This course, delivered by the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre, was developed in cooperation with the Screen Producers Association of Australia (SPAA) and is run by Victoria Law School staff and guest industry practitioners.

Our teachers are either entertainment lawyers or producers with specialist and practical expertise in screen production. Many have been involved in the media industry for over 20 years.

This is a full fee paying course delivered by the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre. It is designed as a professional development opportunity for those with prior experience working in the screen industry or in a related field such as law, accounting or marketing.

Classes are limited to a maximum of 22 students. All applications must  be accompanied by a one-page CV.

This course is divided into four modules:

1. The Role and Responsibilities of an Executive Producer

• roles and responsibilities and the importance of good project management
• skills required to form an effective team
• essential elementsof a business case (including sales/marketing, financial and human resources) necessary for a screen project

2. The Essential Legal Toolkit

• typical legal documents used in the screen industry
• forms of intellectual property that apply to screen projects
• rights and entitlements associated with IP ownership and key legal nomenclature
• draft instructions to lawyers
• when, how and from whom to seek legal advice

3. Getting A Film Made: Effective Strategies and Tactics  

• the supply chain, and mechanisms for the sale and distribution of local and international screen projects
• preparation and interpretation of screen budgets
• the mechanism of producer funding schemes domestically and internationally

4. The Capstone Project: Presentation of Student Business Plans 

• the essential elements required to prepare and pitch a compelling business plan
• how to lead, manage and influence multidisciplinary teams
• how to present key, unique selling points of a business case in a succinct manner

• Location:
  City Queen
• Other locations:

  Sydney

  Vibe Wire, 525 Harris Street, Ultimo NSW 2007

  Sydney Course dates:
  Friday 23 November 2012 - Sunday 25 November 2012

• College:
  College of Law and Justice
• Course code:
  BNESP
• Duration:
  36 hours
• Fees:
  Screen and allied industries (verifiable via CV): $1095.00. Others: $1250.00
• Course times:
  9am-5pm

How to register

The course is divided into four modules, totalling 36 hours of instruction. The subject matter of the modules covers a range of financial and legal topics relevant to creating both film and television content such as:

• acquiring and structuring finance;
• reviewing relevant legal documentation;
• managing industry specific accounts and budgets;
• complying with company, insurance, occupational health and safety and tax requirements; and
• branding, merchandising and distributing content; and mentoring and managing others.

Student assessment comprises a Capstone Project. This task involves students working together in teams to collectively develop a screen business plan which is presented to a panel of industry experts. The industry panel will assess the plans and provide constructive feedback. All modules will also include optional class exercises students are encouraged to complete in order to improve their understanding and skill development. Students who satisfactorily complete the assessment will receive a certificate of completion. Those who do not pass or decline to be assessed will receive a certificate of participation. The classes will comprise lectures, practical exercises, pitching presentations, role plays and group work. The teaching mode is interactive - each student will receive individual support dependent on their needs.

Students must complete a registration form (available from the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre website www.vu.edu.au/szcc) and attach a copy of CV upon submission.