This program is perfect for...
- Aspiring directors looking for a hands-on education to learn the art of making movies
- Self-taught filmmakers who want to build upon their skills with formal training and mentorship
- Entertainment professionals looking for a career transition into directing
- Individuals passionate about storytelling and independent filmmaking
What you can learn.
- A comprehensive understanding of the filmmaking process, including image composition and lighting, camera movements, editing, sound, budgeting, and scheduling
- Responsibilities of the director in relationship to pre-production, production, and post-production
- How to work with actors, and the directorial skills required for a successful artistic collaboration
- How to combine key elements to communicate the themes, conflict, and story arcs that create compelling narrative for a visual medium
- How to prepare a film for shooting, such as script analysis, casting, camera blocking, planning the shot list, photographing the subtext, film grammar, visual composition, the role of music, and sound effects
About this program.
With a focus on independent filmmaking, the Directing Certificate teaches 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.
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
Courses
Click below to view the required and elective courses, if applicable, for this program.
Complete 1 elective (4 units) from courses numbered X 400-499 in Film & TV and Screenwriting, or from the list of suggested electives below.
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.
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.
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.
The Certificate in Directing is approved for international students (F-1 student visa).
International students may begin the certificate program in fall or spring quarters only.
International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting test scores from either TOEFL, IELTS or iTEP. Some applicants may be exempt from this requirement if certain criteria are met.
English language proficiency (minimum*):
- TOEFL iBT: 83
- IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall
- iTEP Academic-Plus: 4.5
Learn more:
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.
