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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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

$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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Story Analysis for Film and Television

Comprehensive overview of story analysis and the tools used by the professional reader. Throughout the course, you learn and practice coverage skills while gaining an understanding of the elements of story.

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Understanding Genre: How to Develop a Hollywood Classic

Focus on story components that make for a good movie. Identify the various film genres and how style, form, content, mood, camera work, lighting, and pacing work together to deliver a satisfying cinematic experience.

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Story Development Workshop: Crafting Your Original Story

Producers, development executives, directors, and writers gain practical experience adapting and developing their own stories for motion pictures, movies-of-the-week, and miniseries.

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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

A World of International Filmmaking

Learn the elements and stages to producing films outside of the U.S. Topics include: film commissions, financing, locations and climate, facilities, budgets, unions and working practices, co-production treaties, and local partners and distributors.

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Inside the World of Film Acquisitions: How to Sell Your Project to Hollywood

Learn the art of selling your project to studios, production and sales companies, indie distributors and the like through understanding how buyers, known as acquisitions execs, evaluate the "worth" of your project.

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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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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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Film and Television Internship

Gain firsthand experience in the entertainment industry through an internship in your chosen field. Only candidates in certificate programs are eligible for internship credit.

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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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