With a focus on independent filmmaking, the Directing Certificate teaches participants 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.
Requirements
Students must complete a total of 12 courses (50 units) for the award. 11 courses (46 units) are required and the remaining 1 elective (4 units) is comprised of another course numbered X 400-499 in Directing, Cinematography, Entertainment Development, Producing, Business and Management of Entertainment, Post-Production, Acting, Writers' Program/Feature Film, Writers' Program/Television, Writers' Program/Special Topics in Film & TV, or Music. New electives are added regularly.
A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 must be achieved for successful completion of the certificate program.
The following courses should be completed within the first 2 quarters of study:
- FILM TV X 404 Pre-Production and Production for Film and Television
- FILM TV X 476.95 Directing Workshop I: Composition and Movement
- FILM TV X 478.9 The Craft of the Director
The following courses should be taken sequentially:
- FILM TV X 476.95 Directing Workshop I: Composition and Movement
- FILM TV X 476.95B Directing Workshop II: Storytelling
The following course should be taken in the last quarter of the program:
- FILM TV X 476.12B Advanced Filmmaking Workshop: Production and Post-Production
For course scheduling information and quarter by quarter enrollment recommendations, please visit the Entertainment Studies website: entertainment.uclaextension.edu/certificates/directing
Contact
Drew Conrad
(310) 825-9064
entertainmentstudies@uclaextension.edu
Estimated Cost
Application & Candidacy Fee: $200.00*
Estimated Program Tuition: $8,800.00
Estimated Program Textbook/Materials: $550.00**
Estimated Total Cost: $9,550.00
*This program is open admission. The Application & Candidacy fee establishes your candidacy in the certificate for a period of time covering normal progress toward completion and allows you to access a variety of program benefits.
**Estimated Textbook/Materials costs do not include purchase or rental costs for 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. Students are responsible for their own production costs.
Details
Domestic students may begin the program in any quarter. F-1 Visa students are only eligible for entry in the fall or spring.
Estimated Duration (Full-Time pace): 4 quarters
Estimated Duration (Half-Time pace): Up to 12 quarters
Internships Available: Yes