Micro Budget Filmmaking – CINE 330
CG • Section 8WK • 11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 • Modified 02/01/2024
Course Description
In this condensed exploration of filmmaking, students learn the process of developing a low-budget film. Translating a minimum budget into the maximum quality on screen is the main focus of this course. Topics include setting up a production company, financing and development, pre-production planning, production techniques, post-production workflow and distribution. Students will prepare a producer's breakdown and production budget for a micro-budget screenplay.
For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.
Rationale
Changes in technology have drastically lowered barriers to entry in independent filmmaking. With the advent of digital cinema, filmmakers can now make feature length productions at a fraction of the cost. Exploring and understanding the financial planning of a production budget is crucial to being a successful filmmaker. This course will break down the planning and budgeting stages of a feature independent film from pre-production all the way to distribution.
Course Assignment
Textbook readings, selected articles, websites, and video presentations
Course Requirements Checklist
After reading the Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.
Discussions (3)
During this course, you will complete 3 Discussions.
All Discussions must be supported by course content, outside materials, and/or Scripture references using current MLA formatting.
Each Discussion thread is due by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Thursday of the assigned Module: Week, and the corresponding replies are due by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Monday of the same Module: Week.
Budget Analysis For Your Film Assignment
You will submit a Budget Analysis of budget changes you would have to make to your short film's budget. The Budget Analysis For Your Film is due by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Monday of Module 2: Week 2.
Research Paper: Problem Solving Assignment
You will write and submit a Research Paper: Problem Solving due by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Monday of Module 4: Week 4.
Budget Justification Assignment
You will submit a Budget Justification that is due by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Monday of Module 5: Week 5.
Script Breakdown Assignment
You will submit a Script Breakdown that is due by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Monday of Module 6: Week 6.
Quizzes (2)
During Module: Weeks 4 and 8, you will complete an open-book/open-notes quiz that consists of 20 multiple-choice, multiple-answer, and true/false questions based on the Learn information. You will have 60 minutes to complete each quiz
