Archives
Author: Brian Fagan
Heidi Elizabeth Philipsen-Meissner – Screenwriting (Online)
As a PGA Producer/Director and Actress, I spend time traveling between Michigan, NY and Berlin. When I learned about the Professional Program in Screenwriting Online, I couldn’t help but jump at the opportunity to learn from the best of the best. My fellow students were industry professionals literally based around the globe, and I can’t imagine having had a better experience. We received top lectures, had one-on-one time with our professor, as well as the opportunity to build lasting professional relationships. I’m a UCLA alumna for life now, part of a community that is real and alive.
Jonathan Ocker – Screenwriting (Online)
Back in the 1990s, I had dreamed of pursuing an MFA in Screenwriting from UCLA. But then “real life” happened — work, relationships, procrastination, etc. Fast forward 20+ years later and I was given a second chance thanks to the UCLA Professional Program in Screenwriting! Access to the UCLA TFT faculty combined with talented classmates provided me with an unforgettable experience that made me a better writer.
Nada Djordjevich – Screenwriting
I traveled to participate in the program and found it invaluable for providing me with discipline, focus, and structure, to complete my writing goals, while still working full time. I had previously participated in workshops and taught creative writing, and I found the level of instruction in the Professional Program in Screenwriting to be outstanding. The instructors were open to writers of multiple genres, and knowledgeable about film. One of the screenplays I wrote during that time placed in two prestigious competitions and the other is being reworked into a short film, scheduled for production.
Marc Krein – Screenwriting (Online)
After eyeing the UCLA TFT Professional Program in Screenwriting for years, a California broadcast colleague flat out barked: “Quit talking about it and enroll! No brainer.” Currently landlocked in Missouri, I had reservations about the effectiveness of an online course and the cost. From the first week, I knew this was a quality investment. The program is well structured, the interaction is solid, and I feel welcomed as a fellow UCLA screenwriter. The dream of inking a deal serves as my compass, but I love to write and plan to implement the techniques learned through this program. Write onward.
Roy Zafrani – Screenwriting
Attending UCLA’s Professional Program in Screenwriting was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The classes and the entire experience were divine.The professors challenged us to become more precise, to give attention to the smallest details in our story and tell it in the most unique and clever way. Both the professors and the peers were kind, respectful and always encouraging. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Professional Program in Screenwriting, and I know I’ve become a fully-fledged writer and gained much confidence as a storyteller.
Rachel Moses – Acting for the Camera
One of my reasons for attending the Professional Program in Acting for the Camera was to leave feeling comfortable walking onto any set. I accomplished this and so much more! The faculty are incredibly trained, hard working individuals who often wear many hats in the industry. In addition to acting, we explored writing, producing, and pitching ideas, and as a result we are leaving the program well rounded actors who can confidently work in any area of the industry we choose. I am proud to be a part of the Professional Program family!
Q&A – Instructor Emily Rose – Acting for the Camera
Emily, you recently completed a five-year run as the lead character on SyFy’s Haven. What advice do you have for students looking to break in?
Be prepared. As my late mentor Gordon Hunt used to say, “You can book work when opportunity meets preparation.” If you are here long enough the opportunity will come. Will you be prepared for it?
Don’t underestimate kindness. They are not only auditioning your talent but seeing if you are someone they could see themselves being on location with for 6 months out of the year.
If you ever get an opportunity to be on the other side (the casting side) of the audition table, DO IT! You will learn so much by watching others audition, invaluable.
Have a life outside of acting, find a family with kids to hang with, volunteer/serve others, build something, take spontaneous road trips, hang with mentors from an older generation — this will only add depth to the layers of your life and your colors as an artist.
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