Directing Certificate Program

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

PLAN YOUR STUDIES

Courses

11 Required

1 Elective

Methods

In Person

Live Online

F-1 Visa Eligible

Yes

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This program is perfect for...

Aspiring directors looking for a hands-on learning in the art of making movies

Self-taught filmmakers seeking to enhance their skills with formal training and mentorship

Entertainment professionals making a career transition into directing

Individuals passionate about storytelling and independent filmmaking

What you can learn.

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the filmmaking process (image composition and lighting, camera movements, editing, sound, budgeting, scheduling, etc.)

Become familiar with pre-production, production and post-production director responsibilities

Learn how to work with actors and the directorial skills required for a successful artistic collaboration

Study how to combine key elements to communicate the themes, conflict, and story arcs

Practice film shoot preparation (script analysis, casting, camera blocking, shot list planning, photographing the subtext, film grammar, visual composition, music, sound effects, etc.)

Directing for passionate storytellers.

With a focus on independent filmmaking, the UCLA Extension Directing Certificate program covers the essentials of the craft. Our instructors mentor students in the role of story, directing actors and the aesthetics of filmmaking, as well as the practical responsibilities and key relationships of the director.

Directing workshops offer a comprehensive hands-on component. Beginning with simple exercises, students progress to directing an original short film to be screened for an invited audience.

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:

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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.

View Dates & Program Fees for International Students

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

$10055

International Student Fees

Payment Options

Eligible for VA Benefit
Federal Financial Aid is not available

Entry Quarter

Domestic students may begin the program in any quarter.
International students (F-1 student visa) are only eligible for entry in the Fall or Spring.

Required Materials

Directing students must have access to a digital video camera and computer with editing software. Editing software and hardware is available at a discount for UCLA Extension certificate students at the UCLA Store.

Certificate completion requires the production of several five-minute scenes and a short, thesis film. Students are responsible for their production costs.

Choosing the best camera

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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The Craft of the Director

This overview course gives the aspiring director a comprehensive practical understanding of the film director's craft—the language, grammar, and tools of the medium from the first script reading to post-production.

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Directing Actors for the Screen

Learn to recognize and apply the directorial skills for a successful artistic collaboration with performers. You will select one dramatic and one comic scene then cast, rehearse, and present the scenes in class.

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Advanced Filmmaking Workshop: Production and Post-Production

In this capstone course of the Directing Certificate Program, improve your filmmaking skills through the creation of a short film that is screened for an invited audience after the end of the course.

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Elective Courses

Customize your experience

Complete 1 elective (4 units) from courses numbered X 400-499 in Film & TV and Screenwriting, or from the list of suggested electives below.

Suggested Electives

Low-Budget Filmmaking

Learn techniques and theories examining all phases of the low-budget filmmaking process, from development to production to post-production, and how to translate a minimum budget into maximum quality on screen.

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Bringing the Power of Music to Film: A Film Scoring Seminar

This seminar is for film composers, filmmakers, and others interested in the subtle art of film scoring. During the seminar we will examine the crucial contribution music makes to narrative and emotional expression in film.

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Anatomy of a Film Score

Through weekly in-depth film score analyses, aspiring film composers, producers, and directors gain an understanding of what makes an effective and memorable film score and how it is assembled.

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Music Supervision for Film and Television

Interested in the business and art of film and television music? Learn exactly what a music supervisor does by drawing on the combined resources of the film and television communities to marry music and moving images.

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Introduction to Adobe Premiere

Begin your path to mastering Adobe Premiere, an industry standard editing software used for feature films, music videos, and docs. Learn critical editing techniques such as compositing tilting, motion graphics, and more.

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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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Please Note

Directing students must have access to a digital video camera and computer with editing software. Editing software and hardware is available at a discount for UCLA Extension certificate students at the UCLA Store.

Certificate completion requires the production of several five-minute scenes and a short, thesis film. Students are responsible for their own production costs.

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Directing

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This program is perfect for...

What you can learn.

Directing for passionate storytellers.

Get Started