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:

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.

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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

Developing Your Short Film

Learn the development process for short films with a focus on developing a short film treatment. At the end of the course you will have honed your idea and have a final short script or treatment ready for shooting.

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Production Sound for Directors

Find out how to understand and utilize the nuances of sound design from production to post-production including equipment instructing, listening demonstrations, microphone characteristics, editing/mixing, and more.

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The Language of Filmmaking

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.

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Directing Workshop I: Composition and Movement

As the first hands-on course in the directing series, you complete four short films using your own video camera. Instruction focuses on the basic building blocks of narrative filmmaking

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Directing Workshop II: Storytelling

In the second part of the Directing Workshop series, participants complete short narrative films using their own digital video camera, focusing on essential elements of dramatic structure and character development.

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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

The Art and Craft of Film Editing

Explore the aesthetics and craftsmanship necessary to edit film successfully including the artistry of editing performance, pacing, action, and continuity through extensive study and practice with editing systems

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Direct and Produce Reality and Documentary Television

This deep-dive into the various stages of development, production, and distribution for unscripted television will help you develop an idea into a project that is ready to pitch.

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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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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.

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Directing

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This program is perfect for...

What you can learn.

Directing for passionate storytellers.

Get Started