Course structure
Core modules
Anatomy of a Producer
This module develops your research skills to prepare you for successful master’s level study in the context of the critical exploration and historical development of the producer. You explore recent scholarship, professional reports and cinematic depictions of the producer as well as primary research. This exploration provides the basis for you to reflect on your own abilities and those of the successful producer to plan your professional development.
Funding and Finance
This module introduces you to funding models and strategies that clearly and effectively support the development process of any given project. You consider how the three key areas of production finance – institutional (organisations such as the British Film Institute and Creative England; market or industry (broadcasters, sales, studios, distributors, pre sales) and private (tax incentives and S/EIS, producers, rich individuals and companies, crowdfunding) operate, and how they attach to projects.
Major Development Project
This module is your diving board into the industry. How will you ignite your path toward professional work? You could use this module to write a business plan, fully package your first project so you are ready to apply for funding, option an existing work and negotiate the chain of title, develop a long-form project with a collaborator, or produce a work with funding secured. It could be something you negotiate with tutors to launch you as a producer into the industry.
It’s important that you use everything you’ve learnt in the previous six modules in your major project. You are expected to start your planning throughout the other modules, using your learning to help shape the longer term plan for this final project.
Marketing, Distribution and Exhibition
Using a project you developed in previous modules, you plan precise and responsive marketing, distribution and exhibition strategies. Your strategies focus on you and your collaborators’ short and medium-term career goals. This module approaches marketing, distribution and exhibition as wholly integrated creative and practical components of the filmmaking and televisual process. You consider the importance of the producer agency within and beyond established professional channels to the success of early career projects.
Negotiated Project
Put your learning into practice in a real production setting to develop your expertise as a producer. With the support of your tutors, you work within the production team of a live project as a way of exploring your learning through direct experience.
Production Management
This module develops your understanding of the physical production process. You examine how budgets are spent and logistics put together for long-form and short-form work. You are expected to work through the rationale of budgeting strategies – how the choices of a producer shape a project – including reference to case studies.
Story and Talent Development
You are introduced to the interwoven processes of story and talent development. This module helps you to forge sustainable working relationships with writers, directors and others to help launch your career. The module focuses on the creative producer's role as mentor, collaborator, conduit and advocate.
Advanced practice (2 year full-time MA only)
Internship
The internship options are:
Vocational: spend one semester working full-time in industry or on placement in the University. We have close links with a range of national and international companies who could offer you the chance to develop your knowledge and professional skills in the workplace through an internship. Although we cannot guarantee internships, we will provide you with practical support and advice on how to find and secure your own internship position. A vocational internship is a great way to gain work experience and give your CV a competitive edge.
Research: develop your research and academic skills by undertaking a research internship within the University. Experience working as part of a research team in an academic setting. Ideal for those who are interested in a career in research or academia.
