I consider the Acting for the Camera program to have been a life changing opportunity for me and ABSOLUTELY recommend that anyone who has the passion for the arts, the willingness to work & the openness to learn, throw their hat in the ring for an opportunity to become a member of the Professional Programs family. It’s an investment with not only an amazing return, but a community of artists it is simply an honor to work and grow with! From South Carolina to California, this small town girl is proof that you can live your big city dreams! Go Bruins!

It was thrilling to participate in UCLA’s Professional Program. Learning from professionals who run their workshops like real writers rooms gave me the confidence to pitch my own content while strengthening my overall writing skills. As a woman new to the industry this felt like the greatest gift of all: that each of the instructors encouraged us to hone what was unique about our own voices. I left each class feeling empowered and ready to continue learning with an ever expanding sense of wonder and curiosity. I feel privileged to be part of such a diverse community of creative minds.

One of the best academic programs I’ve ever undertaken – professional screenwriting, writing for television, and advanced courses in screenwriting and television writing. Great instructors and talented classmates. An outstanding experience – worth every penny if you are serious about trying to make it as a professional screenwriter for film or television.

People in the industry know and respect the UCLA Professional Programs because of the consistently high writing quality of its graduates. My first instructor told our class that by virtue of participation in the program, we would jump to the top 10% of new writers in contest placement—a primary means of getting noticed and ultimately produced. In my experience, she’s been proven right. My scripts have placed consistently in the industry’s top contests. My network is expanding, conversations are happening, energy is building. I have no doubt my time and investment in these programs will pay off many times over.

UCLA’s Professional Program in Acting for the Camera provided me with a focus that allowed me to trust in myself, as well as trust the guidance of over 90 industry professionals who took the time to really work with us. Having worked in the film industry from both sides of the camera, I can confidently say that this program gives you the experiences that will prepare you for professional work. Since my time in the program, I have channeled my focus and booked at least one role or gig a month, and written and created new works of my own.

All the way from Brazil straight to UCLA, the Professional Program in Acting for the Camera couldn’t have been a better decision for my career. In my 10 year long career as an actress, I’ve never seen a more complete program like this. Built with an incredible team of teachers, I learned every aspect of acting professionally: from the first steps of auditioning, to breaking down the script, building character, to the first day on set. And it doesn’t stop there. The program deals with writing cinematic content, its structure and methods, guiding you to the moment when you pitch your work to potential producers. I highly recommend the program for anyone who wants to understand how the film industry works, what your job as an actor entails, and what you have to do to get there.

When I joined The Professional Program in Screenwriting I knew almost nothing about scripts. But I had amazing teachers that not only showed us how a good script should look, but they also made us see our passion as a realistic career. I gained experience and also great colleagues. It feels good to bring some American insights to my small but very beautiful country, Romania.

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.