AMA: UCLA Professional Programs Writing For TV

[SitcomFan]

Hey everyone! I’m currently almost finished with UCLA’s Professional Program for Writing For Television.

While it’s a non-degree granting program, it’s a great program for anyone who wants to keep learning but isn’t interested in an MFA.

I’m happy to answer any questions!

 

[Chris W]

Thanks for doing this! Awesome.

When you get a chance can you review the program on our page for it here:

UCLA - Professional Programs

UCLA's graduate-level, non-credit Professional Program has filmmaking courses taught by UCLA TFT staff. This film certificate program is more competitive than UCLA Extension. Directing: Learn the art of directing by exploring emerging film industry technologies and current narrative techniques...

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[amon]

Hi @SitcomFan, thank you for offering your perspective!

I'm looking into this program right now. I'm a little reluctant to apply for a program that costs this much without understanding the true value of the certificate.

Do you think you're coming out of this program with a solid trajectory toward immediately or very soon applying your knowledge professionally? Do you sense having this on your CV will carry some weight?

I know any creative endeavor comes with risk and a strong leap of faith, but I'm in my 30s and am interested in doing something that can obviously push me forward professionally. What are your thoughts, if you'd be so generous?

Thank you again!

 

[SitcomFan]

Hi @SitcomFan, thank you for offering your perspective!

I'm looking into this program right now. I'm a little reluctant to apply for a program that costs this much without understanding the true value of the certificate.

Do you think you're coming out of this program with a solid trajectory toward immediately or very soon applying your knowledge professionally? Do you sense having this on your CV will carry some weight?

I know any creative endeavor comes with risk and a strong leap of faith, but I'm in my 30s and am interested in doing something that can obviously push me forward professionally. What are your thoughts, if you'd be so generous?

Thank you again!

Hi!

So like any education program there’s no job offer at the end but if you do the work and apply yourself your writing will improve tremendously.

One of the advantages of the program is that you can (and should) come out of it with 3 really solid scripts that you can use to apply to contests and fellowships that will help you get your foot in the door.

I think it’s definitely a step in the right direction especially if you don’t already have a network of writers who are willing and able to give you helpful and critical notes.

 

[Dev_paul]

Hi, I got accepted at the Professional Screenwriting program in person. Im 44 now and have a full fledged alternate career in technology consulting. I made few short films in the past which were well received. I'm still very serious about making a transition/career in professional screenwriting and filmmaking and not just keep this as passion/hobby. I know age is not on my side, but unlike many younger folks I have financially stability which gives me freedom to not make money for few years and still be ok. Also, im working on scaling up on my investments so that in few years i can be semi retired with reasonable running income, but still have lot of time to focus on building on my film career. At present, im finishing a feature script which i had been working on for some time and intend to make an indie film out of it - hopefully produced and directed by an experienced team.
What will be your advice for someone like me to get the best out of this program?
Thanks in advance.

 

[juliajs]

Hi people,
I am Julia from the Netherlands. I work as a producer in TV and documentary, but would like to expand my career to fiction and cinema.
I am applying for the Film Producing Summer program at UCLA. This whole application process is very new to me.
Do you have any tips for the application regarding writing the essays, statement of purpose and the creative writing piece? Is there a place where I can find examples?


Thank you and hope you can help me out!!
have a great day