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Monday, July 28, 1997

Industry experts teach students how to sell their film ideas to Hollywood in UCLA's Summer Workshop.By Aimee Phan

Daily Bruin Staff

One of the most popular occupations in Hollywood is the "aspiring filmmaker," with an emphasis on the aspiring part. Growing competition amongst producers and directors has created a greater appeal for film students to enroll in specialized workshops, all in the name of getting ahead in "the biz."

Students can learn the ropes of this cut-throat business at the UCLA Summer Workshop in Producing. The program provides a complete overview of how to produce a film and guides students through the film and television industries.

While a slew of Hollywood artists are aching to make their films, the business side of tinsel town simply prods for profit. Unfortunately, creativity is often halted due to a lack of financial support. And while these new filmmakers may have taken classes on editing and cinematography, some may be unprepared to play the Hollywood game ­ pitching ideas, compromising and schmoozing.

But now, classes aimed at these aspects of the biz are being offered as well.

Since the end of June, the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television Professional Program has been holding a 12-week summer workshop providing students with insider tips. Pitching movie ideas and programming and developing film projects are just a few of the skills taught in the classes.

"The Summer Workshop in Producing provides 50 students from across the U.S. and internationally to gain a greater understanding of the intricacies of the Hollywood film and television industries," says Denise Mann, vice chair of the Independent Producers Program at UCLA.

Stephanie Moore, coordinator of the Professional Programs at UCLA, says the workshop is beneficial for producers seeking involvement in the entire process of filmmaking. Involvement spans from the first steps of writing or discovering a film script to the final editing or distribution processes.

"The producer is involved throughout the entire making of a film," Moore says. "This class is for producers who want to get directly involved in the process instead of just putting up the money."

The workshop, which is held Monday through Thursday evenings, features classes that emphasize production. They include Production Planning for an Independent Feature, Marketing/Distribution of a Low-Budget Independent Feature, Story Development, TV Series Development/Production, International Financing and others.

Students receive valuable information from the class materials, but also have the added benefit of instructors' expert advice. Using the shared insight of industry insiders, Mann says that the instructors' careers serve as positive models.

For instance, Lisa Neeley, a development executive at HBO, employs practical exercises in writing coverage, story notes, and even production meetings. Neeley uses mock writer/executive pitch meetings to improve upon students' personal interaction techniques.

Focusing more on the business end of the workshop is Cameron Jones, an entertainment attorney. He will cover topics ranging from international finance to negotiation strategies.

Taught by established professionals in the industry, the workshop is also an excellent "connections" headquarters. Students can mingle and find internships with reputable film studios. Mann sees the program as a means for students to meet people who run the film industry.

"The advantages of having professionals teach these courses is their up- to-the-minute expertise in their respective areas," Mann says.

Some of the students enrolled in the workshop have already taken advantage of these connections by finding internships through the workshop. The jobs usually entail working closely with professional directors, producers and other respected occupations in the motion picture industry.

"Since we have many professionals from different companies involved in the workshop, students do have an opportunity for internships," Moore says.

Although this comprehensive class gives students a better understanding and slightly more edge in Hollywood, both Mann and Moore agree that successful careers will ultimately come down to the individuals.

"The film industry is very competitive," Moore admits. "This course will teach them how to get their own projects off the ground, but they will need tenacity, persistence, and a realistic but optimistic outlook. They're going to hear 'no' thousands of times, but they can't let that stop them from their goals."

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"The film industry is very competitive," Moore admits. "This course willteach them how to get their own projects off the ground, but they will needtenacity, persistence, and a realistic but optimistic outlook. They're going to hear no thousands of times, but they can't let that stop them from their goal."

After looking at the students in the class, Mann is assured that the prospective filmmakers will find success in each other career paths.

"Fortunately, the students in the program bring a great deal of energy and enthusiasm to the task ahead of them," Mann says. "While I have great confidence in each of them will come closer to discovering their unique path, ultimately, each student's future success will depend on the degree of passion and dedication to learning and focus he or she brings to the process."

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