Course overview
Engage with our exciting and diverse modules, including; the anatomy of a producer, which helps you develop your research skills and facilitates your critical and historical understanding of the development of a producer.
You are guided through the world of funding and financing streams and models exploring how they support the development of any project. You look at the three main areas of funding – institutions, market and private funding sources.
Marketing, distribution and exhibition also form part of the course. You are supported in your strategies to synergise the creative and practical components of film making and TV production – from conception to release.
Storytelling and talent development is a central focus of the course, so you are given the tools to understand this skill set and the freedom to express your own style, tone and approach to development.
The course is delivered 100% online which means you are able to study around your personal and professional commitments.
However online does not mean alone, we ensure you are able to connect with other online students through our virtual learning environment. Throughout your studies you will also be supported by expert academic tutors with a deep understanding of the subject area, who can provide feedback and guidance, and help you to progress within the course.
On completion of the course, you could progress on to a career in creative project management roles or as production managers on TV and film productions.
Course details
Course structure
Core modules
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
All learning is online. You learn through lectures, workshops and seminars as well as through educationally purposeful packages of digital learning.
You develop creative skills and commercial awareness by working to industry briefs. Learning focuses on reflecting the reality of working in the creative industries, and throughout the course you are encouraged to work both individually and as part of a group.
Each unit typically consists of:
- a short introductory video, where your tutor introduces the week’s key themes
- writing prompts and exercises
- supporting materials, reading questions and suggestions for further reading and research to discuss in the discussion forum
- a dedicated private space to workshop your ideas and work-in-progress with the tutor and fellow students.
How you are assessed
Most of the modules include a progressive assessment strategy, with practical tasks set each week to support you in working towards in course assessment (ICA).
Entry requirements
You will typically have a first degree (2.2 minimum). We also consider other relevant experience or qualifications.
You are expected to be a confident and independent learner with a good understanding of idea development, critical thinking and the digital communications environment.
International students will require IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.
For general information please see our overview of entry requirements
Employability
Career opportunities
Once you graduate you are well placed to work in a production department in TV and/or film, as a freelance producer or in a variety of creative project management roles in related sectors.
Learning platform
Our virtual learning environment (VLE) is the platform you use to access your online course
Teesside University online learning courses are delivered through the Brightspace Learning Environment.
Here are some of the benefits.
- You can use it on your smartphone, tablet and computer.
- And you can use it anytime, so that you can plan your learning to fit your own schedule.
- It's easy to use and navigate.
- Modules are set out by topics and themes. You can use the progress bar to understand where you are in your modules, and appreciate your achievements.
- We support you to become familiar with your VLE, helping you to start learning quickly.
- You get feedback, help and guidance from tutors throughout your course through the VLE, and you can ask questions at any time.
- Our tutors use a live activity feed to keep you updated about your course.
- You can create a student profile, collaborate with other students and take part in online discussion forums.