certificate

Directing

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

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.

directing

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:

Expect more from your education.

UCLAxFilmFest 2025 is Open for Submissions

Showcase your work for a chance to win at our prestigious annual film festival. 

Deadline: November 17, 2024

Submit Your Film

Taking courses and workshops really forces you to go out and start making small projects, building your way up to bigger shorts. It motivates you to just make something with your iPhone or DSLR and put it together to show in your next class. It’s a really empowering feeling that you don’t necessarily need all the budget, equipment, and people in the world. You can make something to take in to get feedback on and build off of each project you make.

Kylie Eaton
Directing Certificate Student

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
FILM TV X 476.581
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
FILM TV X 478.9
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
FILM TV X 476.95
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
FILM TV X 476.95B
Typically Offered: Winter, Summer
FILM TV X 475.44
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
FILM TV X 479.613
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
FILM TV X 476.271
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
FILM TV X 476.243
Typically Offered: Winter, Spring, Summer
FILM TV X 476.12B
Typically Offered: Winter, Summer
see all courses
Elective Courses

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
FILM TV X 476.6
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
FILM TV X 479.613
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
FILM TV X 477.84
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
MUSC X 484.31
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring
MUSC X 482.8
Typically Offered: Spring

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

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

9040.00

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.

Learn More

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.

Contact Us

Speak to a program representative. Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm.
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