The Art and Business of Contemporary Film
FILM 330
Spring 2020
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01
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Taught by a leading professional in independent film distribution, acquisition, and marketing, this course explores the contemporary cinema marketplace and its relationship to filmmaking. We will consider the process of defining and finding the potential audience for independent and studio films. The class mixes case studies of production, marketing, and reception with film screenings and analysis. Students will hone their skills of practical analysis: articulating a film's essential appeal, distilling its story, and assessing its artistic and commercial merits. Visiting producers and filmmakers will discuss their work in light of its intended audience and reception. Assignments include written briefs on recent releases and their market profiles, analyses of exemplary independent American films, and a collaborative case-study presentation. This is a master class in the film business taught from the perspective of effective cinematic storytelling. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA FILM |
| Course Format: Lecture / Discussion | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: FILM304 AND FILM307 |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (FILM) |
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Past Enrollment Probability: Not Available |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Materials for this course include contemporary American film criticism and journalism from the trade and popular press, promotional plans and materials generated by distributors, and published conversations with filmmakers. Significant time will be spent in screening and analysis.
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Examinations and Assignments:
Students will complete a mid-semester analytical project, a collaborative presentation, and a final essay. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
Prerequisite: FILM 307 The Language of Hollywood. This class is designed for juniors and seniors with serious interest in film. Interested students must apply, see below for further details.
POI Applications are Due by 5:00 PM on Fri, Nov 8
Enrollment decisions will be announced on November 15
Please answer the following questions and send them as an attachment to: dlaub@wesleyan.edu
1) List the Film Studies Electives that you have taken at Wesleyan:
2) In 500 words or less, discuss a recent independent film that you liked and why you liked it. Explain whether you think the film is a success or a failure, and why you consider it an independent film.
3) If the professor of this course hosts optional discussions on Sunday afternoons, would you be willing and able to attend these meetings? |
| Instructor(s): Laub,David Paul Times: .M..... 07:10PM-10:10PM; .....F. 08:50AM-11:50AM; Location: AWKS010; CFS190; |
Permission of Instructor Required
Enrollment capacity: 19 | Permission of instructor approval will be granted by the instructor during pre-registration through the Electronic Portfolio. Click "Add to My Courses" and "To request a POI electronically, click here" to submit your request. |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 3 | 1st Ranked: 2 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 1 |
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