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Feature Film Writing

Woman holding glasses analyzing laptop screen

Complete up to three feature film scripts with the guidance of industry professionals.

Courses
4 Required
2 Elective
Methods
In Person
Live Online
Online
F-1 Visa Eligible

Get More Info

 

This program is perfect for...

Aspiring screenwriters
Industry professionals seeking to transition to feature film writing
Working screenwriters looking to fine-tune skills including scene and dialogue

What you can learn.

Write and revise a feature film script
Sharpen elements of your writing, including dialogue, character, and conflict
Examine the business aspects of feature film writing
Gain insight from entertainment professionals and Writers Guild of America (WGA) members

Script Your Future

The UCLA Extension Feature Film Writing Certificate program offers enrollees a focused and results-oriented environment where they can work on one to three feature film scripts.

Students can benefit from professional exposure and industry connections, and are eligible for other perks.

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

This certificate program can be completed entirely online, onsite or a combination of the two.

The full certificate curriculum is listed further down on this page.

For those who meet certain requirements, an intermediate or advanced level track is also available.

Required introductory courses may be waived upon departmental approval, however, to earn the certificate, candidates must still complete a minimum of the sum total of required core course units and elective course units listed for this Writers’ Program certificate.”

Previously completed courses in another UNEX Certificate program may apply in a limited quantity of units to a Writers’ Program Certificate if the course is eligible for the requirements. Please contact an advisor for more details at writers@uclaextension.edu. 

smiling writers sitting around a table

Get Started

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.
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
Important Note for International Students: Candidacy fees are included in your program fees and do not need to be paid separately.

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
$300
Estimated Program Tuition
$4320

Payment Options

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.

You may take Feature Film 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 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.

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. 

Required Courses

SCRIPT X 410.1

Feature Film I

Learn how to write a screenplay by developing a compelling story and tackling a feature film script outline in this first course of a four-course sequence.
SCRIPT X 410.2

Feature Film II

Building on your outline from the first course in the feature film sequence, continue to learn how to write a screenplay by completing the first act of your film script.
SCRIPT X 410.3

Feature Film III

Tackle writing a significant portion of Act II and learn powerful creative techniques in our third course in the screenwriting sequence.
SCRIPT X 410.4

Feature Film IV

Finish your feature film script and learn revision tactics in our fourth and final basic screenwriting course.

Elective Courses

Customize your experience

Electives - Feature Film or Television Writing

In addition to the required courses, students must complete an additional 6 units from Feature Film Writing or TV Writing. Browse courses by selecting the links below. Courses in Entertainment Studies are not eligible.

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

Beginning Television, Intermediate Television, or Advanced Television

Special Topics for Film & Television Writers

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