UCLA Emerging Filmmakers: TV Writing Track
About Emerging Filmmakers
UCLA Emerging Filmmakers is a professional development certificate program that offers pre-college students an unparalleled opportunity to work with UCLA Film and Television faculty and entertainment industry professionals to develop their portfolios and gain the hands-on experience they need to take their creative work to the next level.
Taught by industry experts with curriculums that focus on contemporary professional practices in Hollywood, UCLA Emerging Filmmakers immerses students in the world of film and television and prepares them for careers in the entertainment industry.
Want to stay connected with our UCLA Emerging Filmmakers course offerings?
Sign up for updates on Emerging Filmmakers here.
TV Writing Track
The TV Writing Track immerses students in the world of episodic television. In this three-week virtual program, students write under the guidance of a TV Writing industry professional. This program mirrors the practice of professional writers in the world of episodic television and digital media by teaching students how to develop original series concepts and how to navigate the contemporary marketplace. In the process, students learn how to identify and capture the tone, characters, dialogue, and themes that make their story unique while collaborating in a workshop environment with their peers.
Dates
Session A: June 12 - July 1, 2023 Session B: July 16 - August 4, 2023
SCHEDULE SESSION A
SCHEDULE SESSION B
NOTE: All course meeting times are in Pacific Daylight Time (PDT). If completing the program in a different time zone, please make sure to account for the time difference. The program schedule is subject to change. This program will be offered online via Zoom.
Curriculum
In small workshops, students meet via video conference three times a week to discuss ideas, break stories, and give feedback and notes on each other’s work. Under the guidance of a TV industry professional, students complete a beat sheet and outline for the first act of their original pilot episode, a series treatment, and the teaser of the pilot script. In the process, students receive the feedback and tools they need to continue to write their pilot episodes and develop future TV show ideas after the program’s conclusion.
Please note that this is an intensive course and students are expected to spend a minimum of 25 hours-per-week writing outside of class meetings.
UCLA Emerging Filmmakers will receive a certificate of completion at the conclusion of the program. The program does not carry college credit.
Professional Development
Students will explore the career of the screenwriter by meeting and listening to some of Hollywood’s most accomplished professionals. These workshops will prepare students for a future in the industry by bringing working screenwriters/TV writers into the classroom to talk about their career paths and the experiences of being a writer in Hollywood. Each guest speaker workshop will also include a student Q&A.
Table Read
The program culminates in a virtual table reading of the beginning of each student’s script by professional actors. Friends and family are invited to attend!
Portfolio Review
In the final week of the program, each student will have a one-on-one virtual portfolio review with their instructor to discuss their writing, and their future academic and career goals.
Admission
The program is designed for high school students with passion and curiosity for screenwriting, who want to develop their skills and learn about the industry. No experience in screenwriting is required.
Admission to the program is by instructor consent only. This track is open to high school students enrolled in 9th - 12th grade in Spring 2023.
Application Requirements
Responses to the following essay prompts:
- Three log lines for three original story ideas.
- Personal Statement: Why would you like to participate in the program, and what do you expect to gain from the experience? 150-200 words.
- What prior experience, if any, do you have in screenwriting? Include both academic coursework and extracurricular activities. Previous experience in screenwriting is not a requirement. 150-200 words.
- Submit a creative writing piece written in English that features a character from a TV show that you admire. Please specify the show name and character name at the top.150-200 words.
- In a writing workshop, you are expected to give and receive feedback on your work and the work of your peers. Describe an example of your collaboration experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time. 250 - 300 words.
An unofficial transcript or progress report confirming a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher.
Fees
$2,400 program fee
$350 registration
$60 non-refundable application fee
Registration
Registration now open. To register, please submit an application through our application portal here.
Technology Requirements
Access to a laptop/computer with reliable wi-fi is mandatory. You will be given access to Zoom and the course site closer to the program start date. You will also need access to screenwriting software such as Final Draft or Celtx. (Check in with your instructor if you wish to use another program to make sure it adheres to proper screenplay format).
Frequently Asked Questions
When is payment due?
Once accepted to the program, payment in full is due immediately in order to reserve a space in the program. Enrollment is not confirmed until payment is made.
What is the refund policy?
The non-refundable registration fee and application fee may NOT be refunded under any circumstances.
Session A: The remaining applicable charges excluding the non-refundable registration and application fee are refundable if the program is dropped or cancelled before Tuesday May 30, 2023 at 4:59pm PST. No fees are refundable after Tuesday May 30, 2023 at 5:00pm PST.
Session B: The remaining applicable charges excluding the non-refundable registration and application fee are refundable if the program is dropped or cancelled before Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at 4:59pm PST. No fees are refundable after Wednesday July 5, 2023 at 5:00pm PST.
How does a student drop the program?
In order to drop the program, please email summer2@tft.ucla.edu. Please review the UCLA Emerging Filmmakers refund policy for more information on refunds and drop dates.
Does UCLA Emerging Filmmakers offer UCLA College Credit?
UCLA Emerging Filmmakers will receive a certificate of completion at the conclusion of the program. The program does not carry college credit.
Are international students allowed to take UCLA Emerging Filmmakers workshops?
International Students are welcome to enroll in UCLA Emerging Filmmakers. Please note that all class times are scheduled in PST.
If you are a non-native English-speaking student, please be advised that our programs are intensive and that all work must be practiced in English. A sufficient command of the English language is necessary to participate in our courses.