Schedule & Courses

For more information on how to enroll for Semester in LA contact:
Katherine Ripley at 323.960.8020 or kripley@colum.edu.

Fall 2008

Entertainment Marketing (October 6th – November 7th)
Everyone knows the real work begins after the film is in the can. Learn what it takes to sell a project to the public. Put together your own marketing/public relations campaign and present it to industry executives. Taught by Susan Wrenn, Sandy Holmes, and Donna Freed. Contact Margaret Sullivan at msullivan@colum.edu or 312.369.7209.

J-Term 2009

Theatre I (January 5th - January 13th)
Taught by Brad Mott

Theatre II (January 14th - 23rd)
Taught by Brad Mott

Spring 2009

Adaptation (January 26th - February 27th)
90% of all movies come from other sources. Find the rights to an intellectual property and then develop a project. Examine various films, from concept to book to screen, and meet the famous writers and producers who made them. Pitch your concept to production executives and see if you can make the deal happen. Taught by Craig Gore. Contact Don Smith at dsmith@colum.edu or 312.369.6717.

One Hour TV Drama Writing (January 26th - February 27th)
Learn the format, structure and secrets of a great script from successful writers from your favorite dramas. Complete a one hour drama script and pitch it to industry professionals.
Taught by Jack Gilbert & industry professionals. Contact Michael Niederman at mniederman@colum.edu or 312.369.7277.

Journalism in LA (January 26th - February 27th)
New Program -- Contact Nancy Day at nday@colum.edu or 312.369.8989.

Producing (March 2nd - April 3rd)
Learn the ins and outs of the studio system, from optioning material to distribution, from over fifty different industry guest speakers. Track industry trends while developing your own project for a pitch meeting with industry executives. Taught by Craig Gore. Contact Don Smith at dsmith@colum.edu or 312.369.6717.

Screenwriting (March 2nd - April 3rd)
Complete a feature length screenplay in five weeks. Meet with professional screenwriters, agents and managers and get advice on how to best hone your craft. Learn to read and write coverage, a staple for entry level positions and for analyzing material in Hollywood. Then finally pitch your finished script to agents and managers looking for the next hot writer. Taught by Van Spurgeon. Contact Don Smith at dsmith@colum.edu or 312.369.6717.

Writing the Sitcom (April 6th - May 8th)
Learn from working writers, producers, and other speakers on every aspect of what it takes to write a funny and successful Sit-Com "Spec". Apply that knowledge immediately by writing two of your own spec scripts in a simulated professional writers' room. Taught by TBD. Contact Michael Niederman at mniederman@colum.edu or 312.369.7277.

Summer 2009

Directing (May 26th – June 26th)
One of the most ambitious classes offered at Semester in LA takes place on the set of a major studio sound stage. Watch as big name directors shoot scenes and explain their techniques. Then, direct a scene of your own and have it cut by a professional editor. Contact Don Smith at dsmith@colum.edu or 312.369.6717.

Production Design (May 26th – June 26th)
Learn the role of the Production Designer in the filmmaking process. The business of Production Design will be covered including creating budgets and supervising the art department. Students will design their own set on a real studio lot and have it shot on film with live actors. Taught by Lynn Griffin. Contact Don Smith at dsmith@colum.edu or 312.369.6717.

Costume for Film, TV & Entertainment (May 26th – June 26th)
Learn how to design high concept costumes that define character. Professional costume designers answer questions and discuss how to get into the business. Pitch your finished projects to industry professionals. Taught by Dodie Shepard. Contact Dianne Erpenbach at derpenbach@colum.edu or 312.369.6281.

Screenwriting (June 29th - July 31st)
Complete a feature length screenplay in five weeks. Meet with professional screenwriters, agents and managers and get advice on how to best hone your craft. Learn to read and write coverage, a staple for entry level positions and for analyzing material in Hollywood. Then finally pitch your finished script to agents and managers looking for the next hot writer. Taught by Van Spurgeon. Contact Don Smith at dsmith@colum.edu or 312.369.6717.

Producing (June 29th – July 31st)
Learn the ins and outs of the studio system, from optioning material to distribution, from over fifty different industry guest speakers. Track industry trends while developing your own project for a pitch meeting with industry executives. Taught by Craig Gore. Contact Don Smith at dsmith@colum.edu or 312.369.6717.

Music Composition Graduate (June 29 – July 31st)
Create your own soundtrack to a three minute cut from a recent film. Receive feedback and advice from industry musicians and composers. Then, have your score recorded by a 30 piece professional orchestra. Taught by Craig Garfinkle. Contact Ilya Levinson at ilevinson@colum.edu or 312.369.6188.

