FAQ for Film, Television and Digital Media

Who teaches in the department?

Each faculty member in our Department has achieved significant national or international recognition in his or her field. Some instructors have permanent appointments while others are invited to teach for one term or one year. The combination of permanent and visiting instructors provides our students with a diverse and continuously evolving educational environment.

Can I change my major to Theater after I am admitted to Film?

No. Students in the Film major are not allowed to change their major to Theater.

What are my career prospects after graduation?

Individuals who intend to work in any artistic and highly competitive field should maintain a realistic perspective about the personal and professional demands one must face in choosing such a career. While no degree or school can guarantee a livelihood in this area, many of our graduates are working successfully as writers, producers, directors, editors, cinematographers, journalists, animators, educators, executives, etc.

Is it possible to see examples of student work?

All student productions are screened publicly in Melnitz Hall at the end of Spring Quarter during the final examination week. The screen schedule is posted in Melnitz Hall on Monday of finals week.

How many new students do you accept each year?

This varies each year and within each program.

1,400

Approximate number of yearly applicants

Approximate number of new students accepted in each program:

30

BA

20

MFA Production/Directing

25

MFA Screenwriting

15

MFA Producers Program

20

MFA Animation

15

MA

10

PhD

Who reviews my application?

Faculty who teach in each specific area review application for that area. In addition, undergraduate applicants must be approved by the UCLA Undergraduate Admissions Office; and graduate applicants by the Graduate Admissions Office.

Must I submit a film or videotape as part of my application?

Prior production experience in film and television is not a formal requirement for admission to any of our programs. Our Department seeks applicants from diverse backgrounds who are well educated, imaginative, creative, energetic, and determined.

When are applicants notified?

Due to the amount of time needed to review the large number of applications, applicants are usually not notified until March or April. Please do not call the Department to check on the status of your application. We notify all applicants by mail; we cannot give out information by telephone.

Will my supporting materials be returned?

Supporting materials from MFA applicants in the Screenwriting, the Producers Program, and Animation will be returned if a self-addressed envelope is submitted with the materials. If denied admission, may I apply again the following year? Yes. Students applying a second time are not given special consideration; they must compete with the new field of applicants. Undergraduates must go through the entire application process again. Graduate students must file a new graduate application and may use supporting materials from their previous application, which we keep on file for three years.

Can I earn a second Bachelor's Degree in Film and Television at UCLA?

UCLA does not admit students for the purpose of earning a second Bachelor's degree. Students with a Bachelor's degree in any area must apply to one of our graduate programs. May I attend part time or in the evening? Part time study is not permitted for any degree programs in Film and Television at UCLA. The majority of our classes are taught during the day. UCLA Extension offers a wide range of classes in film and television that are taught in the evening and on weekends. Their program, however, does not lead to a degree.

What are tuition costs?

The current schedule of fees and tuition can be found at the UCLA Registrar's Office: Fees. View an important legal notice regarding student fee litigation.

What are the additional costs?

Students in production programs are responsible for financing their own film and video projects. Production expenses will vary depending on the nature of the projects and the medium in which the student chooses to work. Total estimated expenses per program are: BA-$1,000-$10,000; MFA Production/Directing-$15,000-$50,000; MFA Animation-$3,000.

How do I apply for departmental awards and scholarships?

Incoming graduate students may apply for departmental fellowships and grants by checking the appropriate boxes on the application. Most other departmental awards and scholarships are distributed at the end of the academic year; our students submit a special application for these awards during Winter Quarter.

Do you offer tours of your production facilities?

Yes. Find out the details on our Tours page.

Do you offer summer programs in film and television?

Our Department offers a very limited number of courses in summer. To obtain a UCLA Summer Sessions Catalog, please write to: UCLA Summer Sessions, Box 951418, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1418; or call 310/794-8340; or see UCLA Summer Sessions and Special Programs. UCLA Extension offers many courses in film and television throughout the year, including summer.

What is the residence requirement?

For information on California residence requirements for both admission and tuition purposes, visit UCLA Registrar's Office: Residence for Tuition Purposes or contact the UCLA Residence Deputy (310-825-3447). You can also visit their website, UCLA Housing.

How do I apply for housing?

Admitted students will receive a housing application with their admission letter. You must return your statement of intent to register and the housing application by the published deadline. More information is available at UCLA Housing.