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The Language of Filmmaking

the-language-of-filmmaking-filmtvx476-581
FILM TV X 476.581

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.

Typically Available
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Duration
As few as 11 weeks
Units
4.0
Current Formats
Online
In Person
Live Online
Cost
Starting at $835.00

Get More Info

 

What you can learn.

Learn the film language elements that contribute to a great movie
Acquire functional usage of image composition and lighting
Learn about camera movements, editing, and sound

About This Course

Designed for filmmakers who need to develop the necessary skills to make better films and viewers who want to better understand and appreciate the complexity of the cinematic text, this course outlines the many components of film language used by great directors to tell their stories in the most effective way. Through a wide selection of multimedia material—including film and sound clips, pictures, articles and interviews—you analyze shooting and editing techniques employed by the greatest filmmakers of all time. Topics range from functional usage of image composition and lighting to camera movements, editing and sound. The purpose of this course is to give clarity to the filmmaking process and to enhance the enjoyment of film viewing.

Winter 2026 Schedule

Date
Details
Format
 
-
Thursday 7:00PM - 10:00PM PT
Instructor:
REG#
406268
Fee:
$835.00
In Personformat icon
UCLA
Updating...
Notes

No mtg. Nov. 27. Internet access required. 

Deadline
Refunds only available from November 03, 2025 to January 18, 2026
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Lecture
Thu Jan 8, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
Haines Hall 220
Lecture
Thu Jan 15, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
Haines Hall 220
Lecture
Thu Jan 22, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
Haines Hall 220
Lecture
Thu Jan 29, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
Haines Hall 220
Lecture
Thu Feb 5, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
Haines Hall 220
Lecture
Thu Feb 12, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
Haines Hall 220
Lecture
Thu Feb 19, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
Haines Hall 220
Lecture
Thu Feb 26, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
Haines Hall 220
Lecture
Thu Mar 5, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
Haines Hall 220
Lecture
Thu Mar 12, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
Haines Hall 220
Lecture
Thu Mar 19, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
Haines Hall 220
-
This section has no set meeting times.
Instructor:
REG#
406253
Fee:
$835.00
Onlineformat icon
Updating...
Notes

Internet access required. Materials required.

Deadline
Refunds only available from November 03, 2025 to January 18, 2026
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.

Spring 2026 Schedule

Date
Details
Format
 
-
Thursday 7:00PM - 10:00PM PT
Instructor:
REG#
407552
Fee:
$835.00
Live Onlineformat icon
Remote Classroom
Updating...
Notes

Internet access required. Materials required.

Deadline
Refunds only available from February 02, 2026 to April 12, 2026
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Lecture
Thu Apr 2, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Lecture
Thu Apr 9, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Lecture
Thu Apr 16, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Lecture
Thu Apr 23, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Lecture
Thu Apr 30, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Lecture
Thu May 7, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Lecture
Thu May 14, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Lecture
Thu May 21, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Lecture
Thu May 28, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Lecture
Thu Jun 4, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Lecture
Thu Jun 11, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
-
This section has no set meeting times.
Instructor:
REG#
407551
Fee:
$835.00
Onlineformat icon
Updating...
Notes

No mtg. Nov. 27. Internet access required. 

Deadline
Refunds only available from February 02, 2026 to April 12, 2026
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.

This course applies toward the following programs

Two cinematographers using a camera

Cinematography

certificate
certificate Develop the tools essential for working as a cinematographer. Gain a thorough understanding of current cinematography and camera techniques.

Develop the tools essential for working as a cinematographer. Gain a thorough understanding of current cinematography and camera techniques.

directing-ce0428

Directing

certificate
certificate Master the art of filmmaking. Learn the craft of directing through the process of producing an original short film.

Master the art of filmmaking. Learn the craft of directing through the process of producing an original short film.

specialization Whether you want to be in front of or behind the camera, this specialization program teaches the essentials of the entertainment industry. This program can be completed online or in the classroom.

Whether you want to be in front of or behind the camera, this specialization program teaches the essentials of the entertainment industry. This program can be completed online or in the classroom. 

certificate Filmmaking is a truly collaborative process. In this certificate, learn about key roles and related aspects of the entertainment industry – from producing to cinematography to directing. Gain a broad understanding of the business by exploring various areas of interest.

Filmmaking is a truly collaborative process. In this certificate, learn about key roles and related aspects of the entertainment industry – from producing to cinematography to directing. Gain a broad understanding of the business by exploring various areas of interest.