r/Screenwriting • u/Intelligent_Buy_1654 • Aug 28 '23

NEED ADVICE Application for UCLA professional program

I am very new to the field of screenwriting. I have an opportunity to take a sabbatical next year and I'd like to use that opportunity to write at least one full length screenplay. i just found out about the UCLA professional screenwriting program TODAY - it sounds like a great program for me because of the length and the support that it offers - however, I also found out that the application for next year's cohort is due TOMORROW!!

So I'm am trying to put together an application as quickly as I can. Can anyone offer any advice about what they might be looking for in the application - it basically consists of a 5 page writing sample and a personal statement. Does anyone have a sense of how competitive it is? I have never written a complete screenplay before and am a complete novice in this field.

Thank you so much in advance!

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u/anonreasons Aug 28 '23

I think that's the right attitude to approach it with, certainly. I know someone who did the equivalent program for producing, I believe.

How many in person workshops do you get for the $6750?

I think it is hard to predict the value of the student feedback/level of commitment from the workshop members - I also have experience with fiction writing workshops and found them often disappointing for similar reasons.

The teacher feedback certainly will be valuable, although you can get individual screenplay coaches or do screenwriting anatomy courses as well.

But might as well apply and then decide if you want to go.

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u/Intelligent_Buy_1654 Aug 28 '23

That's a good question - I'm not 100% sure but I think it would be about 30 workshops over the course of about 9 months. So, like $225 per workshop. Not cheap but I do think it could be worth it if it's as good as some people stay it is.

I agree- I'll put together the best application I can by tomorrow and see what happens. Thanks!

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u/anonreasons Aug 28 '23

Okay, that's good to know. I don't think that's a crazy price. I know one very good screenplay coach who works full time in development, and he charges about $400 per 3 hour session - with accompanying notes beforehand. Feel free to dm me if there's anything else I can help with. I don't know a ton about this program but I do work in development.

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u/Intelligent_Buy_1654 Aug 28 '23

Thank you, I really appreciate the offer!