Writing for the Screen (August 3rd - September 4th)
Learn the similarities and differences between writing a movie, a TV show, and a game. Take one idea and realize it across these three platforms. Create samples for all three industries and prepare yourself to enter the multi-platform world. New Program -- Contact Michael Niederman at mniederman@colum.edu or (312) 369-7277

Music Producing (August 3rd - September 4th)
Learn the ins and outs of the music business from the people who make their living in the industry. Show a film with your music to industry professionals. Taught by Matt Kierscht. Contact Kimo Williams at kwilliams@colum.edu or 312.369.7664.

Music Composition Undergraduate (August 3rd – September 4th)
Create your own soundtrack to a three minute cut from a recent film. Receive feedback and advice from industry musicians and composers. Then, have your score recorded by a 30 piece professional orchestra. Taught by Craig Garfinkle. Contact Ilya Levinson at ilevinson@colum.edu or 312.369.6188.

Fall 2009

Producing (September 8th – October 9th)
Learn the ins and outs of the studio system, from optioning material to distribution, from over fifty different industry guest speakers. Track industry trends while developing your own project for a pitch meeting with industry executives. Taught by Craig Gore. Contact Don Smith atdsmith@colum.edu or 312.369.6717.

Screenwriting (September 8th – October 9th)
Complete a feature length screenplay in five weeks. Meet with professional screenwriters, agents and managers and get advice on how to best hone your craft. Learn to read and write coverage, a staple for entry level positions and for analyzing material in Hollywood. Then finally pitch your finished script to agents and managers looking for the next hot writer. Taught by Van Spurgeon. Contact Don Smith at dsmith@colum.edu or 312.369.6717.

Entertainment Marketing (October 12th - November 13th)
Everyone knows the real work begins after the film is in the can. Learn what it takes to sell a project to the public. Put together your own marketing/public relations campaign and present it to industry executives. Taught by Susan Wren, Sandy Holmes, Donna Freed. Contact Margaret Sullivan at msullivan@colum.edu or 312.369.7209.

CREDITED COURSES

PRODUCING

24-4630 Producing: Advanced Topics: Concept, Pitch, Sales - (3 credit hours)
This class examines how films are sold to major studios, producers and distributors. Films, of course, start as ideas. In this class, the student learns how to shape the idea for delivery in a pitch session; how to find the appropriate executives to pitch to and how to negotiate a deal. This class will emphasize not only the theory of the pitch but its practice as well.

24-4631 Producing: Advanced Topics: Studio Producing - (3 credit hours)
Students learn the function and culture of the studio system as it is currently structured and practiced. Topics include development, reading for coverage, complex financing, and distribution. Class also explores the various roles of executives in the film and television industries and their relationships with agents, legal entities and intellectual property.

24-4632 The Line Producer - (3 credit hours)
Students examine elements of pre-production, production and post production in the film and television industries from the perspective of the role of the line-producer. Topics include scheduling, budgeting and line-producing in the context of large budgets and complex projects. Below-the-Line jobs and relationships with crew and guilds are covered.

24-4632 Research & Analysis of the Film & Television Industries - (3 credit hours)
Students learn to perform sophisticated research and analysis of selected production & distribution companies in the film & television industries. Use of specific industry databases and trade journals is covered as well as the use of primary and secondary source research. Students will learn how to use research to prepare analysis and professional reports. This course is partially conducted online and begins prior to students arriving in LA.

WRITING THE SITUATIONAL COMEDY

40-3820 Writer's Roundtable in LA - (3 credit hours)
This course builds and emphasizes the students' skills for the development of an oppropriate storyline for the one-hour format. Students will explore a variety of television genres, and ultimately write a finished television script utilizing the current computer software programs for professional screenwriting.

Prerequisite: 40-2202 Writing For Television, 40-2201 The Television Producer

40-3821 Pitching Series Concepts in LA - (3 credit hours)
Students participating in the L.A. program will have the opportunity to learn and practice the fine art of "the pitch," first in the classroom environment, and finally to prominent television writers, agents, and producers.

Prerequisite: 40-2202 Writing For Television, 40-2201 The Television Producer

40-3824 Analyzing Sitcom Structure in LA - (3 credit hours)
Students will analyze a variety of situation comedies currently in production. A variety of speakers from the industry will illuminate the shows, describing how they were developed, written, and produced.

Prerequisite: 40-2201 The Television Producer, 40-2202 Writing For Television

40-3825 Conceiving and Writing the Situation Comedy Show Bible in LA - (3 credit hours)
Students will develop and write a rudimentary show bible for a situation comedy. Focus will be paid to the process of positioning a show for current market situation.

