright (your film or series), by granting rights to third parties and/or indeed exercising those rights yourself. This module introduces you to due diligence and the processes behind it. Due diligence means the comprehensive appraisal of a business, especially to establish its assets and liabilities and evaluate its commercial potential. The module will explore how to create successful due diligence using examples such as video games and stage productions based on an example of your own creation. Additionally, this module will explore in detail derivative productions (e.g. stage shows and video games) and ancillary rights, in particular merchandising and publishing which often exceed the financial success of a film or series release and are key to franchise-building as well as spreading your risk. The term of spreading risk means to minimise the level of risk. This module will also give you the production skills, confidence and film business acumen to support the BA Filmmaking students to successfully produce their filmed output and ensure it reaches its intended audience.

Building on Level 5, the specialist module provides an advanced exploration of the work of a Production Co-ordinator and Production Manager. These roles apply their expertise to ensure the shooting day runs smoothly, on budget, and in line with the schedule. This module provides an in-depth analysis of the tasks that are vital to the smooth running of film production. Key to these production roles is the ability to anticipate, identify, and calmly manage obstacles as they occur, and finding feasible solutions to ensure a production can progress effectively. The Production Co-ordinator and Production Manager must be adaptable to the varying demands of each shooting day. They must also be skilled at reporting back information, reasoning their decision in order to instil confidence in the Producers or otherwise make it clear the more senior advice is required. This module will embed knowledge regarding these skills and how Production Co-ordinators and Production Managers work closely with the heads of department in order to ensure work is both high quality and completed within the allowable timeframe. Through a series of workshops, seminars and production meetings this module will build knowledge of the key areas that Production Co-ordinators and Managers deal with including safe working practises, legal matters, moving a unit and filming abroad, working with children and animals, insurance and leadership within the production office. This module will also give you the production skills, confidence and film business acumen to support the BA Filmmakers successfully produce their filmed outcome and ensure it reaches its intended audience.