Post-Production
Post-Production
Prepare for a career as an editor or post-production professional in film, television, and documentaries. Gain hands-on training taught by Hollywood professionals.
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This program is perfect for...
What you can learn.
Get on the fast track to a career in entertainment.
Accessible content creation tools, the power of social media, and the expansion of media platforms have created a need for professionals with film and video editing skills, VFX talent, and the capacity to use the latest post-production techniques for feature, TV and documentary projects of all budgets.
The UCLA Extension Post-Production Certificate offers training in industry-standard software, practical project experience, and exposure to networking/internship opportunities for students wishing to begin, advance, or transition into editing, VFX, sound, or similar specialties.
Hands-on and in-person.
Learn the art and craft through in-person classes taught by executives from a variety of studios, as well as from professional editors, colorists, and sound designers on projects at Netflix, Amazon Studios, Vice, MTV, and other prominent services.
A DIY ethos.
The certificate offers students a quick path to breaking into the business as an assistant editor. All participants are required to have their own computing resources; upon successful program completion, you will have the basic tools and personal equipment necessary for stepping into a related below-the-line position.
Format: In-Person, some courses offered online
Duration: 9 months (full-time pace) to 3 years
Unit Requirement: 40
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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Cost and Fees
International Student Fees
Prerequisites & Courses
To fulfill certificate requirements, students must complete a total of 36 units—including seven required classes and two electives–with a grade of “C” or better in each course.
Additionally, Post-Production Certificate students must have access to a computer with editing software. Editing software and hardware is available at a discount for UCLA Extension students at the UCLA Store online or on software vendor websites. Students are responsible for their own computer and software costs.
Computer specs:
RAM: Minimum 16GB
CPU: Intel i7, i9 or newer
Hard Drive: Minimum 250GB
VRAM: Minimum 2GB for graphics
Mac:
MacBook Pro, iMac and Mac Studio models, ideally purchased in the last 2-3 years.
OS: Catalina (10.15) or newer.
Note: Avoid MacBook Air, Mac Minis and iPads/tablets, as they lack the processing power necessary for the required software.
PC:
A “gaming” machine is recommended.
OS: Windows 10 or newer
Note: Avoid Chromebooks, “hybrid” machines, and any other PC with a sub-$1K price point, as they lack the power necessary for running required software.
Portable External Hard Drive:
All students should have an external hard drive for storing media.
A 4TB+ external hard drive is recommended. Ideally, it should utilize the fastest connection on your machine, typically Thunderbolt 3 / 4 for Macs and USC-C for Windows.
Courses in this program are open enrollment, and each class is paid for individually. You may take courses without committing to the program; however, establishing candidacy provides many benefits exclusive to our certificate students. To establish candidacy, click 'Apply Now' below.
When enrolling in courses, we recommend taking them in the order listed above, starting with FILM TV X 479.613 The Art and Craft of Film Editing.
Required Courses
Introduction to Visual Effects Creation
Post-Production Sound For Film and Television
Elective Courses
Suggested Electives
Making Your First Short Film
The Language of Filmmaking
Directing Workshop I: Composition and Movement
Adobe After Effects for Filmmakers: An Introductory Workshop
The Role of the Digital Imaging Technician in Cinematography
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.
This certificate is approved for international students (F-1 student visa).
International students may begin the certificate program in fall or spring quarters only.
Students participating in courses offered solely by UCLA Extension must meet the English Language Requirements outlined below. Any international student interested in taking classes on UCLA’s main campus must adhere to the English Requirements outlined for UCLA courses.
Acceptable tests and minimum scores
Scores that are equal to or higher than the listed minimum scores from the following tests, taken within the past two years, can satisfy the English proficiency requirement.
- TOEFL: 80 (iBT)
- IELTS: 6.5
- iTEP: 4.5
- CAE: B (CEFR C1)
- CPE: C (CEFR C2)
- TOEIC: 685
- DUOLINGO (DET): 105
While no other type of test score is accepted in general, students who are affected by test center closures may request an exception to submit an alternate test score.
International Baccalaureates (IB) students or students currently enrolled in an academic institution where the primary language of instruction is English may submit an official academic transcript or verification of enrollment from their school as proof of English proficiency.
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