About the Course
With the entertainment industry converging into a worldwide mass media, both business and operation models continue to rapidly evolve. This introductory course for producers, directors, writers, development personnel, and aspiring media executives examines the changing business issues associated with the entertainment industry. Through lectures, discussions with industry guests, and case studies, instruction focuses on current business and production issues and introduces new business models to navigate content onto new distribution platforms. Some history is highlighted to provide a context for current practices and potential. The course also features opportunities to meet senior entertainment industry executives in various sectors. Topics include financing, contracts, intellectual property issues, licensing, worldwide theatrical marketing and distribution, worldwide home entertainment marketing and distribution, worldwide television production and distribution, multi-channel network distribution and opportunities, the impact of piracy, and leveraging new distribution platforms. By the end of the course, students should have an understanding of the opportunities available in the business of entertainment.
Your Instructor
Tim O'Hair
Tim O’Hair is a motion picture producer and executive with over twenty-five years’ experience managing studio and independent entertainment. For nearly a decade, he ran Primeridian Entertainment, overseeing all development, finance, and production activities for the independent company. O’Hair was a producer of the 2018 Irish hit BLACK ’47, an action drama set against the 19th century Irish famine which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival and was acquired by IFC for North America. He also produced A HOLOGRAM FOR THE KING, an international co-production directed by Tom Tykwer, starring Tom Hanks, and which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival; as well as many other feature films. A variety of projects remain in advanced development, including dramas based on the life of Soviet dissident Aleksander Solzhenitsyn, animated voice giant Mel Blanc, and topical documentaries. Earlier in his career, O’Hair served as an executive at Universal Pictures, overseeing hits such as BRING IT ON and HULK; Orion Pictures International; and the Paradigm agency. Currently a member of the Producers Guild of America (pga), a frequent speaker on film and film finance, and an active community volunteer, he received degrees from both Dartmouth College and Columbia University. He and his family split their time between California and Ireland.
Instruction Format
Remote: All class meetings are scheduled and held in real-time using Zoom, allowing for live interaction with your classmates and instructors. Course materials can be accessed any time through an online learning platform.
Date & Time
September 20 - November 29
Tuesday 7:00PM - 10:00PM PT