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Emerging Filmmakers TV Writing

Session A In-Person Commuter (June 23 – July 11, 2025)
Session B In-Person Commuter (July 14 – August 1, 2025)
Session A Virtual (June 23– July 12, 2025)
Session B Virtual (July 14 – August 2, 2025)
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Applications Now Open!

Register Here

Join Our Virtual Office Hours

Have questions about our Emerging Filmmakers programs? Join our Virtual Office Hours every Wednesday from 12-1PM PT beginning January 8th, 2025. No appointment needed!

Virtual Office Hours
Meeting ID: 963 1539 5991
Passcode: 779089

Program Overview

The Emerging Filmmakers TV Writing Track immerses students in the world of episodic television. In this three-week program, students write under the guidance of a TV Writing industry professional and participate in professional development workshops, teaching students the tools needed to pursue a career in the TV Writing Industry. 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, how to navigate the contemporary marketplace and how to take advantage of the tools and opportunities available to gain visibility in this competitive industry. 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.

Curriculum

In small workshops, students meet to discuss ideas, break stories, and give feedback and notes on each other’s work. 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 under the guidance of a TV industry professional. In this program, students will gain the tools necessary to continue writing their pilot episodes and develop future TV show ideas after the program’s conclusion.

Students will attend professional development workshops led by guest lecturers to explore topics such as How to Pitch, how to develop a strong portfolio, and the role of writer’s rooms. These development workshops will focus on identifying the tools, strategies, and career pathways available to aspiring TV Writers.

Please note that this is an intensive program and students are expected to spend a minimum of 20 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.

Due to the intensive nature of the program, a maximum of one excused program absence is permitted.

 

Portfolio Review

In the final week of the program, each student will have a one-on-one virtual portfolio review with an industry professional to discuss their writing, their future academic and career goals and their ‘next-steps strategy’.

Professional Development

How to Pitch:

In this workshop, students will get the inside scoop of how projects are pitched and sold in Hollywood taught by a seasoned industry professional. With an eye toward the pitch panels at the end of the session, students will learn what goes into a pitch, the elements that make it compelling, and how to apply it to their own material in a way that will keep their listeners on the edge of their seats.

Students will also tour a major Hollywood Studio and have opportunities to connect with other UCLA Emerging Filmmakers students.

Table Read

The program concludes with a table reading of a section from students’ scripts by professional actors, a closing ceremony, and a networking mixer for students. Friends and family are welcome!

Eligibility

This track is open to high school students enrolled in 9th – 12th grade in Spring 2025 with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. International students must also submit: proof of TOEFL results with a score of 100 (iBT) or above.

Online Registration

Registration opens February 15, 2025

Applicants are required to provide the following during the online registration process:

  • An unofficial transcript from grade 9 to present reflecting a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.  For students currently in 9th grade, please provide at least 2 years of study (7th, 8th, and fall semester of 9th).
    • If your school transcript utilizes a different grading system, please submit your transcript as is. If available, please attach a translation/equivalency guide.
    • INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: If you are an international student, a transcript refers to your complete secondary academic record. To learn more about converting your grades into a US-based GPA, please click here.
      • If your school has a translation/equivalency guide, please also include it with your transcript. If you do not have a translation/equivalency guide, please still submit your most up-to-date transcript as is for staff to review.

International students must also submit: 

 

Application Questions

  • Why would you like to participate in the program, and what do you expect to gain from the experience? (150 words or less)
  • 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. (100 words or less)
  • In a writing workshop, you are expected to give and receive feedback on your work and the work of your peers. What qualities do you possess that would make you a good collaborator in a writing workshop? (150-200 words)
  • Students are expected to exhibit maturity inside and outside of the classroom and to abide by the UCLA Student Conduct Code. Bullying, academic dishonesty, and disorderly behavior, among other violations, will not be tolerated. Describe a time that you witnessed bullying or disrespectful behavior among your classmates. How did you respond? What did you learn? (150-200 words)
  • Is it better to be perfect and late, or good and on time? (100 words or less)
  • You will be asked to provide two loglines for two original story ideas, based on your artistic style and the stories that interest you most.
    • Please provide logline #1. What theme(s) would you like to explore in this story? (100-150 words)
    • Please provide logline #2. What theme(s) would you like to explore in this story? (100-150 words)

Supply List

Technology

Access to a laptop/computer with:

  • Final Draft 12 or 13 Educational Screenwriting Software
  • Microphone (built-in, USB, or wireless Bluetooth)
  • Webcam (built-in or USB).

Internet connection – broadband with a minimum bandwidth of 600kbps (up/ down); 1.5 Mbps (up/down) or higher is recommended.

Program Details

Schedule

Emerging Filmmakers TV Writing Session A Commuter (June 23 – July 11, 2025)
Emerging Filmmakers TV Writing Session B Commuter (July 14 – August 1, 2025)
Emerging Filmmakers TV Writing Session A Virtual (June 23– July 12, 2025)
Emerging Filmmakers TV Writing Session B Virtual (July 14 – August 2, 2025)

NOTE: All course meeting times are in Pacific Daylight Time (PDT). The program schedule is subject to change.

Commuter Programs / Virtual Programs

UCLA Emerging Filmmakers TV Writing Session A (Commuter) and Session B (Commuter) is a commuter program. Participants must commute to the UCLA campus each day of the program. Specific location information (e.g. classroom) will be provided to enrolled students closer to the start of the program.

For more information, we encourage parents and students to attend an upcoming info session.

UCLA Emerging Filmmakers TV Writing Session A (Virtual) and Session B (Virtual) will be conducted virtually (online). All meeting times will take place in Pacific Daylight Time (PDT). Participants must log-in to virtual sessions at the times indicated on the program schedule.

Program Costs

In-Person Commuter:
Program Fee: $4245
Registration Fee: $350
Total Fee: $4595

Virtual:
Program Fee: $2605
Registration Fee: $350
Total Fee: $2955

Contact Emerging Filmmakers

For information on payment deadlines, refund policies and other questions, please see our Frequently Asked Questions here

Please see our Frequently Asked Questions page to find answers to commonly asked questions about UCLA Emerging Filmmakers