Hollywood Needs Your Voice

From Game of Thrones to The Office to SNL, and all the way to the big screen, Writers’ Program students have gone on to write and sell hundreds of popular plays, feature films and TV shows.


Whether you're a seasoned writer or are just starting out, we can help you sharpen your skills.


Break into screenwriting. Expand your portfolio. Transition from television to film, or from film to television. Adapt your novel into a script.

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UCLA Extension Excellence

  • Benefit from award-winning instruction from accomplished screenwriters with real-world experience
  • One of the nation's most prestigious writing programs, trusted by industry leaders and executives
  • Get practical expert advice from industry guest speakers
  • Advanced and intensive formats for experienced writers
  • No need to apply for admission to get started – just sign up for a class
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Flexible and Convenient

  • Mix and match flexible course options on days, evenings, weekends, in person or online anytime, anywhere
  • Largest array of classes and topics – over 80 courses per quarter
  • Pursue a course of study that helps you reach your writing and career goals on your terms
  • Intensive consultations and retreats, open-enrollment certificates, competitions, seminars and more
  • Pay as you go, start any quarter
Happy writer communicating with his colleagues on a meeting in the office.

Where Screenwriting Can Take You

Every feature film and TV show has its origin in the mind of a screenwriter. Whether you write feature scripts to sell on spec, write for hire for today’s hottest studios or work as a staff writer on a hit TV show, we can help you.​

  • Refine your story idea, draft the script, polish it like a pro
  • Learn to pitch ideas for dealmakers and decision-makers
  • Learn to build your network of managers, agents and studio contacts
  • Become a self-directed writer with the confidence to carve your own path
Writers seated in a circle collaborating on a script

What Our Graduates Say

“Lost Canyon and Passengers owe their successes to the first-rate instructors at UCLA Extension, who provide an unconditionally supportive and stimulating environment.”

— Jill Sim, Feature Film Writing Certificate Graduate. Winner of the 2009 Phoenix Film Festival Screenplay Competition.


“The instructors at the Writers’ Program are invaluable. The key to getting better is listening to everything they have to say, getting the work done, and not being afraid of rewrites or starting from scratch.”


— Moisés Zamora, Former Writers’ Program Student, Showrunner (Selena)