| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-07-11 | - |
Program Overview
This course, led by experienced screenwriter Donald H. Hewitt, teaches students the art of creating compelling characters for film and television. Through analysis of iconic characters, students explore narrative function, character arc, and psychology. Weekly assignments and scene writing exercises provide a practical toolbox for developing dynamic and memorable characters. Graduates will be equipped to write for various genres and platforms, including film, television, and streaming.
Program Outline
Outline:
This course teaches students how to create dynamic, exciting characters that audiences will love and actors will be dying to play. Students will analyze great movie characters, focusing on key scenes that make us fall in love with a character; examine unlikable characters, villains, and supporting characters; also, dive into narrative function, character arc, backstory, psychology and motivation, personality, and body language. Step by step, students build their characters through the use of weekly assignments, including exercises, worksheets, and scene writing, giving you the ultimate toolbox for creating truly great characters every time.
Teaching:
The course is taught by Donald H. Hewitt, an experienced screenwriter and author. He has written for film, television, and theater, and his work has been produced by major studios and networks. Hewitt is also a sought-after speaker and teacher, and he has taught screenwriting at UCLA Extension for over 15 years.
Careers:
This course is designed to help students develop the skills they need to write great characters for film and television. Graduates of the course will be prepared to write for a variety of genres, including drama, comedy, action, and horror. They will also be able to write for different platforms, including film, television, and streaming.
UCLA Extension
Overview:
UCLA Extension is a renowned continuing education institution affiliated with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). It offers a wide range of courses, certificates, and specializations designed for professional development, career advancement, and personal enrichment.
Services Offered:
UCLA Extension provides a comprehensive suite of services for its students, including:
Courses:
Hundreds of open-enrollment courses are available in various fields of study, delivered online, in-person, or in a hybrid format.Certificates:
Students can earn certificates in specialized areas, demonstrating their expertise and enhancing their career prospects.Specializations:
Short series of courses designed to quickly equip students with in-demand skills and knowledge in focused areas.Student Services:
UCLA Extension offers comprehensive support services, including enrollment assistance, financial aid, scholarships, transcripts, career services, and international student support.Corporate Education:
Custom programs and corporate training solutions are available to meet the professional development needs of organizations.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Key Reasons to Study There:
UCLA Affiliation:
Students benefit from the prestige and reputation of UCLA, a world-class research university.Industry Experts:
Courses are taught by experienced professionals and industry leaders, providing practical and relevant knowledge.Flexible Learning:
UCLA Extension offers a variety of learning formats, including online, in-person, and hybrid options, catering to diverse schedules and preferences.Career Advancement:
Certificates and specializations can enhance career prospects and open doors to new opportunities.Personal Enrichment:
Courses and programs cater to personal interests and provide opportunities for lifelong learning.Academic Programs:
UCLA Extension offers a wide range of academic programs across various fields, including:
Accounting & Finance
Architecture & Interior Design
Business & Management
Communications
Design & Arts
Digital Technology
Education
Engineering
Entertainment
Environmental Studies & Public Policy
Health Care & Counseling
Humanities & Social Sciences
Landscape Architecture & Horticulture
Legal Programs
Real Estate
Sciences & Math
Writing
Other:
UCLA Extension is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), ensuring the quality and rigor of its programs.
Outline:
This course teaches students how to create dynamic, exciting characters that audiences will love and actors will be dying to play. Students will analyze great movie characters, focusing on key scenes that make us fall in love with a character; examine unlikable characters, villains, and supporting characters; also, dive into narrative function, character arc, backstory, psychology and motivation, personality, and body language. Step by step, students build their characters through the use of weekly assignments, including exercises, worksheets, and scene writing, giving you the ultimate toolbox for creating truly great characters every time.
Teaching:
The course is taught by Donald H. Hewitt, an experienced screenwriter and author. He has written for film, television, and theater, and his work has been produced by major studios and networks. Hewitt is also a sought-after speaker and teacher, and he has taught screenwriting at UCLA Extension for over 15 years.
Careers:
This course is designed to help students develop the skills they need to write great characters for film and television. Graduates of the course will be prepared to write for a variety of genres, including drama, comedy, action, and horror. They will also be able to write for different platforms, including film, television, and streaming.
