Assingments % - What is a Proof of Concept in Filmmaking and How Does It Work?

Whether you ultimately aspire to make films or not, the approach to this class is as if you do. Making a short film is a terrific place to start, but it’s important to keep in mind that short films are usually only a means to an end. The end is to be able to continue making films and ultimately get paid to do so. For the most part, short films, in and of themselves, are not something that are inherently marketable. Instead, they are a showcase for your talent (along with others in your cast and crew) whether it be writer, director, producer, cinematographer, editor, actor, etc. (or all of the above). However, a short film can also be much more than that. With the proper intention, it can be a marketable commodity. Meaning that your film is designed to become something larger, something that you can promote/sell. And the most practical way to achieve this is to create a Proof of Concept short film. Essentially to “prove” that your short film deserves to be made into something larger, something that someone else pays for! Keep in mind that a “proof of concept” short can apply to whatever medium you have interest in creating something bigger for: feature films, television series, web series, etc.
What is a Proof of Concept?
Your assignment for this week is to find out. Please access the link below and read the article What is a Proof of Concept? Then, provide a brief summary of the article which demonstrates an understanding of the concept. One robust paragraph should be enough to demonstrate understanding of the concept.

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

1. Understand the Context

Before diving into your paper, it’s crucial to fully grasp the key concept you’re writing about. The assignment is asking you to explore the idea of a “Proof of Concept” (POC) in the context of filmmaking, television, or web series. You’ll want to think about the purpose of POCs and how they serve as a tool to make a short film more marketable.

2. Read the Assigned Article

Your first step is to access the link provided and read the article titled “What is a Proof of Concept?”. Take your time to understand the definition and purpose of a POC in the creative industry. As you read, note down important points or any definitions that stand out to you—these will help you later when summarizing.

3. Break Down the Article

As you read, focus on these key aspects:

What a Proof of Concept is.
Why filmmakers or creators use it.
How it can help in making a project marketable.
Examples or case studies that might be shared in the article.

4. Summarize the Main Ideas

Once you have a solid understanding of the article, focus on writing a robust paragraph that highlights the concept of a Proof of Concept. This summary should:

Demonstrate your understanding of the article’s main points.
Be clear and concise.
Use your own words but ensure you capture the essence of what was discussed.

5. Link Your Summary to the Bigger Picture

Don’t forget the overarching context of the assignment. The idea behind a Proof of Concept is that it’s a tool used by filmmakers to make their short films marketable or worthy of investment. As you summarize, show that you understand how POCs serve as both a demonstration of talent and a potential for something bigger.

6. Review and Edit Your Work

After writing your paragraph, take the time to review it for clarity, grammar, and coherence. Make sure you haven’t missed any major points from the article. If needed, revise your summary to ensure it’s as informative and precise as possible.

7. Keep the Tone Professional

Your writing should reflect the professional tone used in the original article. As the assignment focuses on understanding an important filmmaking concept, you’ll want your writing to mirror the seriousness and clarity of the subject matter.

8. Proofread

Before you submit, proofread your work for any spelling or grammatical mistakes. A polished paper will not only demonstrate your understanding of the assignment but also reflect your attention to detail.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to tackle the assignment with ease and create a strong, clear response to the question on Proof of Concept in filmmaking.