Prerequisite: 40-2201 Television Producer and 40-2202 Writing for Television and upon acceptance in the LA semester program

WRITING THE ONE-HOUR DRAMATIC PILOT

40-3820-01 Writers' Round Table - LA - (3 credit hours)
This course builds and emphasizes the writer's skills for the development of an appropriate storyline for the one-hour format. Students will explore a variety of television genres and ultimately write a finished television script utilizing current software programs for professional writing.

Prerequisites: Permission of the department. Writing for Television (40-2202);The Television Producer (40-2201).

40-3821-01 Pitcing Series Concept in LA - (3 credit hours)
Students participating in the L.A. program will have the opportunity to learn and practice the fine art of "the pitch," first in the classroom environment, and finally to prominent television writers, agents, and producers.

Prerequisites: Permission of the department. Writing for Television (40-2202);The Television Producer (40-2201).

40-3822-01 Conv & Writing Show Bible in LA - (3 credit hours)
Students will develop and write a rudimentary show bible for a one-hour program in a genre of their choice. Focus will be on the process of positioning the show for current market situation.

Prerequisites: Permission of the department. Writing for Television (40-2202);The Television Producer (40-2201).

24-3823-01 Analyzing Dramatic Structure in LA - (3 credit hours)
Students will analyze a variety of one-hour episodic dramas currently in production. A variety of speakers from the industry will illuminate the shows, describing how they were developed, written, and produced.

Prerequisite: 24-2710 Screenwriting II (B or better), permission of Screenwriting Curriculum Coordinator, and completed application

SCREENWRITING

24-3711-01 Screenwriting III: Senior Thesis in LA - (3 credit hours)
Course emphasizes the definition of a suitable story, the exploration of genre, and the writing of a feature film script utilizing story development and writing tools such as computer software programs.

24-2731-01 Screenwriting Workshops: Reading for Coverage in LA - (3 credit hours)
Students will read and analyze a variety of scripts preparing coverage as practice for entry-level positions in screenwriting or preparing for jobs in Hollywood development offices.

24-3731-01 Topics in Screenwriting: Hollywood Business in LA - (3 credit hours)
Students participating in the Los Angeles program will take part in a lecture series analyzing the business of screenwriting in Hollywood. Some of the lectures will be prominent screenwriters, agents, and producers.

24-2791-01 Independent Project: Screenwriting Semester in LA - (3 credit hours)
Independent project allows the "Semester in LA" Program student, in individual consultation with a prearranged faculty advisor and guest speakers, to learn and practice methods of Pitching and marketing film ideas, primarily using the student's script from Screenwriting III (24-3711, taken concurrently).

Prerequisite: 24-2710 Screenwriting II (B or better), permission of Screenwriting Curriculum Coordinator, and completed application.

DIRECTING

24-4301 Directing within the Studio System - (4 credit hours)
This Los Angeles-based course, explores the role of the director within the studio system. The course examines relationships with producers, writers and studio executives. Students learn the importance of budgets and schedules and their effect on the creative process. Leadership skills and team building are addressed. Students will explore the role of an agent and employment possibilities.

Prerequisites: Directing II and Acceptance into the program.

24-4302 The Professional Director - (4 credit hours)
This Los Angeles-based looks at the director at work. A variety of professional film and television directors will rotate through the course showing how directors analyze and breakdown text, prepare for shooting, rehearse actors and block action for camera. Students will critique and analyze dailies with professional directors.

Prerequisites: Directing II and Acceptance into the program.

24-7003 Casting, Blocking and Directing Actors - (4 credit hours)
This Los Angeles-based course teaches students how to cast for film and television, rehearse these actors and block action for the camera and shoot the scene. Appropriate coverage for editing is explored. This course takes place in a sound stage on a studio lot using professional crews and actors.

Prerequisites: Directing II and Acceptance into the program.

ADAPTATION - SCREENWRITING

24-2716-01 Adaptation II in LA - (3 credit hours)
Students develop a previously completed work of prose (non-scripted material such as a short story, novel, etc.) into an expanded Step Outline and then a Visual Treatment. The Outlining process will involve breaking down the prose, streamlining it into visuals and essential dialogue and registering the Step Outline with the WGA. Based on feedback from a Story Editor, the students will revise their Outline and write a Visual Treatment to be pitched to Development Executives at the end of the program. Before attending the program, students must demonstrate that they have the rights to the prose material, either because they are the originators of the prose or because they have documented permission to adapt another person's material.

Prerequisites: Permission of the department (ideally, Script Analysis, SWII and Adaptation as a minimum).

