Production Management

Catalog description

Videos are an important means by which organizations communicate, whether online, through social media, during presentations, or delivered through traditional media platforms. In the professional arena, more and more organizations use videos to raise money, communicate, or market and promote their business. This course teaches students how to manage a video production agency and produce videos for clients. COMM 388 , through a combination of lecture, readings, and practical exercises, will teach students how to communicate with clients, assign production team roles, create accurate and effective production timelines and budgets, as well as understand the legal issues that can arise when creating videos for clients that meet their specific needs. Student will bring an actual client's story from the idea phase to final delivery, as well as learn and utilize proper client etiquette, including email, phone, and in person conversations. Student will have the opportunity to learn about the responsibilities of each member on a production team, how to create and manage a production budget, the purpose and use of contracts and release forms, all while working together as a team to create a video for their client. The course will follow a standard production timeline starting with pre-production topics such as the basics of pitching, story development, and budgeting. The second portion of the class will focus on production issues particularly as they apply to client based production. This will include scheduling, interview outlining, location scouting, conducting on camera interviews, and filming footage. Finally, post-production and formatting topics will be addressed including discussions of different delivery platforms, including online, presentation, and social media. Throughout the semester students will complete practical exercises that will help build their skills at translating a client's idea into a realized project with a minimum budget and maximum production value.