UCLA Extension Screenwriting Programs

[trucherrygirl]

Hi! I'm a Film Studies major at UC Berkeley, but I'm from SoCal and I'm interested in the Certificate in Television Writing Program thru UCLA Extension. I know that not a lot of the television courses are offered online, but if I decide to pursue the program, I'm gonna look into taking them on-site eventually.

Has anyone here taken the UCLA Extension Program courses in Feature Film and/or Television Writing? I've never taken an online course before, but for those who have, what was it like for you? I'm highly considering this program cuz I've heard a lot of good things about it, but I'm not sure if I would follow through with a certificate program just yet or only take a few courses. I have to mostly focus on finishing my BA, but I was thinking this might be an option en route to an MFA in Screenwriting (Television Emphasis).

Any advice or comments would be helpful. :)

[curious1980]

I have never taken an online screenwriting course but I have taken many online courses. Maybe I can share my experience to help you understand what it's like. Taking an online class is the same...no matter what the course. Some view online classes as easier...some view it as harder. It really just depends on the person. If you can be self-taught and learn just solely on reading than it's right for you. If you're a visual learner than maybe not. Also, you have to be determined and self motivated. Because it's online a lot of people get the idea...I can just skip it and do the assignments once a week. That's a misconception. Online schooling is just as hard, if not harder, than taking a class on campus. Therefore, don't go in with any expectations. I hope I helped and good luck in the future.

[Medievalist]

Hi! I'm a Film Studies major at UC Berkeley, but I'm from SoCal and I'm interested in the Certificate in Television Writing Program thru UCLA Extension. I know that not a lot of the television courses are offered online, but if I decide to pursue the program, I'm gonna look into taking them on-site eventually.

Extension will cost you an arm and a leg; I'd look at taking the courses in summer school, or during the quarter; you get a discount and may be able to transfer directly to your Berkeley degree.

UCLA Extension is very very pricey. I'd go to the Film school Web site, and email the undergrad adviser for suggestions/advice.

(Says former UCLA grad student and Extension instructor)

[zeprosnepsid]

Taking an online class is the same...no matter what the course.

I can't imagine this is true.

I don't know how it works at UCLA, but when I had screenwriting classes at USC, they were really just workshops. You did some writing, then went to class and shared it and got comments and then commented on others. Just like a writing group. If UCLA's is anything like that, then you're better off just joining a writing group.

[kullervo]

Skip the MFA. Come to L.A., get a crappy job as a runner at a TV prodco and work hard. Be underfoot. Write like a fiend in your off time. Want to work in comedy? Be funny. The MFA is fun to do, but is 95% a waste of time.