MA Film Producing

This seminar and research-based module introduces students to the structure of the UK screen industries, focusing on a chosen sector such as production, sales, facilities or finance. Students then research a comparable sector in a major international territory – often their home market – and present a comparative industry analysis to peers and an external advisor.

These research dossiers form part of an expanding “industry address book” developed by each cohort, covering major global film hubs. The module also explores the roles of producers, both as independent creative entrepreneurs and as producers-for-hire within film and television.

Learning hours breakdown

• Teaching contact hours (lecture, seminar, tutorial) | Required: 126 hours
• Private study (Preparation for seminars and tutorials and work completing assessments) | 174 hours

Total study hours for module 300 hours

Assessment
Portfolio (100%) – Company research and sector analysis covering key personnel, track records, financing/distribution models, creative traits and each company’s position within local and global screen industries.

This module examines the producer’s role in generating, developing and commissioning ideas for film and TV. Through lectures and workshops, students learn story fundamentals, how to evaluate scripts, and how the development and commissioning process works in industry contexts. Students work with writers and agents and have optional opportunities to collaborate with MA Screenwriting students.

The module culminates in pitching original film or television concepts to an industry panel.

Learning hours breakdown

• Teaching contact hours (lecture, seminar, tutorial) | Required: 126 hours
• Private study (Preparation for seminars and tutorials and work completing assessments) | 174 hours

Total study hours for module 300 hours

Assessment

• Presentation (25%) – Pitch of an original project.
• Treatment (25%) – Story outline including key scenes, characters and tone.
• Essay (50%) – Reflection on creative choices, industry context and project development.

Building on knowledge of script essentials, students learn how a producer prepares a project for physical production. Working from a provided script, they learn how to break down and cost each element, exploring how decisions on casting, crew, locations and production approach affect both schedule and budget.

The module also covers pre-production processes, working with directors and actors, crew responsibilities, and industry measures around sustainability – including an introduction to Albert guidelines.

Learning hours breakdown

• Teaching contact hours (lecture, seminar, tutorial) | Required: 126 hours
• Private study (Preparation for seminars and tutorials and work completing assessments) | 174 hours

Total study hours for module 300 hours

Assessment

• Portfolio – 100% weighting. Treatment plus Director, Cast, HoD and Location choices – 3000 words.  Schedule, Budget, and detailed set of assumptions –3000 words

Students explore the business foundations of film and high-end television: financing models, equity and soft-money structures, cash flow, and commercial exploitation. Using case studies and material developed in earlier modules, they learn how to build finance plans and evaluate revenue outcomes.

The module includes an introduction to international industry contexts, practical exercises in rights management, and a study of contracts and underlying rights through The Filmmaker’s Legal Handbook. Students may also take part in short study visits abroad or attend industry events such as the Berlinale Festival (subject to scheduling).

Learning hours breakdown

• Teaching contact hours (lecture, seminar, tutorial) | Required: 126 hours
• Private study (Preparation for seminars and tutorials and work completing assessments) | 174 hours

Total study hours for module 300 hours 

Assessment

• Revenue Analysis (25%) – Written analysis of investor outcomes and profitability based on provided financial scenarios.
• Engagement Letter (25%) – Contract for a key creative outlining terms, usage rights and obligations.
• Essay (50%) – Examination of contractual decisions and industry comparisons.

In this final module, students synthesise their knowledge to create a full project package for a feature film or high-end TV drama. Working from an original or peer-generated script, they develop a coherent dossier bringing together story, creative team, budget, finance plan, schedule, rights acquisition and production strategy. Students must demonstrate engagement with diversity, inclusion and sustainability throughout their proposal.

Assessment includes both a written portfolio and a professional pitch to an industry panel.

Learning hours breakdown

• Teaching contact hours (lecture, seminar, tutorial) | Required: 126 hours
• Private study (Preparation for seminars and tutorials and work completing assessments) | 474 hours

Total study hours for module 600 hours

Assessment

• Presentation (20%) – Defence of creative and business decisions.
• Portfolio (80%) – Industry-standard package including logline, synopsis, budget, finance plan, key contracts and marketing materials.

Graduates will be able to:

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of producing practices, technical processes and industry frameworks.
• Develop, assess and pitch creative projects at a professional level.
• Understand and apply the principles of financing, rights management and production planning.
• Work collaboratively and cultivate professional relationships.
• Critically evaluate industry practices and their own decision-making.
• Formulate and test ideas independently and with sound judgement.
• Present professional-standard materials suitable for industry or further research.
• Plan and manage complex production projects under real-world conditions.
• Evaluate work (their own and others’) with professional critical skill.
• Work autonomously while maintaining continuous professional development.
• Engage with evolving industry norms and navigate uncertainty with confidence.
• Communicate clearly with specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Apply originality and self-direction in solving production and business challenges.

Graduate careers include direct progression into the industry, and we will support you in securing mentors and work placements while you are a student. Graduates can progress to become freelance producers and entrepreneurs as well as enjoying employment opportunity across the whole sector which comprises the largest group of production studios in Europe (Pinewood studios, Shepperton studios and Leavesden studios, home to the Harry Potter franchise) as well as the large post-production facilities and special effects industries, which London is a global hub city. 

Other wider employment opportunities include areas such as facilities management, production insurance and finance companies as well as areas of talent management. We also expect a significant number of graduates to have opportunities working for broadcast television, independent television production companies and for the streaming services notably Amazon and Netflix both of which run their European headquarters from London. 

One of the striking features of those with production skills is the level of transferable skills that they acquire, and we expect to embed these as part of your training within the MA. Notably, this will cover the logistical, analytical and leadership skills that are so much a part of professional production, and which can of course be applied very widely outside the world of filmmaking.