certificate

Film and TV Development

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

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.

two producers discussing a project

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.

Learn more:

Courses

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

Required Courses
FILM TV X 404
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
FILM TV X 404A
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
MGMT X 403.31
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
FILM TV X 476.581
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
MGMT X 403.61
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
FILM TV X 476.22
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
FILM TV X 476.242
Typically Offered: Winter, Summer
FILM TV X 476.244
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
FILM TV X 476.894
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Elective Courses
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
FILM TV X 476.243
Typically Offered: Winter, Spring, Summer
MGMT X 403.01
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
MGMT X 476.99
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
MGMT X 403.34
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
FILM TV X 431
Typically Offered: Winter
MGMT X 402.32
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
FILM TV X 499.2
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Prerequisites

The following course should be completed within the first 2 quarters of study:

  • FILM TV X 404 Pre-Production and Production for Film and Television

The following courses should be taken prior to X 476.244 Story Development Workshop: Crafting Your Original Story.

  • FILM TV X 476.22 Story Analysis for Film and Television
  • FILM TV X 476.894 Introduction to Feature Film Development

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

200.00

Estimated Program Tuition

8940.00

Estimated program textbook/materials

550.00

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

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