All Courses

With the prevalence of HD, 4K, and digital cinema technology, the digital imaging technician (DIT) has become crucial in helping the director of photography achieve and maintain the desired look of the picture. There are growing entry-level opportunities in…

This course is designed to help you develop a stronger understanding of lighting for motion pictures. Through lectures, workshops, assignments, and in-class exercises, you learn about different lighting styles and techniques. Special emphasis is placed on…

In this capstone course of the Cinematography Certificate program, apply your knowledge of the principles and elements of cinematography through several short filmmaking assignments. Lectures and discussion cover various advanced lighting and shooting…

An introduction to the fundamental tools and principles used by the cinematographer to create digital or film images generated from the context of the story. The curriculum covers visualization, the negative, digital manipulation, sensitometry, filters and…

This comprehensive, step-by-step overview of physical production processes covers the tangible and intangible aspects of line producing, including budget; breakdown and scheduling; hiring and working with cast, director, staff, crew and outside vendors;…

Using Adobe After Effects, learn to produce projects similar to those found in the real entertainment media world of digital effects and animation. Topics include an introduction to the interface, working with layers and masking, rotoscoping, motion graphics,…

Adobe Premiere Pro is used by professionals across the spectrum of filmed entertainment, including feature films, music videos and documentaries. You learn how to use this powerful program, from simple editing techniques to more complex compositing, layering,…

In the second part of the Directing Workshop series, participants complete short narrative films using their own digital video camera. Focusing on storytelling, instruction teaches participants how to apply the principles and essential elements of dramatic…

As the first hands-on course in the directing series, you complete four short films using your own video camera. Instruction focuses on the basic building blocks of narrative filmmaking: the shot, mise-en-scene, concept, the actor, environment, sound and…

What happens to a script or novel when it is submitted to a buyer and what happens after it's optioned or sold? In this introductory course, students interested in a career in development or filmmakers looking to guide their projects towards a green light…

Designed for filmmakers who need to develop the necessary skills to make better films and viewers who want to better understand and appreciate the complexity of the cinematic text, this course outlines the many components of film language used by great…

Always wanted to make your own short film but thought you had no experience and no money? In this class for aspiring directors, writers, and producers, you use your own camera to learn how to write, produce, direct and edit a three-to-five-minute short film.…

UCLA Extension's Production Sound for Directors course offers an essential exploration of sound design in filmmaking, tailored for directors and independent filmmakers. This Emerging/Needs Review category course delves into the aesthetics of sound, microphone…

Producers, development executives, directors and writers gain practical experience adapting and developing their own stories for motion pictures, movies-of-the-week and miniseries. Emphasis is placed on studying dramatic structure, learning techniques that…

Learn the development process as it relates to short films with the focus on developing a short film treatment, first draft and second draft. You gain an understanding of the basics of story structure and how the specific storytelling elements—theme, plot,…

Producers, executives, writers and filmmakers all focus on story components that make for a good movie. Learn to identify the specific characteristics that define various film genres and how style, form, content, mood, camera work, lighting and pacing work…

Designed for aspiring readers, development executives, producers and storytellers, this course offers a pragmatic, comprehensive overview of story analysis and the tools used by the professional reader. Throughout the course, you learn and practice coverage…

In this capstone course of the Directing Certificate program, you maximize your learning experience and improve your filmmaking skills through the creation of a short film that is screened for an invited audience after the end of the course. Having first…

If directors are the architects of film, then actors are the artisans of a collaborative team working together to realize a singular vision. Through discussions, exercises, casting sessions and the presentation of scenes, you analyze and apply the directorial…

This interactive course provides you with career strategies that help generate audition opportunities and skills that increase your ability to book the job. Learn how to identify your unique product, position it strategically in the marketplace, and develop…

Through improvisation and scene work, explore basic concepts of the Meisner approach to acting with a focus on creating and living in imaginary circumstances. Learn to work more independently, improve rehearsal and research skills, and strengthen vocal and…

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of affordable housing development, covering both family and senior communities. It addresses fundamental questions such as why and how to develop affordable housing, who participates in the process, and reasons…

In this course, we explore the implications of the 2026 midterm elections, which have set the stage for a dramatic two-year political cycle. We examine the "lame duck" conclusion of the Trump presidency, assessing the long-term influence of his decade-long…

In the 1940s, the term “teenager” was coined to describe a newly distinct and heavily scrutinized segment of the American population. By the 1950s, this demographic shift exploded onto the silver screen with films like The Blackboard Jungle , The Wild One ,…

In this course, we go on three local field trips close to Santa Monica. Through our camera’s viewfinder, we seek inspiration, get outside of our comfort zone, and hone our skills as an iPhone photographer. Each field trip begins with a lecture on how to shoot…

MAE 231A Convective Heat Transfer Theory (Instructor: Fisher, T.) Lecture, four hours; outside study, eight hours. Requisites: courses 131A, 182B. Recommended: course 250A. Conservation equations for flow of real fluids. Analysis of heat transfer in laminar…

Students in this course will develop proficiency in analyzing and evaluating the public health aspects of disaster preparedness, response, and recovery, and also identify methods from improvement. It provides an overview of the different types of public…

Contracts are the lifeline of business and legal transactions. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, seasoned professional, or curious learner, understanding the nuances of contracts is paramount. In this immersive course, students unravel the complexities…

This course offers a modern take on the critical discipline of systems analysis, specifically designed for professionals navigating today's complex technological landscape. We will explore traditional systems analysis methodologies and how they are evolving…

Data Structures and Algorithms provides students with a solid foundation in the essential concepts that support effective software development. Students will build a strong understanding of core data structures and algorithmic principles, including complexity…