Developing in-depth knowledge of all aspects of creative and physical production, Producing Fellows graduate with an ability to think creatively and lead with confidence and authority.

First Year Fellows produce three narrative projects in collaboration with Fellows from other disciplines. They participate with their teams in both creative and production meetings, during which their individual projects are discussed and developed. Producing Fellows also attend weekly workshops and seminars where they learn about the producer's role and responsibilities in the filmmaking process.

In the Second Year, producers team with Fellows in other disciplines to produce a short narrative thesis production. Additionally, they have the opportunity to develop a feature film or television project as an integral component of their individual thesis portfolio. Producing Fellows also engage in a series of workshops and seminars on all aspects of creative entrepreneurial producing.

FIRST YEAR CURRICULUM

PRN 510: Introduction to Cycle Production - Boot Camp (First Term) (4 Credit Hours)

Intensive introductory workshop on the fundamentals of story, cycle production, critical analysis, and collaborative processes. All discipline Fellows collaborate on production exercises as well as receive specialized instruction from their particular program's point of view.

PRN 511: Cycle Production I (First Term) (5 Credit Hours)

A workshop wherein Fellows team to form production groups which produce a short narrative project on digital video. Producing Fellows produce and coordinate projects as well as work as crew in order to strengthen on set experience as well as contribute to the visual storytelling effort. First Year producers must successfully fulfill all pre-production, production and postproduction responsibilities on at least one narrative short project. If for any reason Producers produce more than the minimum required, they are expected to fulfill all responsibilities and will be evaluated accordingly.

PRN 512: Cycle Production II (Second Term) (10 Credit Hours)

A continuing production workshop wherein Fellows team on their own to produce two short narrative projects. First Year Producers must successfully fulfill all pre-production, production and postproduction responsibilities on at least two narrative short projects. If for any reason Producers produce more than the minimum required, they are expected to fulfill all responsibilities and will be evaluated accordingly.

PRN 521 & 522: Narrative Workshop and Analysis (First and Second Terms) (3 Credit Hours Total)

A companion workshop to Cycle Production I & II, Narrative Workshop is a core component of the First Year Program. All Fellows participate in a general discussion forum as well as a separate analysis session with their respective individual team members. Particular emphasis is given to the exposition of narrative elements and themes through the use of image, sound, movement, lighting, design, writing and editing strategies. The team also participates in a production review meeting.

PRN 532: First Year Development Workshop (Second Term) (1 Credit Hour Total)

This workshop is designed to mentor Producing and Directing Fellows in the fundamentals of story development and screenwriting through the writing of short screenplays. The workshop focuses on story and screenplay development of short narrative projects both original and adapted. The goal of the course is to not only nurture fundamental writing skills, but to also engender a collaborative appreciation and understanding of the writing process. The course also requires Fellows to actively engage in giving and taking notes on their own and their colleagues' creative work.

PRO 511 & 512: Producing Workshop: Creative Process of Producing (First and Second Terms) (2 Credit Hours Total)

A survey of the role and work of the contemporary producer from idea to script through financing and physical production to distribution and exhibition. The dynamics of creative and entrepreneurial producing in all media are outlined in the context of the motion picture and television profession. First Year productions are deconstructed and analyzed by Producing Faculty and Fellows, addressing issues of both creative and physical production.

PRO 521 & 522: The Art and Craft of Producing: Line Producing/Dramatic Analysis; Acting Techniques (First and Second Terms) (2 Credit Hours Total)

This workshop provides a survey of production management and line producing. From script breakdown and production preparation to postproduction supervision and delivery, the physical production process is defined. The basic terminology, tools, and techniques of this crucial process are presented with frequent references to the cycle productions. The Second Term turns the focus to acting techniques. Preparation for the production of the following year's thesis projects is also a key aspect of the workshop.

CON 511 & 512: Master Seminars (First and Second Terms) (2 Credit Hours Total)

The Master Seminars present leading figures from all aspects of the motion picture, television and digital media arts. The seminars are designed to provide Fellows with a broad and varied perspective on the contemporary motion picture arts and profession. Active participation and attendance is required.

CON 521 & 522: American Approaches to Film (First and Second Terms) (2 Credit Hours Total)

This seminar and screening series provides a broad survey of American cinema in order to explore the aesthetic, cultural, historical and social phenomenon of the motion picture arts. Active participation and attendance is required.

First Year Portfolio Review

Upon review of the First Year work, Faculty invites Fellows to continue to the Second Year and candidacy for the Master of Fine Arts Degree or Certificate of Completion. The portfolio review is conducted by Producing Faculty through a formal interview with each Producing Fellow, which results in a recommendation regarding future work in the program.

