99079 - Cultures of Film Production (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

The course investigates how the film industry works in different geographic areas, paying particular attention to the production and distribution processes and highlighting its connection with the wider social, cultural and political context. At the end of the course, students: - will master the key logics of the film industry; - will have an in-depth knowledge of the Italian distinctive features in film business and of the other main geographic areas; - will be able to analyze the relationships between different private and public stakeholders involved in the film business; - will be able to apply the knowledge acquired to different types of films; - will be able to understand the role of the film industry within both the contemporary media environment and the economic-cultural system of key geographic areas.

Course contents

The course introduces students to the concept of the film value chain and examines its various stages, with particular attention to how they differ across geographical contexts. On the production side, the analysis of business strategies is complemented by an examination of the public policies through which European, national, and local institutions support and shape film production. The course also explores the role of audiences in financing film projects through crowdfunding campaigns. On the distribution and exhibition side, the course investigates the multiple pathways through which films reach their audiences, highlighting both traditional and innovative strategies, as well as planned and more contingent distribution models. Overall, the course enables students to identify and analyse the wide range of stakeholders involved in the film business and to understand how, in different ways, they can influence the creative decisions of the film industry.

The syllabus is the same for both attending and non-attending students.

Students with specific learning disabilities (SLD) or temporary or permanent disabilities are encouraged to contact the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it) as well as the course instructor as early as possible, in order to identify the most appropriate strategies for attending classes and/or preparing for the examination.

Readings/Bibliography

Required reading for attending students:

• CUCCO, M. (2020), Economia del film. Industria, politiche, mercati, Carocci, Rome.
• CUCCO, M. and RICHERI, G. (eds.) (2022), Le industrie del cinema. Un confronto internazionale, Mimesis, Milan–Udine. Students are required to read one of the following chapters: China, South Korea, Japan, India, or Nigeria.

Required reading for non-attending students:

• CUCCO, M. (2020), Economia del film. Industria, politiche, mercati, Carocci, Rome.
• CUCCO, M. (2022), COVID e industria del cinema in Italia: una cronistoria critica. In "L'Avventura. International Journal of Italian Film and Media Landscapes", 7(2), 209–226.
• CUCCO, M. and RICHERI, G. (eds.) (2022), Le industrie del cinema. Un confronto internazionale, Mimesis, Milan–Udine. Students are required to read two of the following chapters: China, South Korea, Japan, India, or Nigeria.

Teaching methods

The course consists of in-person lectures supported by slides, audiovisual materials (including film trailers and excerpts), and digital resources. Students are encouraged to participate actively in class discussions and contribute to the debate.

Assessment methods

The assessment consists of a written examination comprising 16 multiple-choice questions designed to assess students' knowledge of the concepts covered during lectures and/or the required study materials. Each question is worth 2 points. Incorrect or unanswered questions receive 0 points. A maximum score of 32 points corresponds to a mark of 30 cum laude. The examination lasts 20 minutes and is administered in a computer-equipped classroom through the University's EOL platform.

The examination is designed to assess whether students have developed:

• a thorough knowledge of the course contents, including the technical aspects of the relevant regulations;
• an appropriate command of the terminology used in the field;
• the ability to combine knowledge acquired from the course materials with critical reflection.

The score generated automatically by the examination reflects students' achievement in relation to these three learning outcomes.

For attending students, the required study materials are:

• the slides provided by the instructor;
• notes taken during lectures, including class discussions;
• the readings listed in the bibliography for attending students.

Attending students are entitled to three examination sessions reserved exclusively for them. After these three reserved sessions, all subsequent examination sessions are open to both attending and non-attending students and will be based on the study materials specified for non-attending students.

For non-attending students, the required study materials are those listed in the bibliography under the section "Non-attending students".

For both attending and non-attending students, the required study materials are those specified for the most recent edition of the course. Students are therefore advised to consult the course timetable to determine which edition was offered most recently.

To sit the examination, students must register through the AlmaEsami online service. On the day of the examination, students must bring their University of Bologna credentials and a valid form of identification.

Students with specific learning disabilities (SLD) or temporary or permanent disabilities are strongly encouraged to contact the relevant University office in good time (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it). Where appropriate, the office will propose reasonable accommodations, which must be submitted to the course instructor for approval at least 15 days before the examination. The instructor will evaluate the proposed accommodations in light of the learning objectives of the course.

No aids or supporting materials of any kind may be used during the examination, including smartphones, tablets, dictionaries, handouts, notes, artificial intelligence tools, or similar resources.

Teaching tools

Slides, audiovisual materials, and the websites of institutions, companies, and agencies.

Office hours

See the website of Marco Cucco