This program is perfect for...
- Aspiring directors looking for a hands-on education to learn the art of making movies
- Self-taught filmmakers who want to build upon their skills with formal training and mentorship
- Entertainment professionals looking for a career transition into directing
- Individuals passionate about storytelling and independent filmmaking
What you can learn.
- A comprehensive understanding of the filmmaking process, including image composition and lighting, camera movements, editing, sound, budgeting, and scheduling
- Responsibilities of the director in relationship to pre-production, production, and post-production
- How to work with actors, and the directorial skills required for a successful artistic collaboration
- How to combine key elements to communicate the themes, conflict, and story arcs that create compelling narrative for a visual medium
- How to prepare a film for shooting, such as script analysis, casting, camera blocking, planning the shot list, photographing the subtext, film grammar, visual composition, the role of music, and sound effects
About this program.
With a focus on independent filmmaking, the Directing Certificate teaches the essential principles of the art and craft of directing. Our instructors mentor students in the role of story, directing actors, and the aesthetics of filmmaking, as well as the practical responsibilities of the director in relationship to key positions on a production. Using the student’s own equipment, directing workshops offer a comprehensive hands-on component. Beginning with simple exercises, students progress to directing an original short film that is screened for an invited audience.
Expect more from your education.
UCLAxFilmFest 2023 is Open for Submissions
Showcase your work for a chance to win at our prestigious annual film festival.
Submission Deadline: April 16, 2023
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.
Courses
Click below to view the required and elective courses, if applicable, for this program.
Complete 1 elective (4 units) from courses numbered X 400-499 in Film & TV and Screenwriting, or from the list of suggested electives below.
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.
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.
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.
This certificate is approved for international students (F-1 student visa).
International students may begin the certificate program in fall or spring quarters only.
Students participating in courses offered solely by UCLA Extension must meet the English Language Requirements outlined below. Any international student interested in taking classes on UCLA’s main campus must adhere to the English Requirements outlined for UCLA courses.
Acceptable tests and minimum scores
Scores that are equal to or higher than the listed minimum scores from the following tests, taken within the past two years, can satisfy the English proficiency requirement.
- TOEFL: 80 (iBT)
- IELTS: 6.5
- iTEP: 4.5
- CAE: B (CEFR C1)
- CPE: C (CEFR C2)
- TOEIC: 685
- DUOLINGO (DET): 105
While no other type of test score is accepted in general, students who are affected by test center closures may request an exception to submit an alternate test score.
International Baccalaureates (IB) students or students currently enrolled in an academic institution where the primary language of instruction is English may submit an official academic transcript or verification of enrollment from their school as proof of English proficiency.
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.
