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Online course

The Business of Film

Explore the intriguing world of film production and find out about the complexities of development, distribution and finance.

Free:

  • Access to the course for its duration + 14 days, regardless of when you join (this includes access to articles, videos, peer review steps, quizzes)
  • No access to course tests
  • No certificate

Upgraded:

  • Unlimited access to the course, for as long as it exists on FutureLearn (this includes access to articles, videos, peer review steps, quizzes)
  • Access to course tests
  • A Statement of Participation when you complete over half the course

Find out more

The Business of Film

Upgrade - $54
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Overview
Start dates
Requirements
Educators

Why join the course?

Making a film is a creative exploit, but just like any other business, the aim is also to make money.

The Business of Film has been created by The Open University, in association with Pinewood Studios – the leading provider of studio services to the global screen-based industries. The studios are where Star Wars: Episode VII – the Force Awakens and the 24th James Bond film Spectre were recently filmed.

Using the value chain concept and important independent film case studies, the course provides a practical and in-depth exploration of the key business decisions.

Why do films fail? Why are intellectual property and copyright important? Why do films get public funding? What is the relationship between marketing, box office returns and overall film success?

As well as providing step-by-step guidance on the main processes, this course will also discuss these fascinating questions.

Join us to gain an understanding of the questions you should be asking and the relationships you need to build to ensure the smooth running of your production.

The course will go live on 5 October 2015 to coincide with the 59th BFI London Film Festival.

  • Duration 6 weeks
  • 3 hours per week
  • FREE online course
  • Upgrade available What's this?
Download video: standard or HD

When would you like to start?

  • Date to be announced

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you'll be able to...

  • Demonstrate and understand the contribution of film to the economy and how this business model is changing in the digital era.
  • Apply and understand the processes in selecting and selling a film idea within the changing concept of ownership in a digital world.
  • Apply and understanding the impact emerging versus traditional platforms has on the distribution and marketing of film.
  • Demonstrate and understanding how films are financed and the opportunities emerging investment platforms has on film finance.
  • Assess and understand the function and components of film making.
  • Identify and understanding the impact of future trends and change on the film industry and its stakeholders.

Who is the course for?

This course is aimed at those who already have a basic understanding of film production.

Who will you learn with?

Hilary Collins

Hilary Collins

Hilary is a strategic design academic with research interests in the economic and cultural role of the creative industries. She teaches OU courses in Strategy and Design Thinking

Who developed the course?

The Open University (OU) is the largest academic institution in the UK and a world leader in flexible distance learning, with a mission is to be open to people, places, methods and ideas.

Supporters

Free:

  • Access to the course for its duration + 14 days, regardless of when you join (this includes access to articles, videos, peer review steps, quizzes)
  • No access to course tests
  • No certificate

Upgraded:

  • Unlimited access to the course, for as long as it exists on FutureLearn (this includes access to articles, videos, peer review steps, quizzes)
  • Access to course tests
  • A Statement of Participation when you complete over half the course

Find out more

Get extra benefits, upgrade this course. For $54 you’ll get:

Unlimited access

Upgrading will mean you get unlimited access to the course.

  • Take the course at your own pace
  • Refer to the material at any point in future

If you’re taking a course for free you have access to the course for its duration + 14 days, regardless of when you join. If you upgrade the course you have access for as long as the course exists on FutureLearn.

Access to tests

When you upgrade you’ll have access to any tests during the course.

  • Validate your learning
  • Ensure you have mastered the material
  • Qualify for a certificate

To receive a Statement of Participation you need to attempt all tests. You don’t get access to tests if you choose to take a course for free.

A Statement of Participation

Upgrading means you’ll receive a Statement of Participation when you complete over half the course.

  • Prove your hard work when applying to jobs or courses
  • Celebrate your commitment to learning
  • Help your CV or LinkedIn profile stand out

To receive a Statement of Participation you need to mark 50% of the steps on the course as complete, and attempt all test questions.

Upgrade

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