The UCLA Extension Writers Studio

by MovieMaker Staff | Published January 29, 2007

It can be hard for the novice screenwriter to find guidance in the moviemaking world. True, most prestigious film schools offer a screenwriting track for interested students, but what about those people who don’t want to devote years of their lives (and thousands of dollars) to get an education in the craft? For this set of movie scribes, the UCLA Extension Writers Studio is a great option.

For the past 11 years, more than 200 writers from around the world have gathered at the Westwood campus for a four-day intensive workshop led by the distinguished faculty of the UCLA Extension Writers Program. With seminars that include â€œWriting the Romantic Comedyâ€ and â€œRevising Your Feature Film Script,â€ students are allowed to immerse themselves completely in the craft of writing, gaining needed skills as well as a valuable relationship with the larger moviemaking community. Instructor Scott Meyers describes the purpose of the Studio, saying, â€œIn a word: Connections. Writers make connections with other writers. Through constructive criticism, students help each other make connections to their respective stories. And possibly most important of all, at the end of the four days, each writer makes a deeper connection to their creative self.â€

The 2007 Writers Studio will be held from February 8-11. To register, and for more information on other Writers Program offerings, visit www.uclaextension.edu/writers.

Sound Off: Do you think it’s better for screenwriters to work intensively on their craft, as with the UCLA Extension program, or to get a more general film education? Let us know in the comments section!

Photo: Screenwriter-producer Keith Giglio teaches a class at the 2006 Writers Studio.

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Comment by Marci on 2/07/07 at 1:06 pm

I’ve taken UCLA Extension classes before and I think they’re great! I work full time so it’s hard for me to fit in any more formal training, but they’ve really helped me take my writing to the next level. The instructors are really fun and helpful and they seem really invested in the students. I don’t know if I can go to the studio this year, but I hope so because it looks great!!!!!!

-Marci
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Comment by Josh Sitarz on 2/07/07 at 2:26 pm

Before I became the Program Assistant in Creative Writing in the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program I was an Assistant at NIAD Management, a literary management company. Before I was an assistant at NIAD Management I was a UCLA Extension Screenwriting student. And, before I was a UCLA Extension Screenwriting student, I was just another Angeleno crying into my Starbucks every time I heard the CHACHING of a six-figure spec sale.

Now that I’ve come full circle in my UCLA Extension journey I can personally testify to the effectiveness of the Writers’ Program. The dedicated instructors and staff are unparalleled. It is the premiere writing program in Los Angeles, and thanks to online classes, the world. Events like the Writers Studio provide unique opportunities to further your craft. There quite simply is nothing like it.

Before you dismiss me as some brown-nosing goodie two shoes, bucking for a raise, remember this: I still take classes!

Comment by Liz on 5/14/07 at 8:20 pm

Im not from UCLA, I currently attend Harvard University. They also offer some extension classes, although extensio classes may vary form those in UCLA. I believe the morals, and values of the class is the same, and help us all in our own individual way. Considering that I have no family to suuport me both economically and emotionally, I have to stand my own ground and work full time. It is hard for me to keep up, and these extension classes have really helped me achieve a higher level of screenwriting. I hope you can spare some time and see how our system works. I will welcome you with open arms.