certificate

Feature Film Writing

This results-oriented program helps you write up to two feature film scripts. This certificate can be completed online or in the classroom. 

This program is perfect for...

  • Aspiring screenwriters new to writing
  • Writers who want to transition to feature film writing
  • Working screenwriters looking to hone in on scene, dialogue, and other skills

What you can learn.

  • How to write and revise a feature film script
  • How to sharpen elements of your writing, including dialogue, character, and conflict
  • The business aspects of feature film writing
  • Insight from entertainment professionals and Writers Guild of America (WGA) members

What our certificates have done for our students.

85%

feel a certificate helped them enhance their careers

1 in 4

received a salary increase after starting a certificate program

50%

switched careers after completing a certificate program

85%

recommend a certificate program to others

Source: UCLA Extension Certificate Graduates Survey

Expect more from your education.

Learn from Industry Leaders

Ms. Camara won a Telly Award for the sci-fi found footage feature Occupants. Her feature directorial debut In Transit won Best Experimental Film at four different festivals. Her other writing credits include Area Q and Open Road.

Julia Camara-Aldridge

Writers' Program Open House

Learn how we can help you achieve your writing goals in this informative, interactive session that includes an opportunity for advising.

TUESDAY, August 1, 2023
4:00-6:00PM PT

Learn More

Lost Canyon and Passengers owe their successes to the first-rate instructors at UCLA Extension, who provide an unconditionally supportive and stimulating environment.

Jill Sim
Feature Film Writing Certificate Graduate. Winner of the 2009 Phoenix Film Festival Screenplay Competition.

Courses

Click below to view the required and elective courses, if applicable, for this program.

Required Courses
SCRIPT X 410.1
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
SCRIPT X 410.2
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
SCRIPT X 410.3
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
SCRIPT X 410.4
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
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

Exclusive benefits for Writers' Program certificate students: 

  • Receive a 30 minute, one-on-one goal-setting consultation with a Writers’ Program advisor, who charts out certificate program curriculum based on current student’s level of experience, interests, and writing goals
  • Receive advance notice of upcoming Writers’ Program courses and enroll before the general public each quarter
  • Receive preferential placement on wait lists
  • Get valuable feedback through a 1-on-1 script consultation with a Writers’ Program instructor after completion of coursework (value up to $775)
  • Save money on application fees when entering the UCLA Extension Feature Film or Television Writing competitions

Additional benefits exclusive to UCLA Extension certificate students:

  • Access to Handshake, UCLA Career Center’s online job board, with access to thousands of job and internship postings
  • Become a member of the UCLA Alumni Association (upon completing your certificate) and a nationwide network of Bruin family
  • Join us for the annual UCLA Extension Graduation Ceremony on campus to celebrate all your hard work 
  • Get access to UCLA Recreation facilities as a student affiliate*
  • Open an affiliate/Guest UCLA Bruin ID Card* for a number of student-related benefits
  • PLUS, all UCLA Extension students have access to UCLA Extension’s Career Resources including online career coaching, workshops and networking events
*Nominal fee required 

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

4320.00

Estimated program textbook/materials

200.00

*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.

Contact Us

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

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