SECOND YEAR CURRICULUM

PRN 610: Thesis Production - Producing (12 Credit Hours Total)

Building on the First Year production experience, the Producing Fellows must successfully fulfill all pre-production, production and postproduction responsibilities on a thesis production--a professionally executed short film or digital video project--which is evaluated by the senior faculty. Producers collaborate with project team members under the guidance of thesis production mentor faculty. Thesis production teams participate in special development, pre-production and post production workshops. In addition, teams visit discipline workshops on a scheduled basis over the course of pre-production, production and postproduction in order to gain a thorough understanding of the collaborative interdisciplinary creative process. If a Producing Fellow is approved by faculty to produce more than one thesis production, the additional project(s) will be considered an additional thesis requirement for completion of the degree or certificate.

PRN 631 & 632: Second Year Development Workshop (First and Second Terms) (1 Credit Hour Total per term) ELECTIVE

Producing Fellows develop a feature length project for future production. Under the mentorship of development Faculty, Fellows continue to develop their skills at identifying, developing and preparing feature-length works.

PRO 611 & 612: Advanced Producing Workshop (First and Second Terms) (2 Credit Hours Total)

This workshop is led by Senior Producing Faculty and embraces the thesis production as a primary teaching tool and learning experience. Project teams participate in the workshop over the course of development, pre-production and post in order to present and discuss key producing issues related to the projects. In addition the workshop presents a variety of topics and experiences that are designed to broaden the Fellow's understanding of cycle producing. In particular the process of creative development and management of the creative process are examined through a variety of lectures and presentations. Marketing and distribution are explored with an eye to the audience for whom films and television programs are made.

PRO 621 & 622: Advanced Art & Craft of Producing Narrative Entertainment (First and Second Term) (2 Credit Hours)

The course examines the entire range of functions of the creative producer from project generation and selection through hiring writers, interaction with directors, editing, marketing and post-mortem. The curriculum involves lectures, recent case studies, reading and exercises designed to simulate several of the above functions. The lectures will be open to Second Year Screenwriting and Directing Fellows.

PRO 631: Advanced Business of Producing (First Term) (1 Credit Hour)

This seminar presents a variety of topics related to specialized aspects of production financing, international co-financing and production, business practices and other essential components of entrepreneurial producing. The First Term focuses on legal and business affairs; aspects of producing and deal negotiating through a series of role playing exercises. The Second Term focuses on the selling of projects and the key relationships that are required in this area.

PRO 641 & 642: Physical Production (First and Second Terms) (2 Credit Hours)

Building on the First Year experience, this seminar is topic-based, exploring more specialized aspects of physical production from in-depth scheduling and budgeting to the specialized components of postproduction supervision to specialized legal work and clearances. Fellows participate in a variety of production exercises designed to provide a hands-on understanding of the line production process. Professional guests from all aspects of physical production visit the workshop on a regular basis. The physical production aspects of thesis productions are reviewed on a regular basis as a key component of the workshop. Strategic producing techniques, development tactics, financing methods, legal transactions and approaches to domestic and global marketing and distribution are presented.

PRO 670: Internship Practicum (Term TBA) (1 Credit Hour) Elective or Required

This is an internship course that may become a required course for credit as recommended by the discipline Faculty Mentor. All aspects of this internship must be an integral part of the Fellow's discipline curriculum. The objective of this course is to provide working experience in the approved film/TV profession as it pertains specifically to the Fellow's discipline and degree/certificate requirements. Specific duties and requirements will be outlined and supervised by the Faculty Mentor. This internship qualifies an international Fellow for Curriculum Practical Training; approval must be obtained by the International Advisor as well as the Faculty Mentor and Dean prior to enrolling in the course.

PRO 690: Thesis Portfolio - Producing (8 Credit Hours)

Each Producing Fellow prepares a personal portfolio of work demonstrating his or her producing skills and talents. The Portfolio is a culminating summary of the AFI Conservatory experience, which is reviewed, evaluated and approved for graduation.

CON 621 & 622: World Approaches to Film (First and Second Terms) (2 Credit Hours Total)

This second year seminar and screening series provides a broad survey of international cinema in order to explore the aesthetic, cultural, historical and social phenomenon of the motion picture arts. Active participation and attendance is required.

CON 681 & 682: The Profession (First and Second Term) (2 Credit Hours Total)

This series of seminars provides an overview of the contemporary motion picture professions. In order to aid the transition into a professional career, this course provides current information and insight into the workings of the established and independent motion picture and television professions.