Film and TV Development Certificate Program

Learn the skills necessary to develop and sell film and television ideas.

PLAN YOUR STUDIES

Courses

9 Required

3 Elective

F-1 Visa Eligible

Yes

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This program is perfect for...

Individuals seeking creative producer jobs in film and television

Learners interested in entertainment development positions

Professionals pursuing careers as entertainment acquisition executives

Entertainment industry insiders seeking to expand their expertise in development

What you can learn.

Become familiar with the development cycle and how it affects production

Understand and develop compelling stories

Learn how to write coverage

Discuss how to make a project attractive to potential buyers

Prepare for a career in development for film and TV.

The UCLA Extension Film and TV Development Certificate program is ideal for those interested in becoming development or acquisitions executives and creative producers.

Students will learn skills to prepare for entry-level positions in the industry, including how to write coverage, develop compelling stories, and make a project attractive to potential buyers.

Duration: 1 year (full-time pace) to 3 years
Unit Requirement: 48
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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Step 2: Become a Candidate

Establish candidacy in the program to receive tailored information, lock in course requirements, and access exclusive student benefits. Registration fees vary by program and are listed under Cost and Fees.

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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

$10020

International Student Fees

Payment Options

Eligible for VA Benefit
Federal Financial Aid is not available

Required 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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Post-Production for Film and Television

Emphasizing how new technologies continue to impact post-production, this course examines the post-production process for film and television. May include guest speakers.

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The Business of Entertainment

This introductory course examines the changing business issues associated with the entertainment industry through lectures, discussions with industry guests, and case studies.

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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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Marketing and Distributing Independent Films Across All Platforms

Learn how to find domestic and overseas distribution for theatrical, television, DVD, and alternative markets by gaining knowledge on how to craft a distribution strategy from the earliest stages of project development.

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Elective Courses

Customize your experience

Complete 3 electives (12 units) from courses numbered X 400-499 in Film and TV, Screenwriting, or Music. Below is a list of suggested electives.

Suggested Electives

Television Development: From Idea to Small Screen

Delve into the world of television development and learn how to successfully grow your idea into a full-formed pitch that is ready to sell. This class will focus on assessing the TV marketplace and crafting your pitch.

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Developing Your Short Film

Learn the development process for short films with a focus on developing a short film treatment. At the end of the course you will have honed your idea and have a final short script or treatment ready for shooting.

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Legal Primer for the Entertainment Business

Explore key legal principles and contractual relationships within film and television. Develop a core understanding of subjects including idea protection, copyright, defamation, privacy, and the right of publicity.

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Marketing Entertainment: Strategies for the Global Marketplace

Learn the global strategies and platforms necessary to successfully profit from a film such as branding your property effectively, distribution procedures, and the power of cutting-edge social media outreach and research.

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Entertainment Financing: From First $ to Distribution of Profits

This course covers the financial aspects of each step of the motion picture value chain (from development through profit participation) and considers the implications of financial choices.

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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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