Production Planning and Execution

This unit guides students from script-to-screen planning through on-set execution and introductory postproduction and distribution tasks. Students will practice directing actors, scouting locations, designing camera/lighting/sound setups, basic editing and sound design, and preparing materials for distributors, festivals, and release while addressing finance, insurance, and production business needs.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze a screenplay to produce storyboards and shot lists that specify camera setups, lighting, and sound needs for multi-scene production
• Apply directing and actor-preparation techniques during auditions, rehearsals, and on-set coaching while implementing safety, insurance, and ethical production practices
• Demonstrate location-scouting and production-planning skills by producing equipment lists, schedules, noise/weather contingency plans, and crew role assignments
• Evaluate postproduction and release workflows by performing basic nonlinear editing, sound design, scoring, titling, and by preparing deliverables and a distribution/funding strategy for festivals, distributors, or investors