Cinematography Certificate Program

Develop the tools essential for working as a cinematographer. Gain a thorough understanding of current cinematography and camera techniques.

PLAN YOUR STUDIES

Courses

8 Required

1 Elective

Methods

In Person

F-1 Visa Eligible

Yes

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This program is perfect for...

Aspiring cinematographers/directors of photography

Individuals pursuing careers as camera operators

Entertainment professionals interested in expanding their filmmaking expertise

Students seeking insights about the technical craft of shooting films

What you can learn.

Fundamental principles of cinematography

Learn how to effectively tell a visual story by utilizing tools such as lighting, composition and camera movements

Understand digital camera formats and how to select the right one for your project

Develop a personal aesthetic and visual style across film genres

Become a visual storyteller.

The UCLA Extension Cinematography Certificate program is designed for aspiring cinematographers or camera operators. The curriculum includes foundation courses, camera techniques and digital technology skill-building and the space to develop an individual aesthetics and artistic points of view. Certificate program students will gain a strong foundation in the theory and tools of cinematography, and have many opportunities for hands-on experiences.

Courses are taught by industry experts who combine real-world experience with the latest techniques and technology.

Duration: 9 months (full-time) to 3 years
Unit Requirement: 36
GPA Requirement: Minimum 3.0 for certificate completion

This certificate is approved for international students to study full time in the U.S. on an F-1 visa.

International students must meet English language proficiency requirements for admission into the program.

While most certificate programs begin each quarter, some have limited intakes for students studying on F-1 visa. Find this program on the Browse Certificate Programs page to confirm entry quarters before applying.

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Step 1: Enroll in a Course

Courses in this program are open enrollment and paid for individually. You may take courses without committing to the program.

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Have questions? Talk to an Academic Advisor

Step 2: Become a Candidate

Establish candidacy in the certificate program to receive tailored information, lock in course requirements, and gain access to exclusive student benefits. Registration Fee: $200

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Important Note for International Students: Candidacy fees are included in your program fees and do not need to be paid separately.

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Cost and Fees

All courses in this program are paid for individually, unless otherwise noted. An application form is required to establish candidacy in this program. From the 'Apply Now' button, complete the online application and pay the application fee if applicable.

Application and Candidacy Fee

$200

Estimated Textbooks and Materials

$550

Estimated Program Tuition

$9450

International Student Fees

Payment Options

Not eligible for VA Benefit
Federal Financial Aid is not available

Entry Quarter

Domestic students may begin the program in any quarter.
International students (F-1 student visa) are only eligible for entry in the fall or spring. Plan your studies.

Required Materials

Cinematography students must have access to a digital video camera, light meter, and other photographic equipment.

Students are responsible for their own production costs.

Choosing the Best Camera

Required Courses

Customize your experience

Foundation Courses

Pre-Production and Production for Film and Television

This survey course presents an overview of the real-world aspects of producing as practiced in the various sectors of filmed entertainment from script development through pre-production and production.

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The Language of Filmmaking

Learn the many components of film language used by great directors to tell their stories in the most effective way. Analyze shooting and editing techniques employed by the best filmmakers of all time.

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Required Cinematography Courses

Introduction to Cinematography

An introduction to the fundamental tools and principles used by the cinematographer to create digital or film images generated from the context of the story.

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Visualization and Exposure

Advance your skills as a cinematographer with this hands-on course. Learn pre and on-set visualization with a particular emphasis on digital exposure, composition and framing. Weekly exercises and workshops will help to enhance your skills.

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The Craft of the Cinematographer

Master the application of the principles and techniques of cinematography in this capstone course by executing short film assignments as well as through lectures, discussions, and hands-on workshops that test your creativity and adaptability.

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Lighting for Emotional Impact

Gain a stronger sense of lighting and its impact in motion pictures through lectures, workshops, and assignments. Discover different lighting styles and techniques, specifically tailoring them to story and emotional impact.

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The Role of the Digital Imaging Technician in Cinematography

Discover the changing, necessary role of the Digital Imaging Technician (DIT), how crucial it is in helping the director of photography, and the growing entry-level opportunities for every kind of production.

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Elective Courses

Customize your experience

Complete 1 elective (4 units) from courses number X 400-499 in Film & TV. Below is a list of suggested electives.

Suggested Electives

The Craft of the Director

This overview course gives the aspiring director a comprehensive practical understanding of the film director's craft—the language, grammar, and tools of the medium from the first script reading to post-production.

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Directing Actors for the Screen

Learn to recognize and apply the directorial skills for a successful artistic collaboration with performers. You will select one dramatic and one comic scene then cast, rehearse, and present the scenes in class.

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Directing Workshop I: Composition and Movement

As the first hands-on course in the directing series, you complete four short films using your own video camera. Instruction focuses on the basic building blocks of narrative filmmaking

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Introduction to Adobe Premiere

Begin your path to mastering Adobe Premiere, an industry standard editing software used for feature films, music videos, and docs. Learn critical editing techniques such as compositing tilting, motion graphics, and more.

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The Art and Craft of Film Editing

Explore the aesthetics and craftsmanship necessary to edit film successfully including the artistry of editing performance, pacing, action, and continuity through extensive study and practice with editing systems

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An internship in film and television can provide you with practical experience in a variety of job functions. Certificate students must complete a minimum of 12 units of program curriculum (3 courses) before completing the application for approval to enroll in an internship.

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Cinematography

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This program is perfect for...

What you can learn.

Become a visual storyteller.

Get Started