Film School of the Week: UCLA Extension

by MovieMaker Staff | Published April 10, 2007

Affiliation by name to one of the country’s best film schools doesn’t put any pressure on the accomplished staff and faculty of UCLA Extension--their product is just as good as the bigger version. The Extension is a certificate-granting program for people not looking for a full degree, but instead needing skills to succeed. “Success in the entertainment business depends not only on who you know, but on what you know,” says Brian Bell, UCLA Extensionâ€™s media relations manager. Film courses from UCLA Extension range from â€œFilm Scoringâ€ (the first program of its kind, formed in 1984) to new additions such as â€œCostume Design.â€

In 1922 the school began offering a course they called “Motion Pictures: The Film as a Factor in Molding Tomorrow’s Citizenry.” Interestingly enough, this basis has lasted, guiding many industry professionals along the way, including Academy Award-nominated screenwriter Iris Yamashita (Letters from Iwo Jima).

The spring quarter at UCLA Extension, which began March 31, is offering its established courses on producing, directing and post-production and this year will introduce instruction for aspiring voiceover professionals, costume designers and cinematographers looking to advance to HD. Best of all, as a certificate program, any paying student can attend without worrying about applications or prerequisites.

Expand your mind at www.uclaextension.edu.

Sound Off: UCLA Extension makes it easy for any interested person to attend film school--plus it has that recognizable moniker. But what factors really draw you to film classes?

--Mallory Potosky