certificate

Screenwriting: Film and TV Comprehensive

Write feature film and TV scripts, and learn about production in this comprehensive program designed primarily for international students who want to study in the entertainment capital of the world.

This program is perfect for...

  • International students seeking experience in film and TV writing
  • Aspiring film and television screenwriters
  • Experienced screenwriters interested in sharpening their skills and expanding their portfolios
  • Entertainment professionals looking to broaden their areas of expertise

What you can learn.

  • Write and revise a feature film script
  • Work on scripts for television
  • Study the business and operations of film studios and television writer's rooms
  • Learn about filmmaking pre- and post-production

Study screenwriting where it all started.

actors on set

The UCLA Extension Screenwriting: Film and TV Comprehensive Certificate program offers a focused, results-oriented environment where enrollees can work on feature film and TV scripts, and learn essential skills and information of the trade.

Students can benefit from professional exposure and industry connections, and are eligible for perks such as a full-scale screenplay consultation (page limits apply).

Courses are taught by produced writers and/or experienced entertainment industry professionals, many of whom are Writers Guild of America (WGA) members.

For those who qualify, an intermediate or advanced level track is available. Required introductory courses may be waived upon departmental approval, however, to earn the certificate, candidates must still complete the required number of units and specific course requirements. 

Eligible for Veterans Administration Education Benefits.

Format: In Person or Online

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.

Learn more:

Courses

Click below to view the required and elective courses, if applicable, for this program.

First Requirement
Complete the following two courses. 
FILM TV X 404
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
FILM TV X 404A
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
Second Requirement
Complete one of the following courses.
MGMT X 403.31
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
FILM TV X 476.581
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
Third Requirement
Complete the following 4 courses.
SCRIPT X 410.1
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
SCRIPT X 410.2
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
SCRIPT X 410.3
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
SCRIPT X 410.4
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
Fourth Requirement
Complete one of the following courses.
SCRIPT X 421.1
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
SCRIPT X 421.3
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
Fifth Requirement
Complete one of the following courses.
SCRIPT X 421.2
SCRIPT X 421.4
Sixth Requirement
Complete one of the following courses.
SCRIPT X 422.1
SCRIPT X 422.3
Seventh Requirement
Complete one of the following courses.
SCRIPT X 422.2
SCRIPT X 422.4
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
Electives - Feature Film or Television Writing

In addition to the required courses, students must complete an additional 12 units from Feature Film Writing or TV Writing, with the option of taking no more than one course from the Development program and/or 4 units in internship credits. Browse courses by selecting the links below.

Beginning Television, Intermediate Television, or Advanced Television

Beginning Feature Film, Intermediate Feature Film, or Advanced Feature Film

Special Topics for Film & Television Writers

Film and TV Development

How to Get Started

Courses in this program are open enrollment, and each course is paid for individually.

Sequential courses should be taken in numerical order, starting from the lowest course number and progressing to higher numbers. This program is designed to be completed on half-time or full-time student status, over 2 years or 1 year, respectively. A student advisor can help provide a thorough curriculum example in chronological order by quarter.

You may take Feature Film and Television Writing courses without committing to the entire program.* However, by establishing candidacy in the program, you will receive many benefits exclusive to our certificate students such as priority placement on waitlists and access to the UCLA Career Center's job board.

Need assistance? If you have any questions or need advice on course selection, feel free to reach out to us at writers@uclaextension.edu.

*If you take Feature Film and Television Writing courses and pass them with letter grades, they can count retroactively towards certificates for up to five years.
 
A grade of "C" or better must be earned in all courses in order to fulfill certificate requirements.
 

Benefits exclusive for Writers' Program certificate students:

  • Advising: Receive a 30-minute, one-on-one goal-setting consultation with a Writers’ Program advisor. During this consultation, the advisor will customize a certificate program curriculum tailored to your experience, interests, and writing goals.
  • Enrollment Advantages: Receive quarterly notice when Writers’ Program courses open for enrollment each quarter and receive preferential placement on wait lists.
  • Script Consultation: Get valuable feedback through a 1-on-1 script consultation with a Writers’ Program instructor after completion of coursework (value up to $775)Learn more.

Benefits exclusive to all UCLA Extension certificate students:

  • Career Resources: Access UCLA Extension’s Career Resources including online career coaching, workshops, networking events, and other resources. Learn More.
  • Handshake Access: Explore thousands of job and internship postings through UCLA Career Center’s online job board. Learn More.
  • UCLA Alumni Association Membership: Upon completing your certificate, join the nationwide Bruin family as a member of the UCLA Alumni Association. Learn More.
  • Graduation Celebration: Attend the annual UCLA Extension Graduation Ceremony on campus to celebrate your achievements. Learn More.
  • UCLA Recreation Facilities: Enjoy access to UCLA Recreation facilities as a student affiliate. Learn More.
  • Bruin ID Card: Obtain an affiliate/Guest UCLA Bruin ID Card for additional student-related benefits. Learn More.

How to Apply - Establish Certificate Candidacy

  1. Click the Apply Now button below
  2. Login or create a new student account
  3. Once you are logged into the student portal, you can select “My Applications” from the left side menu at any time to return to your application. Click the yellow “Start” button to proceed.
  4. On the Certificate Application page, follow the instructions and click save. Then submit your application. 
  5. Proceed to checkout and pay the nonrefundable candidacy fee to finalize your application.

*International Students studying in the U.S. with an F-1 visa must complete an additional applicational process. Learn More.

Estimated Cost Breakdown

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 & Candidacy Fee

300.00

Estimated Program Tuition

10995.00

Estimated program textbook/materials

300.00

*The Application & Candidacy Fee establishes your candidacy in the program for a period of time covering normal progress toward completion and may allow you to access a variety of program benefits.

**Federal Financial Aid Gainful Employment Disclosures

The U.S. Department of Education requires colleges and universities to disclose certain information for any financial aid eligible program that, “prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation”. This information includes program costs; occupations that the program prepares students to enter; occupational profiles; on time completion rate; and for the most recent award year: the number of students who have completed the program, the number of students who complete the program within the estimated duration, the job placement rate, and the median Title IV and private loan debt incurred by those who complete the program. For gainful employment information for this program, visit our Financial Aid page.

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 (typically 3 courses) before completing the application for approval to enroll in an internship. 

Learn More

Contact Us

Speak to a student advisor. Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm.

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