24-2718-01 Acquiring Intellectual Properties for Adaptation in LA - (3 credit hours)
This course is designed to help students better understand the process of optioning copyrighted work by other writers. During the first week, students will research and choose three (3) works of prose by other writers for optioning. Taking their first choice, students will attempt to locate the rights through publishers, lawyers, agents, etc. There will be weekly individual meetings to check on student progress. If a student's first choice falls through (due to already being optioned or too many legalities), student will try to option their second choice (and so on).

Prerequisites: Permission of the department (ideally, Screen Treatment & Presentation).

24-2732-01 Screenwriting Workshops: Coverage of Adapted Screenplays in LA - (3 credit hours)
Students will read and analyze a variety of source stories, scripts based on those source stories and films made from those scripts as a way to learn adapting techniques. Students will learn and prepare Prose Coverage and Script Coverage as a method of analyzing adaptation approaches and as practice for entry-level positions in screenwriting or preparing for jobs in Hollywood development offices.

24-3732-01 Topics in Screenwriting: Techniques and Business of Adaptation in LA - (3 credit hours)
Students participating in the Los Angeles program will take part in a lecture series of prominent screenwriters and producers who have adapted material as well as lawyers, agents and producers who will discuss the legal and business side of optioning and adapting pre-existing material. Students must be accepted into the Adaptation "Semester in LA" Program.

ENTERTAINMENT PUBLIC RELATIONS AND MARKETING

54-3710 Survey Entertainment Business - (4 credit hours)
This course meets in Los Angeles. It introduces students to the trade communication vehicles central to the marketing and public relations activities associated with the film and entertainment industries. Course provides an introduction to trade media as a form of research. Course discusses select themes reflecting areas of student interest for workshop projects. Student may elect to focus on individual film productions or trends in entertainment publicity.

54-3711 Entertainment Marketing Communication - (4 credit hours)
This course meets in Los Angeles. It covers all forms of entertainment marketing and publicity, including how to prepare a marketing and publicity campaign for industry events and products. Course offers an overview of employment opportunities in entertainment marketing communication and provides regular interaction with industry leaders through guest lectures and field trips.

54-3712 Entertainment Marketing Communication Workshop - (4 credit hours)
This course meets in Los Angeles. It challenges students to conduct appropriate research, planning, development and creation of a marketing/publicity campaign for a select "product" in the film/entertainment field.

COSTUME DESIGN & MANAGEMENT FOR TV, FILM, & ENTERTAINMENT

28-3964 Costume for TV/Film/Entertainment
This course provides a comprehensive study of the components of costume design and costume supervision for TV, film, and entertainment. This course involves learning how to manage a project for designing and supervising costume needs for TV, film, video, commercials, and live entertainment.

SCORING FOR FILM

32-3241 Composing for Film
Introduces students to the aesthetics and technology of basic film and video scoring. Topics covered include timings, playing the drama, underscoring, orchestration, and enhancing the story through music. Assignments include the scoring of short clips and of a complete sequence as final assignment.

32-3920 Record Production Lab (4 credits)
32-3998 Independent Project (4 credits)
32-3988 Internship: Music (4 credits)

See Music Department for more information.

PRODUCTION DESIGN FOR FILM & TELEVISION

24-3625 Production Design: Concept & Design for Film & Television - (3 credit hours)
Production Students examine production design approaches and methods from existing and historical films and television shows and apply the conceptual framework to new projects

24-3626 Script Analysis for Production Designers - (3 credit hours)
Students learn how to "cover" a script as a production designer. Topics include preparing an analysis for communicating with the production's producer, director and cinematographer; how to anticipate problems and provide alternative solutions

24-3627 Production Design Planning: Scheduling & Budgeting - (3 credit hours)
Students learn how to breakdown, schedule and budget a script for production. Topics include the logistics of various productions; materials estimating and purchasing; dealing with vendors including set and prop houses; working with production managers and coordinators; how to alter a budget and/or schedule in mid-production.

24-3628 The Art Director and the Art Department Team - (3 credit hours)
Students learn the various roles of the Art Department team with particular emphasis on the Art Director. This course will examine how the Art Department fits into the larger organization of a production and what determines budget and time parameters.

MUSIC PRODUCTION AND SUPERVISION

This is an on-site music production/management course. Students will be exposed to the basic concepts of managing the application of recorded music in the Entertainment Industry. To facilitate the understanding of these concepts, students will be provided information through instructors who are current industry professional working on commercial productions in the Entertainment Industry in Los Angeles California. Class will include music production instructors working in the field of: music supervision; production in film and TV, music production for commercial CD releases and music production for games.

28-4426 - Music Supervisor (3 credits)
28-4475 - Producing recorded Music V (4 credits)
28-3198 - Independent Project (5 credits)