UCLA professional programs

July 23, 2008 3:56 AM

I'm looking for opinions on the UCLA Professional Program in Screenwriting, whether you've done it, or know someone who has. In particular - opinions on the online course.

Cos you know, I'm not in LA and can't be. Google has led me loads of news on alumni and whatnot, but not much reviewing of the experience (particularly the online one). Any other experiences with other online courses are welcome.

Please don't tell me I should just write until my hands drop off and that I don't need a class. Just advice on actual course if you could...

Thanks everyone!

posted by mooza to education (3 comments total)

I haven't taken the entire program, but I've taken several courses (including a screenwriting course) at UCLA extension, and I highly recommend those programs. I wasn't going to respond, but since no one else has offered anything else up yet, I thought I'd give my suggestion of little substance: the program advisors have been very helpful to me, and I would recommend calling them. You can ask questions about the program and ask if you can be referred to students who have taken it for their opinions. Of course, all of this information will likely have a pro-UCLA bent, but you can at least get a feel for why these people liked it and judge whether you'd want the same things in a program.
posted by tyrantkitty at 9:28 AM on July 23, 2008

I haven't taken the course, but I do work in the industry and have interacted with a lot of people who have taken screenwriting courses and programs, including this one. Whether or not it will be useful or enjoyable to you likely depends on why you're taking it.

If you're planning on being a professional screenwriter for major motion pictures or television shows than you will absolutely need to move to LA at some point. In that case I would reccomend working your way towards the screenwriting program at USC, then working as an assistant in the industry for awhile learning the ropes and meeting people. Agencies are usually good place to start for a year or so. Internships at production companies are also a great way to learn about scripts.

If you're taking the class for fun or to better understand the screenwriting process then, as I understand it, it's a decent program. Reading lots of scripts is a great way to learn and something you can do anywhere. Every year something called "The Black List" is compiled ranking the top 100 screenplays that assistants (who are usually the ones reading and doing coverage on these scripts for their bosses) liked the best that year.
posted by tinatiga at 1:26 PM on July 23, 2008

When I was a UCLA student I had a few friends in the screenwriting program. They all were very pleased with the coursework, the professors, the advising, and the connections they were able to make. One got a great internship cum full-time job and the others are doing quite well freelancing.
posted by HotPatatta at 3:04 PM on July 23, 2008